Asbestosis is long-term inflammation and scarring of the lungs due to asbestos fibers. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness. Complications may include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and pulmonary heart disease.Asbestosis is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. It requires a relatively large exposure over a long period of time, which typically only occur in those who directly work with asbestos. All types of asbestos fibers are associated with an increased risk. It is generally recommended that currently existing and undamaged asbestos be left undisturbed. Diagnosis is based upon a history of exposure together with medical imaging. Asbestosis is a type of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.There is no specific treatment. Recommendations may include influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccination, oxygen therapy, and stopping smoking. Asbestosis affected about 157,000 people and resulted in 3,600 deaths in 2015. Asbestos use has been banned in a number of countries in an effort to prevent disease.Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive showed that in 2019, there were 490 asbestosis deaths. Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of asbestosis typically manifest after a significant amount of time has passed following asbestos exposure, often several decades under current conditions in the US. The primary symptom of asbestosis is generally the slow onset of shortness of breath, especially with physical activity. Clinically advanced cases of asbestosis may lead to respiratory failure. When a stethoscope is used to listen to the lungs of a person with asbestosis, they may hear inspiratory "crackles".
From 1988 through 2010, analysis from the United States Government Accountability Office indicates that trusts have paid about 3.3 million claims valued at about $17.5 billion. Notable people
This is a partial list of notable people who have died from lung fibrosis associated with asbestos:

Bernie Banton, social justice advocate
Paul Gleason, Breakfast Club actor
Stephen Jay Gould, Harvard University professor, paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, and historian
Nellie Kershaw, first person diagnosed with asbestos-related disease, 1924
John MacDougall, politician
Steve McQueen, actor
Theodore Sturgeon, writer

References
External links

"Asbestos Toxicity". ATSDR Case Studies in Environmental Medicine. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Asbestos health and safety". British Government Health and Safety Executive. "Asbestos Exposure". National Cancer Institute, USA. 2017-06-15. "Environmental Health Guidance Note — Asbestos" (PDF). Queensland Health. May 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-02-27. Retrieved 2011-12-03. "Asbestos". IRIS — Integrated Risk Information System. US Environmental Protection Agency. 2013-03-15. CASRN 1332-21-4.