Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Practice Test

Asbestosis is associated with exposure to which material, and what part of the body does it affect?

1. Wood dust; the skin

2. Asbestos; the lungs

3. Lead; the brain

4. Chemicals; the liver

The correct answer is: Asbestos; the lungs

Asbestosis is a lung disease that is specifically caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. This condition results from prolonged exposure to asbestos, which is a group of naturally occurring minerals known for their heat resistance and insulating properties. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can damage the lungs' tissue and lead to scarring, inflammation, and other complications. The key factor in recognizing asbestosis is understanding that the primary material involved is asbestos, and the primary body system affected is the respiratory system, particularly the lungs. Asbestosis can lead to serious health issues, including difficulty breathing, reduced lung capacity, and an increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses. In contrast, the other options involve different materials and health effects that do not pertain to asbestosis. For instance, wood dust typically affects the skin and respiratory system but is not tied to asbestosis, while lead exposure is associated with neurological effects, not respiratory issues, and chemicals affecting the liver do not relate to the conditions caused by asbestos exposure.