asbestosis

Over many years - usually decades - they can cause scarring which leads to a serious lung condition known as asbestosis, or, in some cases, an aggressive form of lung-cancer named mesothelioma.

People who lived and worked in Libby breathed in the microscopic needle-shaped asbestos fibers that can cause the lung cancer mesothelioma or lung scarring called asbestosis, the lawsuit argues.

Extended exposure to asbestos - which was once widely used in construction materials - can lead to a form of cancer called mesothelioma or the chronic lung disease asbestosis.

If inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause lung diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Dr Gun said the effects of asbestos exposure are likely being underestimated unless lung cancer is considered alongside mesothelioma and asbestosis.