This condition is the result of exposure to asbestos, especially blue asbestos (crocidolite). The development of pulmonary fibrosis appears to be related to the severity and duration of exposure. However, with respect to the development of malignancy, the relationship is less clear. There is usually a 5-20 year interval from exposure to the onset of disease.
The presence of bilateral pleural plaques on chest X-ray may indicate previous exposure to asbestos and has little clinical significance otherwise.
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