aetiology
Last edited 04/2023 and last reviewed 11/2023
Exposure to asbestos may occur in occupations such as building, pipe-fitting, demolition and mining. There are two main types of asbestos involved in the development of asbestosis, chrysotile and crocidolite, of which crocidolite is the most important.
The development of pulmonary fibrosis is related to the severity and duration of exposure. However, with respect to the development of malignancy, the relationship is less clear and there may be a latency period of 15-20 years before development of pleural mesothelioma.
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