Which body organs can be affected by asbestos exposure?

Asbestos exposure primarily affects the respiratory system and various organs that are involved in the process of respiration or are connected to lung function. The correct response lists the lungs, esophagus, larynx, stomach, colon, and pancreas as organs that can be impacted by asbestos.

The lungs are the most well-known organs affected by asbestos, as inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The esophagus and larynx can also develop cancers due to asbestos exposure, while the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and colon, has been shown to have a correlation with asbestos-related cancers. The pancreas has been studied and found to have increased risks for cancer in individuals with asbestos exposure.

This understanding highlights the systemic impact of asbestos beyond just lung health, emphasizing its potential to cause various cancers in multiple organ systems. The other choices include organs and systems that do not have established direct relationships with asbestos exposure in terms of the types of diseases typically associated with it.