Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is used for many purposes especially in insulation. When inhaled, these tiny, needle-like fibers cause your immune cells to literally imperil themselves in an attempt to rid your lung of these asbestos fibers. This condition can lead to mesothelioma, cancers and asbestosis. Symptoms include hoarseness, coughing, shortness of breath, a pain in the chest and coughing of blood. Smoking has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer to those who have been exposed to asbestosis. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos should stop smoking, get regular health check-ups, and get prompt check-ups for all respiratory illnesses related to asbestos.