how dangerous is asbestos

Asbestos is very dangerous due to its nature as a group of toxic, carcinogenic fibrous minerals. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious and often fatal lung conditions such as mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer), asbestosis (lung scarring), and lung cancer. The fibers, when airborne and inhaled, lodge deep into the lung tissue and can cause damage over decades, often with a latency period of 10 to 40 years before symptoms appear. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and even small amounts can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Exposure typically occurs through damaged or disturbed asbestos-containing materials releasing fibers into the air. The asbestos risk is compounded by the fact that it's found in many older buildings and materials, and asbestos-related diseases collectively cause hundreds of thousands of deaths annually worldwide. Smoking further increases lung cancer risk for those exposed to asbestos fibers.