What is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres. It is not a form of cancer — but it can significantly affect breathing, daily activity and overall quality of life.

For many Australians, asbestosis is one of the most visible consequences of our long history with asbestos. It remains a major occupational health issue, particularly for people who worked in construction, manufacturing, or shipbuilding before the asbestos ban.

This article explains what asbestosis is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and where to find support if you or someone close to you is living with the condition.

What causes Asbestosis?

Asbestosis develops when a person breathes in asbestos fibres over a long period. These microscopic fibres are sharp, durable, and resistant to the body’s natural defences. Once inhaled, they lodge deep in the lungs, triggering a persistent immune response.

Over time, this response causes inflammation and scarring – a process known as fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes thicker and less flexible, it becomes harder for the lungs to expand fully and absorb oxygen.

People with asbestosis often have a history of working with or around asbestos-containing materials for many years, particularly without adequate respiratory protection.

Symptoms of Asbestosis

Asbestosis usually develops slowly, often taking decades to appear after the initial exposure. The early symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for other respiratory issues.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• A dry, persistent cough
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
• In some cases, ‘clubbing’ of the fingers (widened fingertips)

These symptoms may worsen gradually over time. Because of its slow onset, many people don’t realise they have asbestosis until it’s detected during a check-up for unrelated issues.

How is Asbestosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a conversation. If you’ve worked with asbestos or think you’ve been exposed, your GP will ask about your work history, symptoms, and any known exposure.

From there, you may be referred for:

• Lung function tests, to assess how well your lungs are working
• Chest X-ray or CT scan, to check for scarring or changes in lung structure
• Referral to a respiratory specialist, for further evaluation

Asbestosis is diagnosed based on a combination of history, symptoms, imaging and test results. It’s important to rule out other conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or mesothelioma.

How is Asbestosis different from Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer?

While all three conditions — asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer — can be caused by asbestos exposure, they are very different in nature, progression and treatment.

Asbestosis is not a cancer. It’s a chronic condition caused by scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs after long-term exposure to asbestos. It develops slowly, often over decades and causes breathing difficulties due to stiffened lung tissue.

Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is strongly linked to asbestos and usually appears many years after exposure. Unlike asbestosis, it is malignant and spreads quickly once diagnosed.

Lung cancer may also be linked to asbestos, especially when combined with smoking. It occurs within the lung tissue itself and is distinct from mesothelioma, which affects the outer lining.

Living with Asbestosis

There is no cure for asbestosis, but there are many ways to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment options may include:

• Pulmonary rehabilitation — supervised exercise and education programs
• Inhaled medications — to ease breathing and reduce inflammation
• Oxygen therapy — for people with advanced disease or low blood oxygen
• Vaccinations and infection management — to protect lung health

It’s also vital to avoid further lung damage. Quitting smoking, avoiding dusty environments, and managing respiratory infections early can all make a difference.

Your doctor may recommend regular follow-up to monitor your lung function and check for complications.

Getting support and compensation

If you’ve been diagnosed with asbestosis, support is available. There are also a range of support groups and more available through other organisations.

If your exposure was related to work, you may be eligible for compensation.

• State workers compensation schemes may provide medical monitoring or financial assistance.
• Speak to an experienced Asbestos and Dust Diseases lawyer to find out information on entitlements or legal claims if the exposure occurred through work or public environments

Every person’s experience is different. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or supporting someone who is, you’re not alone.

Learn more and take the next step

Understanding your condition is the first step toward taking control.

• Learn about asbestos-related disease on this site
• Listen to lived experience stories on the Dust Diseases Podcast
• Sign up for updates on research, support services, and advocacy efforts

At ADDRI, we’re committed to raising awareness, advancing research, and improving care for Australians living with dust-related diseases like asbestosis.

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