Asbestos may become dangerous when it _________.

• A. Is heated
• B. Is dissolved
• C. Is ingested
• D. Is inhaled

Answer: (D)

Asbestos becomes dangerous when its fibers are inhaled into the lungs. When fibers are breathed in, they can lodge in lung tissue and the lining of the chest, causing inflammation, scarring, and serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma over time. This inhalation route is the primary health concern with asbestos exposure, which is why safety measures focus on preventing airborne dust during work or renovations. Heating or dissolving asbestos isn’t the main way it harms the body, and ingestion doesn’t produce the same lung diseases because asbestos fibers resist heat and chemicals and do not readily dissolve. The key idea is to prevent disturbing asbestos-containing materials and to get professional help if removal or handling is needed.