Asbestos Health Risks: Mesothelioma and Other Diseases

HSE estimates that asbestos causes around 5,000 deaths a year in Great Britain. This guide explains the diseases it causes, who is most at risk, and what to do if you are worried, based on HSE and NHS information. It is general information, not medical advice.

How asbestos causes harm

Asbestos only harms health when fibres are released into the air and breathed in. The fibres can lodge in the lungs and the lining around them, and cause damage that shows up many years later. HSE and the NHS say it can take between 15 and 60 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure.

The risk builds up with exposure: the more fibres someone breathes in, and the longer that goes on, the greater the risk. Most people who are ill today were exposed to high levels in past industrial work or when asbestos products were being installed. Among people working now, tradespeople and maintenance workers who disturb older buildings are most at risk.

The main diseases

HSE names four main asbestos-related diseases:

• Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs (pleural) or, less often, of the abdomen (peritoneal). HSE says it is almost exclusively caused by asbestos and is always fatal.
• Asbestos-related lung cancer, which HSE says is almost always fatal. Smoking adds to the risk.
• Asbestosis, scarring of the lung tissue after heavy exposure. The NHS says it cannot be cured, though treatment can help with symptoms.
• Diffuse pleural thickening, thickening of the membrane around the lungs that can restrict breathing.

Pleural plaques are patches of thickening on the lining of the lungs. HSE describes them as less serious and usually symptomless.

How many people are affected?

HSE's statistics published in July 2026 say:

• there are around 5,000 asbestos-related deaths a year in Great Britain, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis
• there were 2,146 mesothelioma deaths in 2024 (a provisional figure), down from 2,255 in 2023
• there are thought to be a similar number of asbestos-related lung cancer deaths as mesothelioma deaths

Symptoms to look out for

The NHS lists these among the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma:

• chest pain and shortness of breath
• a cough that does not go away
• a high temperature and heavy night sweats
• feeling very tired
• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying

For asbestosis, the NHS lists shortness of breath, a persistent cough, wheezing, extreme tiredness and chest or shoulder pain.

Many of these symptoms are common and have other causes. If you have symptoms and think you have breathed in asbestos, especially over a long period, see a GP.

Worried about a one-off exposure?

HSE says many short, accidental exposures, for example drilling into a board once, are likely to have involved very few fibres, with little likelihood of long-term harm. If you are concerned:

1. See your GP and ask them to note the possible exposure on your record, with the date, how long it lasted and the type of material if you know it.
2. Don't ask for a routine X-ray: HSE does not advise one after an accidental exposure, because damage takes years to show.
3. Avoid further exposure. Get the material assessed before anyone works on it again. See identifying asbestos and staying safe.

Financial support

People diagnosed with some asbestos-related diseases may be able to claim government support, including Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and diffuse mesothelioma payments. Check GOV.UK for eligibility.

Sources

• HSE asbestos FAQs
• HSE: asbestos-related disease statistics, Great Britain (July 2026)
• NHS: symptoms of mesothelioma
• NHS: asbestosis
• GOV.UK: diffuse mesothelioma payments

Last reviewed September 2026.