There are several diseases associated with asbestos exposure. Not all of them are fatal, but all damage the health and quality of life of those who suffer. Exposure to asbestos dust does not mean anyone will definitely become ill. However, the only sure way to protect against anyone becoming ill is to prevent exposure. Again there is no cure but the condition may be seen as an indicator of asbestos exposure and may be a precursor to other asbestos diseases.
Over 3000 people a year die from asbestos diseases in the UK and the number is set to treble by 2020. The main diseases caused by asbestos inhalation are asbestosis - the scarring of lung tissue, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Some people with asbestos diseases may need oxygen masks to help them breathe.
