Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Asbestos

Asbestos is an insulating material commonly used from the 1950s to 1970s for soundproofing and to cover floors, ceilings, water pipes, and heating ducts. When this material becomes crumbly or frayed, asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Breathing asbestos fibers may cause lung cancer, asbestosis (scarring of the lung tissue), or mesothelioma.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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All WebMD Ignite education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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Ovarian Cysts: When to Watch and When to Worry

Hearing that you have an ovarian cyst can be unsettling, especially if it showed up during a routine exam and you never noticed a single symptom.

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