Pleural plaques are caused by exposure to asbestos. The pleura is a thin, serous membrane. The parietal pleura is the membrane that lines the chest cavity. The visceral pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lung itself.
Pleural plaques are areas of dense, firm, grey-white fibrous tissue typically found on the parietal pleura. Most patients with pleural plaques do not have symptoms of asbestos disease such as shortness of breath and pleura are typically considered benign. But pleural plaques are generally a strong indication of exposure to asbestos. Pleural plaques can occur after low-level, indirect or even environmental exposures to asbestos. However, pleural plaques are most often found in persons who were exposed to asbestos in their work.