Asbestos and lung cancer

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers. It was once used in building materials and other products as it was found to be fire resistant and to be good insulation. Exposure to asbestos that is deteriorating or disturbed can cause lung problems, including increased risk for lung cancer and a type of cancer called mesothelioma. People who work in mining, milling, manufacturing of asbestos, veterans and those who use asbestos and its products are at increased risk for lung cancer and mesothelioma. 

Learn about lung cancer and asbestos

General information

Asbestos exposure and cancer risk fact sheet (National Cancer Institute)

How is asbestos harmful? (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

What are asbestos-related lung diseases? (National Heart Lung and Blood Institute) 

Asbestos (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) 

Heintz et al. 2010. Asbestos, lung cancer and mesotheliomas. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology 42(2):133-39. 

Veterans and asbestos

Asbestos (United States Department of Veterans Affairs)