Asbestos is a fibrotic silicate. Due to its technical properties, it was often used in building industry, metal industry and in other fields. Inhalation of asbestos fibres may cause lung asbestosis, thickening of pleura, lung cancer and mesothelioma. These diseases develop after a long time (several decades) after exposure to asbestos fibres, therefore we may diagnose them even after asbestos cease to be used. Worries concerning the presence of asbestos fibres in the general and working environment, which were one of the reasons of the limited use of materials containing asbestos, are sometimes interpreted in such a manner that people are afraid of asbestos more than this adverse factor deserves.

        Key words: asbestos, lung asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, prevention of diseases caused by the asbestos dust