Why is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos is dangerous because its tiny particles become lodged in the lungs and damage the lungs and internal organs. Even a tiny amount of inhaled asbestos can cause severe illness. There is no known way to remove asbestos fibers from the body. The particles stay in the body and can cause an asbestos-related illness 15 to 50 years after exposure. The particles are like a time bomb waiting to explode and once they do, the result is very serious.