What are the symptoms of asbestos exposure?

None.: There are no immediate symptoms of asbestos exposure unless the exposure was so overwhelming as to cause irritation to the air passages but this is an irritant effect from the physical "dust" and could include cough and phlegm production. The serious symptoms and signs of asbestos exposure occur years after exposure, at least 15 years later. Shortness of breath is the classic symptom.

Typically none: There usually are no symptoms from asbestos exposure until long after permanent damage is done. The small asbestos fibers get lodged in the lung tissues and over time they cause damage that leads to breathing problems. Before there are any symptoms changes can be seen on chest xrays. So it is important to be evaluated by a doctor familiar with this condition (pulmonogist or occupational doctor).