Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

What is pleural thickening associated with?

1. Thickening of lung tissues due to inflammation

2. Increased lung capacity over time

3. Scarring caused by asbestos exposure

4. Natural lung regeneration

The correct answer is: Scarring caused by asbestos exposure

Pleural thickening is a condition that occurs when the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs, becomes thickened. This thickening is often associated with scarring that results from asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can irritate the pleura, leading to inflammation and eventually causing the membrane to become thick and fibrotic. This condition reflects the body’s reaction to asbestos and can sometimes indicate more serious health issues, including asbestosis or mesothelioma. The other options do not accurately describe pleural thickening. While thickening of lung tissues due to inflammation might occur in other respiratory conditions, it is not specifically linked to pleural thickening as a result of asbestos exposure. Contrary to the idea of increased lung capacity, pleural thickening often leads to restrictive lung disease, which reduces lung capacity. Lastly, the misconception that natural lung regeneration can affect pleural thickening doesn't hold true, as pleural thickening does not result from a regenerative process but rather from pathological changes due to factors like asbestos exposure.