Pulmonary fibrosis is more commonly known as ‘scarring of the lung’. Often the cause of 
pulmonary fibrosis is unknown and this condition is known as idiopathic pulmonary fibroisis.
However there are several notable causes of pulmonary fibrosis. One of these causes for pulmonary fibrosis is exposure to asbestos. The most common reason for asbestos exposure is due to work, this is known as occupational exposure.
Asbestos was commonly used in the building and manufacturing industry before it was known to be dangerous. This resulted in lots of workers being exposed to asbestos without personal protective equipment.
The small particles of asbestos are inhaled into the lungs. They cause damage to the lung alveoli (the small air sacs which help in gas exchange). This damage results in fibrosis as the body tries to repair the lung tissue.
The medical name given to pulmonary fibrosis caused by asbestos exposure is asbestosis. It is important to seek information from your doctor about asbestosis as you may be entitled to compensation due to the asbestos exposure.
