What health issues can arise from asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure is primarily associated with serious health issues related to the respiratory system, highlighting the importance of recognizing the specific conditions that can arise from inhaling these harmful fibers. Lung disease and cancer are the most significant health risks connected to asbestos exposure.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lung tissue, leading to conditions such as asbestosis, which is a chronic lung disease that results from the accumulation of asbestos fibers in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. Moreover, asbestos exposure is also a well-established cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer primarily affecting the lining of the lungs but can also impact other areas such as the abdomen. The latency period for these diseases can be long, often taking decades to develop after the initial exposure, making awareness and preventative measures vital.

The health issues addressed in the other options do not specifically relate to the well-documented effects of asbestos exposure. Fatigue and muscle weakness, digestive problems, headaches, and migraines may arise from various other health conditions or environmental factors, but they are not directly linked to asbestos-related diseases. Understanding the clear connection between asbestos exposure and lung disease and cancer underscores the critical need for safety protocols and awareness when handling materials containing asbestos