As the people exposed to asbestos reach the end of the fifty year incubation period, expect it to become a much more common form of cancer. Effects on the lung are a major health concern from asbestos, as chronic (long-term) exposure to asbestos in humans via inhalation can result in lung disease. Cancer is also a major concern from asbestos exposure, as inhalation exposure can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos can subject workers to a number of lung diseases, including the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Asbestos Exposure Clearance of asbestos fibres from the human body is believed to be related to size. Inhalation of asbestos fibres was first linked to lung disease in 1890. The first deaths attributable to asbestos exposure were reported in 1907.