What is an effect of long-term exposure to asbestos?

Long-term exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious lung diseases. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled and become trapped in the lungs, leading to various health issues over time. The most notable conditions associated with asbestos exposure include asbestosis, which is a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, and lung cancer, which can develop many years after the initial exposure. Additionally, exposure to asbestos is also linked to mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen.

The other options do not align with the specific risks associated with asbestos. Instant skin burns would be related to other hazardous materials but not to asbestos. Silicosis, while a serious lung disease, is specifically related to crystalline silica exposure, not asbestos. Temporary headaches are generally not a recognized symptom of asbestos exposure and do not convey the long-term health risks associated with it. Thus, serious lung diseases is the correct choice that aptly describes the severe outcomes following prolonged exposure to asbestos.