This paper reviews the radiographic, clinical, pathologic, and epidemiological features of pleural and pulmonary parenchymal disorders which have been related to asbestos exposure. In particular, the following are discussed: (1) pleural plaques--radiographic detection by plain films and computed tomography, normal and abnormal densities which may mimic plaques, the 1980 ILO U/C classification, recent epidemiological data on plaques including their relationship to carcinoma and mesothelioma; (2) diffuse pleural thickening; (3) benign asbestos pleural effusions; (4) mesothelioma--emphasizing recent advances in diagnosis, staging, therapy, and prognosis; (5) parenchymal fibrosis--pathogenesis, relationship to fiber exposure, plaques, and carcinoma; (6) bronchogenic carcinoma; (7) rounded atelectasis--recent observations on its association with pleural thickening. A role of radiology in medicolegal aspects of asbestos-related disease is briefly examined.