Someone Who Smokes and Is Significantly Exposed to Asbestos Has A Higher Risk Of Lung Cancer

Tobacco and Asbestos: More deadly together

Asbestos exposure and smoking are two of the most significant risk factors for developing lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Combining these two factors can lead to a synergistic effect, greatly increasing an individual’s risk of developing lung complications. In this article, we will discuss the synergistic health effects of asbestos and smoking, the differences between exposure to smoking and asbestos exposure, and the legal implications for smokers diagnosed with enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto.

Understanding the Synergistic Health Effects of Asbestos and Smoking

The combined impact of both smoking and asbestos exposure on an individual’s health is greater than the sum of each individual effect. Research has shown that smokers who are exposed to asbestos are at a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory diseases than non-smokers who are exposed to asbestos. In fact, the risk of developing lung cancer, some studies suggest, is as much as fifty times higher for smokers exposed to asbestos than for non-smokers! 

Asbestos exposure – even in childhood – puts a smoker at a much higher risk of developing lung cancer.

It’s important to note that even if someone has stopped smoking, the damage that has been done to their lungs can still increase their risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. This is because the damage caused by cigarette smoke can make it easier for asbestos fibers to become lodged in the lung lining. 

If a person smokes and has been exposed to asbestos, its vital to speak with a doctor about their risk of developing lung cancer or other respiratory diseases. Even if they’ve stopped, it’s important to be aware of the increased risk that asbestos can pose to overall health as a result of having both risk factors present. 

Smoking vs. Asbestos Exposure

While smoking and asbestos exposure are both dangerous for an individual’s health, they are different in how they affect the body. One example of the combined effects of smoking and asbestos can be seen in the Kent brand cigarettes, which used asbestos fillers.

How cigarette smoke compounds interact with asbestos fibers to form cancerous tumors.

Smoking damages the lungs and can lead to lung cancer, while asbestos exposure can cause various respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Moreover, both are risk factors for health complications in areas of the body outside of the lung area. 

The effects of smoking can be immediate, while the effects of asbestos exposure may not become apparent for decades after the initial exposure. For instance, a “smoker’s cough” may develop and be the first implication that health is failing. This can be accompanied with shortness of breath and difficulty with exercise. While asbestos exposure may also cause all of these things, it typically doesn’t come with obvious signs right after exposure. 

Asbestos and tobacco smoke interact in various ways, increasing the body’s risk of developing cancer in the lungs (and elsewhere in the body).

Smoking damages the lungs and weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to clear asbestos fibers from the lungs. This can increase the likelihood that asbestos fibers will become trapped in the lungs, leading to the development of disease. Moreover, smoking can cause genetic damage to the lung cells, making them more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of asbestos fibers. The synergistic health effects of both asbestos and smoking are evident. 

Legal Implications for Smokers with Asbestos-Related Diseases

Individuals who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and are smokers may still be eligible for compensation, even if they knew about the risks associated with smoking or asbestos exposure. Employers and asbestos companies have a legal responsibility to provide a safe working environment, and they can be held liable for any harm which they’ve caused. 

A threat that hides in the shadows, and waits to strike

There are also many individuals who knew of the dangers of cigarettes but not the dangers of asbestos, meaning they may have chosen to smoke despite the known consequences but continued to ingest asbestos without realizing they were in harm’s way. 

Anyone, even smokers, who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, should consult with an experienced asbestos attorney about their options. A qualified attorney can help a client successfully navigate the legal process of filing an asbestos claim and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. 

Smokers Can Receive Compensation for Asbestos-Related Diseases

As earlier mentioned, smokers diagnosed with enfermedades relacionadas con el asbesto may still be eligible for compensation, even if they knew about the dangers of smoking but were unaware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure. Employers and asbestos companies are legally responsible for providing a safe working environment, and they can be held liable for any harm caused by their negligence. Smokers who have been exposed to asbestos are at an even greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases and may be entitled to greater compensation for their injuries compared to non-smokers who were also exposed to asbestos.

Steps For Protecting One’s Health

Smokers exposed to asbestos should be aware of important steps to take in order to protect their health. Here are some steps to take: 

1. Quit smoking. 

As mentioned earlier, smoking and asbestos exposure have a synergistic effect, greatly increasing the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing these diseases. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor or seek support from a smoking cessation program.

2. Get regular medical check-ups. 

If you have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to get regular medical check-ups to monitor your health. Your doctor can perform tests to check for signs of asbestos-related diseases, such as lung function tests, chest X-rays, and CT scans.

3. Follow safety procedures. 

If you work in an industry where asbestos exposure is risky, follow proper safety procedures and use protective equipment such as respirators and protective clothing. Your employer should provide you with the necessary safety equipment and training to protect you from asbestos exposure.

4. Be aware of asbestos in your home. 

Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring before its health risks were known. If your home was built before 1980, it might contain asbestos. If you plan to do any renovation work, it is important to have your home tested for asbestos first and hire a licensed asbestos removal professional if necessary.

5. Eat a healthy diet. 

While diet alone cannot protect someone from asbestos-related diseases, maintaining a healthy diet can help support your immune system and boost overall health. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

In Conclusion

Smoking and asbestos exposure harm an individual’s health, significantly increasing the risk of developing lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Remember, taking action to protect your health and seek compensation can help you and your family recover from the devastating effects of asbestos exposure and smoking. 

Asbestos, Smoking and Lung Cancer: An Update – PubMed (nih.gov)