Therefore, they can remain in the environment for decades or longer. Asbestos fibers may build up in animals. Breathing low levels in air. Breathing higher levels in air while working in industries that make or use asbestos products or near a building that contains asbestos products and is being torn down or renovated. Drinking water containing asbestos from natural sources or from asbestos-containing cement pipes in drinking water distribution systems.
Asbestos mainly affects the lungs.
Changes in the membrane surrounding the lung are quite common in workers exposed to asbestos. These are also sometimes found in people living in areas with high levels of asbestos in the air, but effects on breathing usually aren't serious. Breathing very high levels of asbestos may result in a slow buildup of scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the membrane that surrounds the lungs. This disease is called asbestosis, and is usually found in asbestos workers and not in the general public. People with asbestosis have shortness of breath, often along with a cough and sometimes heart enlargement.