Key Takeaways
- Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that become lodged in the lungs and cause scarring (fibrosis). It is not a cancer — it differs from mesothelioma in this critical way.
- Symptoms — including chest tightness, shortness of breath, and persistent cough — may not appear until more than 20 years after asbestos exposure.
- There is no cure for asbestosis, but early detection allows treatments to slow the disease’s progression and improve quality of life. Treatment options include quitting smoking, supplemental oxygen, and in some cases surgery.
- Asbestosis is most commonly traced to occupational exposure — particularly in trades like car mechanics, miners, steel mill workers, construction workers, insulators, boiler mechanics, and U.S. Navy veterans.
- Unlike mesothelioma (which requires a biopsy), asbestosis can typically be diagnosed through a CT scan.
- Compensation may be available through lawsuits against negligent employers, asbestos trust fund claims, or Veterans Affairs claims for those diagnosed with asbestosis.
Asbestosis is a disease of the lungs that is caused by exposure to asbestos. When someone breathes in asbestos, the fibers can get stuck in sacs in the lungs and cause scarring. Asbestosis is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time. Like other asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, there is a long latency period. Asbestosis differs from mesothelioma in that it is not a cancer. Symptoms may not begin to appear for over 20 years after exposure to asbestos. There is currently no cure for asbestosis, but if it is detected early enough, treatments can slow the progression and enhance quality of life.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Although it is possible to get asbestosis through secondhand exposure to asbestos, the diagnosis can normally be traced back to the person’s occupation. Certain occupations, particularly trades, put people at risk of developing asbestosis later in life. Some common occupations associated with asbestos exposure are:
- Car mechanic
- Miner
- Steel mill worker
- Construction worker
- Insulator
- Boiler mechanic
Those who were in the United States Navy are also at a higher risk of developing asbestosis, as asbestos was used very prominently to insulate the pipes in Navy ships.
Symptoms of Asbestosis
Symptoms of asbestosis are very much akin to that of other asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Common symptoms include:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
Diagnosis
An ultimate diagnosis of asbestosis can usually be made through a CT scan. This differs from a mesothelioma diagnosis, as a biopsy is needed to make a final diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Treatment
If you are a smoker, it is best to try to quit smoking if you have been diagnosed with asbestosis. Smoking can make the disease worse. It can be hard to quit but there are programs in place to help people do so. Another way to treat the disease is through the implementation of oxygen. Oxygen can be given to the patient through a tube that goes into the nose or through an oxygen mask. It is also possible that a doctor may recommend surgery.
Compensation for Asbestosis
If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, you can seek legal counsel to be compensated for your diagnosis. There are multiple ways to get compensated. If you worked for an employer who negligently exposed you to asbestos, with the help of an asbestos lawyer, you can file a lawsuit against them if they are still in business. If a company that exposed you to asbestos is not in business, it is very possible that they have put money into an asbestos trust fund. You can file a claim with the appropriate funds to receive compensation. Also, if you are a veteran, you can file a claim with Veterans Affairs.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please call us at (800) 505-6000. We are here to help. You can also fill out or simple contact form for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. When asbestos is breathed in, the fibers can become trapped in the air sacs of the lungs and cause scarring (fibrosis) over time. This scarring makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. Asbestosis is not a cancer — it is a distinct condition from mesothelioma and lung cancer, though all three are caused by asbestos exposure.
What are the symptoms of asbestosis?
The most common symptoms include:
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
These symptoms are very similar to other asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer, which can make distinguishing between conditions difficult without proper testing. One symptom that can help differentiate asbestosis is finger clubbing (fingertips becoming wider and rounder), which is associated with asbestosis but not typically with mesothelioma.
How is asbestosis diagnosed?
Asbestosis can typically be diagnosed through a CT scan, which can reveal the characteristic scarring pattern in the lungs. This differs from mesothelioma, which requires a tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Your doctor will also consider your occupational and exposure history when evaluating whether asbestosis is the likely cause of your symptoms.
Is there a cure for asbestosis?
No. There is currently no cure for asbestosis. However, if detected early enough, treatments can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Treatment options include:
- Quitting smoking — smoking accelerates lung damage and worsens asbestosis symptoms
- Supplemental oxygen — delivered through nasal tubes or an oxygen mask to help with breathing
- Surgery — may be recommended in severe cases
- Pulmonary rehabilitation — breathing exercises and physical therapy to improve lung function
Which occupations are most associated with asbestosis?
Asbestosis is most commonly traced to occupational asbestos exposure. High-risk occupations include:
- Car mechanics — asbestos in brakes and clutches
- Miners — direct asbestos mining or working near asbestos deposits
- Steel mill workers — asbestos in furnaces, insulation, and protective gear
- Construction workers — asbestos in drywall, insulation, flooring, and roofing
- Insulators — direct handling of asbestos-containing insulation materials
- Boiler mechanics — asbestos in boiler insulation, gaskets, and packing
- U.S. Navy veterans — asbestos was used extensively to insulate pipes on Navy ships
What is the difference between asbestosis and mesothelioma?
The key differences are:
- Asbestosis is a chronic, non-cancerous lung disease that causes scarring of lung tissue. It only affects the lungs, has no cure but is manageable, and can typically be diagnosed through a CT scan.
- Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles. It requires a biopsy for definitive diagnosis and has a more challenging prognosis.
Both are caused by asbestos exposure, and having asbestosis increases the risk of eventually developing mesothelioma — making ongoing monitoring essential.
What compensation is available for asbestosis?
Several compensation pathways may be available:
- Lawsuits — if the employer who negligently exposed you to asbestos is still in business, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them
- Asbestos trust fund claims — many bankrupt asbestos companies established trust funds to compensate victims. An experienced attorney can identify which funds your case may be eligible for.
- Veterans Affairs claims — veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service can file claims with the VA for disability benefits
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with asbestosis?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestosis, two steps are important. First, work with your doctor on a treatment plan to slow the progression and manage symptoms — and if you smoke, quitting is one of the most impactful things you can do. Second, explore your legal options for compensation. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
