Asbestos becomes hazardous when its fibers are released into the air and inhaled. The microscopic fibers can become lodged in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. Over time, this can result in serious respiratory diseases. The primary health risks associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer, mesothelioma (a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity), and asbestosis (a chronic lung disease).
