Asbestos-related conditions
Asbestos-related conditions
In this section, we explain some of the lung conditions that can be caused by asbestos exposure.
There are four main lung conditions associated with breathing in asbestos fibres:
- Non-malignant (not cancerous) pleural disease - pleural plaques, diffuse (widespread) pleural thickening and non-malignant (not cancerous) pleural effusion (which is a collection of fluid around the lungs).
- Asbestosis - a non-malignant (not cancerous) scarring of the lungs
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
Download our asbestos information (PDF, 135KB)
Last medically reviewed: January 2021. Due for review: January 2024
This information uses the best available medical evidence and was produced with the support of people living with lung conditions. Find out how we produce our information. If you’d like to see our references get in touch.