The word "asbestos" can apply to several different minerals that have similar properties. All can cause cancer and other respiratory illnesses if inhaled. According to Asbestos.com, there are at least six different types of asbestos classified into one of two mineral...

Asbestos exposure over a prolonged period of time can have numerous ill effects on the human body and especially the lungs. Atelectasis, a breathing complication that arises from inhaling foreign objects, is just one of them. This condition may affect the entire lung...