What are two diseases associated with asbestos exposure?

Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both well-documented diseases that are associated with asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that primarily affects the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs, but can also impact the lining of the abdomen and other organs. It is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos, with a long latency period that can occur several decades after initial exposure. The connection between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure is strongly supported by extensive epidemiological studies.

Asbestosis, on the other hand, is a chronic respiratory condition resulting from inhaling asbestos fibers, leading to lung scarring. This fibrotic lung disease manifests through symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and decreased lung function. As with mesothelioma, the causative link between asbestosis and asbestos has been recognized for many years in occupational health and safety research.

In contrast, although skin cancer, asthma, and pneumonia may have their own associations with various environmental factors or conditions, they are not directly linked to asbestos exposure in the same way that mesothelioma and asbestosis are. This makes the pairing of mesothelioma and asbestosis the most accurate and relevant answer regarding diseases caused by asbestos exposure.