Asbestos is the prime cause in cancers like mesothelioma.

Asbestos is the prime cause in cancers like mesothelioma. Serious health risks are associated with exposure to asbestos. Exposure primarily affects the lungs, resulting in the scarring of the lungs. Mesothelioma is a rare type of aggressive cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can subject workers to a number of lung diseases, including the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Asbestos Exposure Clearance of asbestos fibres from the human body is believed to be related to size. Inhalation of asbestos fibres was first linked to lung disease in 1890. The first deaths attributable to asbestos exposure were reported in 1907.

Few studies have been carried out to evaluate the respiratory effects of asbestos exposure of custodian and maintenance workers. Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos dust brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of lung cancer. However, smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk.