What are the health risks primarily associated with asbestos exposure?

The primary health risks associated with asbestos exposure include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can become lodged in the lungs and the lining of the chest cavity. This exposure can lead to significant respiratory issues over time.

Lung cancer is a well-documented consequence of prolonged exposure to asbestos, often seen in workers who have had significant contact with asbestos-containing materials. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer specifically linked to asbestos exposure, affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, leading to scarring of lung tissue and a range of debilitating respiratory symptoms. These conditions are well established in medical literature as the major health risks resulting from asbestos exposure, underscoring the necessity of proper safety protocols and health monitoring in environments where asbestos is present.

The other options outline conditions that, while serious, are not primarily linked to asbestos exposure, indicating that they are not the central focus of health risks associated with this hazardous material.