A characteristic fibrotic condition of the lungs caused by inhalation of asbestos dust or fibres. The disease makes breathing difficult and is often fatal after being latent for between 20 and 40 years. Sometimes the term is used to include all asbestos-related diseases, e.g. mesothelioma intersitial pulmonary fibrosis and bronchial or laryngeal carcinomas. The disease produces long-tail liability claims in employers’ liability insurance and in public liability. See TRIPLE TRIGGER THEORY.