Often other conditions can be incorrectly termed “asbestosis”. This is a type of pneumoconiosis which is fibrosis of the lung itself caused by asbestos as opposed to coal or rock dust etc which can cause other types of pneumoconiosis. This condition can develop usually after prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, a crackling sound when breathing and clubbing of finger tips, i.e. fingertips appear club-shaped.

The latency period for asbestosis is seldom less than 20 years after first exposure and commonly longer. The presence of asbestosis increases the risk of mesothelioma and asbestos induced lung cancer.