Asbestos-related pleuropulmonary diseases: benign and malignant

Postgrad Med. 2012 May;124(3):116-30. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2012.05.2555.

Abstract

Asbestos is known for its desirable properties of thermal and heat resistance along with excellent strength and durability. It was widely used in many industries since the late 19th century, until its adverse effects on health were recognized. The occurrence of pleuropulmonary changes from exposure to asbestos often has a latency period of 20 to 30 years. The use of asbestos has been banned, regulated, and minimized in many countries, but in several developing countries, the use of asbestos in industries is still a common practice. In this article, the benign and malignant clinical manifestations of asbestos exposure are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asbestos / toxicity*
  • Asbestosis / diagnosis
  • Asbestosis / pathology*
  • Asbestosis / prevention & control
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases / pathology*
  • Lung Diseases / prevention & control
  • Mesothelioma / chemically induced*
  • Mesothelioma / diagnosis
  • Mesothelioma / pathology*
  • Mesothelioma / prevention & control
  • Pleural Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Pleural Diseases / diagnosis
  • Pleural Diseases / pathology*
  • Pleural Diseases / prevention & control
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Asbestos