When a person is exposed to asbestos, the airborne asbestos fibers become embedded in the lungs or other parts of the body. It can take years for the symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses to appear, and some experts believe that no symptoms appear for more than a decade after exposure. In some cases, it can take even longer for the illness to become evident. There are three serious health conditions that may result from exposure to even a small amount of airborne asbestos fibers: 1. Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium; the protective lining that covers many of the body’s internal organs. It is usually caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate lung tissue.