What symptoms should asbestos workers watch for as potential effects of exposure?

Asbestos workers should be particularly vigilant for symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain because these are indicative of respiratory conditions that may arise from asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can lead to serious lung conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. The accumulation of asbestos fibers in lung tissue can cause inflammation and scarring, which in turn can result in the coughing and difficulty breathing noted in the correct answer. Chest pain may also accompany these respiratory issues due to the strain placed on the respiratory system or involvement of the pleura, the lining around the lungs.

Other symptoms listed in the options are less directly associated with the well-recognized health effects of asbestos exposure. While headaches and fatigue, skin irritation, nausea, and dizziness may occur in a variety of contexts, they are not specific indicators of the serious respiratory diseases linked to asbestos, making them less relevant for asbestos workers to monitor in relation to their occupational exposure.