Definition of the Day

Asbestos has been used for centuries, praised for its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. But its widespread use has also led to serious health consequences, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

To help demystify asbestos and its impact, we’ve created the Asbestos Lexicon—a comprehensive glossary of asbestos-related terms.

Each day, we feature a new term, giving you bite-sized insights into asbestos minerals, health risks, industry practices, and legal issues. Whether you’re a researcher, an advocate, or someone affected by asbestos exposure, our lexicon is a valuable resource for understanding the big picture.

Pulmonology:

Term: PulmonologyDefinition: The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the respiratory system.Phonetic Pronunciation: (pul-muh-NOL-uh-jee)Origin: The term "pulmonology" derives from the Latin word "pulmo," meaning lung, and the Greek suffix "-logia," meaning the study of. This reflects the focus of the field on the study and treatment of lung-related conditions.Significance in Asbestos Context: Pulmonology is crucial in the context of asbestos exposure because asbestos-related diseases primarily affect the lungs. Pulmonologists are often involved in diagnosing and managing conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, which are directly linked to asbestos exposure.Example Sentence: After years of working in a shipyard where asbestos was used, the patient was referred to a pulmonologist for evaluation of his persistent cough and shortness of breath.Related Terms: Respiratory system, asbestosis...

Want to Learn More?

Browse the Full Lexicon: Explore every asbestos-related term in our Asbestos Lexicon.

Explore our Asbestos Encyclopedia: Our lexicon offers quick, clear definitions, but for a deeper dive into asbestos history, health effects, industry practices, and legal cases, visit our Asbestos Encyclopedia for in-depth articles and expert analysis.

Need Legal Help? If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos exposure, our legal team is here to help!  Contacts us today for a free Consultation.