Which of the following can be a long-term health effect of asbestos exposure?

Lung cancer is indeed a recognized long-term health effect of asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lung tissue, leading to cellular damage and mutations over time. This can result in various forms of lung disease, including lung cancer, which is particularly serious because it often does not present symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage.

In the case of asbestos-related diseases, the risk of developing lung cancer increases significantly for individuals who have a history of heavy exposure, especially for those with a history of smoking, as the combined effects can synergistically increase the risk.

Other long-term effects associated with asbestos exposure include asbestosis, which is a form of lung fibrosis, and mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. While skin rashes and allergic reactions may occur from various irritants or allergens, they are not typically associated with asbestos exposure. Asthma can be exacerbated by various environmental factors but is not a condition specifically linked to asbestos, particularly not as a long-term effect. Thus, lung cancer stands out as the significant long-term health risk associated with asbestos exposure.