Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

What is a potential long-term effect of inhaling asbestos fibers?

1. Shortness of breath

2. Increased appetite

3. Intense headaches

4. Improved lung capacity

The correct answer is: Shortness of breath

Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to several potential long-term health effects, one of which is shortness of breath. This occurs due to the development of lung diseases that can be triggered by asbestos exposure, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. As these conditions progress, they can cause scarring of lung tissue and impair lung function, leading to difficulty breathing and a consistent feeling of shortness of breath, especially during physical activity. The other choices do not align with the known effects of asbestos exposure. Increased appetite, intense headaches, and improved lung capacity are not typically associated with inhaling asbestos fibers. In fact, prolonged exposure is more likely to diminish lung capacity rather than enhance it. Hence, recognizing shortness of breath as a long-term effect underscores the serious implications of asbestos exposure as outlined in the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.