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Asbestos exposure and lung cancer

Asbestos is a substance that was used in building materials. The substance can enter the body by being inhaled or swallowed. The substance attaches to the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Contact with asbestos over time has been linked with cancer.

Most contact with asbestos is work-related. Some older homes may still have asbestos insulation. Government environmental offices have information on safety for asbestos contact and removal.

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter Rabinowitz, MD, MPH
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Last Updated November 1, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 01, 2007
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