Asbestosis Occurs with Exposure to All Types of Asbestos

Asbestosis, or pulmonary fibrosis, can occur with exposure to all types of asbestos. The lung becomes fibrotic and stiff and gas exchange dramatically decreases.

It is a dose-related disease, and a fairly high exposure is necessary to cause the clinical manifestation which is shortness of breath.

Once the process has started, it continues to worsen.

Asbestosis is rare with environmental exposure but can occur after many years of slight exposure.