- The pleura is the membrane lining the lung
- Plaques are detected by chest X-ray or CAT scan
- Pleural plaques are regarded as signs of significant asbestos
exposure over an extended period
- They may be associated with some reduction in lung function,
but also may not have any direct health impact
- Latency may be up to 10 years
- It is not clear whether they are a precursor to other asbestos
related diseases
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