If this asbestos exposure was known, it would be likely that these patients were diagnosed with asbestosis rather than IPF. (sciencedaily.com)
Asbestos can cause cancer of the lung and stomach, and breathing disorders such as asbestosis. (newscientist.com)
Unfortunately because of changes in the law he could not claim any compensation for the pleural plaques but the claim for asbestosis went ahead. (thompsons.law)