Mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal lining. It is considered to be exclusively related to asbestos exposure. By the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal. Mesothelioma has a long latency period (time between exposure and onset of disease) of at least 15 years and sometimes as long as 60 years.

Asbestosis is scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring impairs the elasticity of the lungs and hampers its ability to exchange gases. This leads to inadequate oxygen intake to the blood. Asbestosis restricts breathing leading to decreased lung volume and increased resistance in the airways. It is a slowly progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30 years.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumour of the bronchi covering. The tumour grows through surrounding tissue, invading the often obstructed air passages. Again, the disease has a long latency period – typically at least 20 years.

Another disease associated with asbestos exposure is diffuse pleural thickening – a non-malignant disease in which the lining of the lung (pleura) becomes scarred. Small areas of scarring are called pleural plaques. It normally takes at least 10 years after the first exposure to develop asbestos related pleural disease. The disease is a chronic condition with no cure