The link between lung cancer and asbestos affects numerous retired manufacturing workers and veterans who were exposed to the fibrous material on a daily basis during their careers.

The correlation between lung cancer and asbestos stems from injury reports, indicating asbestos fibers can induce serious respiratory damage. Asbestos was popularly used before the 1980s for various insulation purposes due to its fire- and chemical-resistant qualities.

This material reached its peak in popularity during World War II on a number of U.S. Navy ships for insulation and piping. In addition, a number of manufacturing companies used asbestos for different products due to its economic prices.

By 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated approximately 125 million people have experienced occupational asbestos exposure for over 60 years.

Overview of Lung Cancer and Asbestos Correlation

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, the fibers become embedded in the lungs or stomach lining which causes inflammation. Approximately 4,800 deaths per year are linked to asbestos lung cancer, and these account for 4% of all lung cancer fatalities in the United States.

Medical research has linked lung cancer and asbestos since 1935 when research showed a potential causation relationship. Just seven years later in 1942, the National Cancer Institute determined there was a link between lung cancer and asbestos.

In 1986, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared asbestos lung cancer as the greatest risk for American laborers who worked directly with asbestos. Similar to another variant of asbestos lung disease, mesothelioma is also a significant risk associated with asbestos exposure.

Unlike asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma forms in the mucus lining of lungs after the asbestos fibers become embedded. Both asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are directly caused by asbestos exposure, and often result in a latent diagnosis due to how long the diseases take to show symptoms.

Patients can go as long as 35 years before discovering they have asbestos lung cancer, with mesothelioma patients taking as long as 50 years. Researchers further state the severity of lung cancer and asbestos damage depends on duration of exposure, with greater exposure time equating to higher likelihood of asbestos lung cancer.

According to the Helsinki Criteria, the risk of asbestos lung cancer increases as much as 4% after each year of exposure. It is important to note that the risk of lung cancer and asbestos is not exclusive to first hand exposure, as fibers can also attach to clothing and be passed to different family members.

Secondhand asbestos exposure most likely occurs with loved ones or family members who handle the contaminated clothing, often for laundry or other purposes. Patients who may have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives should see a doctor to determine if they have sustained any asbestos lung damage or other health problems.

In addition, many patients who have experienced asbestos health problems have filed legal action against the manufacturing companies they were previously employed with. These claimants allege the companies failed to warn them against lung cancer and asbestos or provide them with any protective equipment.