The Navy follows active service members and civilians even after their exposure to asbestos ceases, because the "latency" from time of initial exposure to time of development of asbestos-related-respiratory effect, often 15 years or more. Lung cancer risk is greatly increased in asbestos workers who smoke. A threshold level is not known. Latency period is about 25 years. Despite the common misconception, asbestos does not cause head-aches, sore muscles or other such symptoms.
Asbestos exposure can cause a number of disabling and fatal diseases. The principal rout of exposure is by inhalation through the nose and mouth. This delay between exposure and onset is referred to as the "latency period". Unlike asbestos, mold-related illnesses have a shorter latency period, illness is usually immediately apparent and any injury is usually not as severe or permanent.
