The risk of developing cancer is related to cumulative life time exposure which appears to be a dose response relationship. The exposure may have been light but is more likely in heavy exposure. Elasticity of the lungs is affected in these cases. Heavy smokers are particularly prone to these problems. Symptoms of problem is airway disease, cough, sputum, and wheezing.
Diagnosis is by exposure or autopsy.
Asbestos is visible under a microscope at 400 power. The characteristics show the barbs that trap the fibers in the lungs. Ingestion can also be a problem with asbestos in fluids and foods and include finger clubbing, dyspnea, and intestinal fibrosis. Removal of asbestos at best has been worthless because contamination is often higher after removal than before. Workers have suffered from heat in suits they have to wear.