What are the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure?

There are a number of diseases associated with asbestos exposure, most of which are incurable.  Asbestos-related diseases include malignant mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques and diffuse pleural thickening.  Malignant mesothelioma is the most severe of the asbestos-related diseases and is believed responsible for more than 200,000 deaths worldwide.