Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk

Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk

                                      Key Points 
 

•  Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers (see Question 1).
   

• Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of asbestosis, other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other cancers (see Question 3).
   

• Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of lung cancer (see Question 6).
   

• Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos on the job, through the environment, or at home through a family contact should inform their physician and report any symptoms (see Question 7).
   

• Government agencies can provide additional information on asbestos exposure (see Questions 8, 9, and 11).