How much more likely are smokers who work with asbestos to develop lung cancer?

Smokers who work with asbestos are significantly more at risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers. The correct answer, which states that smokers are 80 times more likely to develop lung cancer when exposed to asbestos, highlights the synergistic effect of smoking and asbestos exposure on lung cancer risk.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and its fibers, when inhaled, can induce cellular damage and lead to various forms of lung disease, including lung cancer. When this exposure is combined with smoking, which itself also introduces harmful carcinogens and irritants into the lungs, the risk escalates dramatically. Studies have shown that the combination of these two risk factors does not merely add to the risk but multiplies it, resulting in an exponentially higher likelihood of developing lung cancer.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for asbestos inspectors and safety professionals. It emphasizes the need for stringent safety regulations and health monitoring for workers in environments where asbestos is present, particularly those who are also smokers.