In which part of the lungs do asbestos fibers primarily lodge?

Asbestos fibers primarily lodge in the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. The alveoli are the final destination of inhaled particles, including harmful substances like asbestos. Once the fibers reach this area, they can evade the immune system's efforts to clear foreign materials, leading to inflammation and long-term health issues such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. This is a significant concern because lung tissue damage often occurs over many years, resulting in serious respiratory health problems. The other areas mentioned, such as the bronchi and trachea, are primarily involved in conducting air to and from the lungs but are not where asbestos fibers typically settle. The pleura, which is the lining surrounding the lungs, can also be affected by asbestos but is not where the fibers primarily lodge during inhalation.