Do asbestos fibers cause health problems when inhaled?

Asbestos can cause health problems when inhaled into the lungs.

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

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.

Smoking increases your risk of developing illness from asbestos exposure.