Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

What is one type of scarring that asbestos exposure can cause?

1. Pleural Thickening

2. Cirrhosis

3. Pneumonia

4. Fibrosis

The correct answer is: Pleural Thickening

Pleural thickening is a type of scarring in the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs, often associated with asbestos exposure. When fibers of asbestos are inhaled, they can cause inflammation and scarring in the lung tissue and pleural linings. This condition manifests as thickening of the pleura, restricting lung expansion and leading to respiratory difficulties. It is a common result of long-term asbestos exposure and is significant because it can indicate an increased risk of more serious conditions like asbestosis or lung cancer. While cirrhosis is a form of scarring related to the liver, and pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, these conditions are not directly caused by asbestos. Similarly, fibrosis refers to the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ, which can occur in the lungs due to various factors including asbestos, but pleural thickening specifically points to the changes in the pleura caused by asbestos exposure, making it the most precise answer in this context.