How does asbestos cause health problems?

Asbestos can cause health problems when it is breathed into the lungs.

If products containing asbestos are disturbed, thin, lightweight asbestos fibers are released into the air. Persons breathing the air may breathe asbestos fibers into their lungs.

Continued exposure increases the amount of fibers that remain in the lungs. Fibers embedded in lung tissue over time may result in lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma.