When is asbestos exposure primarily harmful to the body?

Asbestos exposure is primarily harmful to the body when airborne and breathed in. This is because asbestos fibers, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs. Once these fibers reach the lungs, they may cause serious health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The inhalation of asbestos fibers is particularly dangerous because the fibers can remain in the lung tissue for long periods, causing chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of developing respiratory diseases over time.

While ingestion of asbestos can also pose risks, the primary concern is with airborne exposure since the respiratory system is specifically designed to filter and manage air, making it more susceptible to harmful particles like asbestos. Other routes of exposure, such as skin absorption or contact with water, are not recognized as significant pathways for asbestos-related diseases. This underscores the importance of controlling and monitoring airborne asbestos levels in environments where the material may be present.