Cigarette smokers exposed to asbestos have a 50 to 84 times greater likelihood of developing lung cancer, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

“The longer you are exposed to asbestos, and the higher the amount of the exposure, the greater your chances for getting lung cancer,” the agency reports. “Compared to nonsmokers, men who smoke are about 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer and women who smoke are about 13 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Studies have confirmed how the risk of developing lung cancer multiplies with exposure to both asbestos and cigarette smoke.

The findings support allegations raised in hundreds of asbestos lung cancer lawsuits filed by plaintiffs who were diagnosed with mesothelioma or other health complications caused by asbestos exposure. These asbestos lawsuits seek to hold companies responsible for lung cancer caused by negligent asbestos exposure, even if the plaintiff has a history of cigarette smoking.

Sources of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made of fibers that are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals. Because of its durability, asbestos has long been used in many commercial industries, such strengthening cement and plastics, providing roofing insulation, fireproofing and soundproofing, as well as for the shipbuilding industry to insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes.

First responders and cleanup personnel who worked at the World Trade Center – where asbestos was used to build the twin towers — following the 2001 terrorist attacks are at an increased risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Asbestos is naturally present in the air, water, and soil and does not cause the majority of people to fall ill. Those most significantly impacted are people who have extended asbestos exposure, typically through work or substantial environmental contact, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Cigarette Smoking and Asbestos Exposure

For people who suffer asbestosis – a chronic, progressive deterioration of the lungs caused by large amounts or long-term asbestos exposure punctuated by lung inflammation that results in shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage — cigarette smoking aggravates the condition.

The onset of asbestosis usually begins to 10 to 20 years after the initial exposure and becomes worse over time. The scarring of the lungs makes breathing more challenging due to the difficulty of oxygen and carbon monoxide to pass through the lungs and clear out the cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes.

Once someone quits smoking, it takes just 20 minutes for the heart rate to go down. Other benefits of quitting, according to a Surgeon General’s report cited by the ATSDR include carbon monoxide blood levels dropping to normal after 12 hours, cutting in half the risk of heart disease after one year, and after 15 years the risk is nearly the same as someone who has never smoked.

The risk of getting mouth, throat and esophageal cancer is cut in half after five years of being smoke free, while practically every organ in the body improves function.

People exposed, or suspect they have been exposed, to asbestos at any time during their life should not smoke, the ATSDR warns.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits

Many defendants in asbestos lung cancer lawsuits have tried to argue that a plaintiff’s history of cigarette smoking takes away the company’s liability for negligent asbestos exposure. However, a history of smoking does not preclude you from an asbestos lung cancer lawsuit or mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you were diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma and were exposed to asbestos, you may have a legal claim.