Question

Which of the following can occur when asbestos fibers become loosened and airborne and embed themselves in the lungs?

1) Stomach cancer
2) Asbestosis
3) Mesothelioma
4) All options are correct.

Answer 1

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lead to asbestosis and mesothelioma, both serious conditions affecting the lungs, but not stomach cancer through pulmonary exposure.

Step-by-step explanation:

When asbestos fibers become loosened and airborne, they can cause several harmful health effects upon embedding themselves in the lungs. Among the possible conditions that can occur are:

1. Asbestosis: A serious, progressive non-cancer respiratory disease characterized by lung scarring.
2. Mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer found in the lining of the lung, chest, abdomen, and heart, which is strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
3. Lung cancer: While not listed in your options, it is another major health effect associated with asbestos exposure.

While stomach cancer can be caused by asbestos, it is not caused by the fibers embedding in the lungs but rather by ingesting the fibers. Therefore, the correct answer to your question from the provided options is: 2) Asbestosis and 3) Mesothelioma. It's important to note that all options are related to asbestos exposure but not all are the direct result of the fibers embedding in the lungs.