Which of the following factors increases the risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos exposure?

The risk of developing lung cancer from asbestos exposure is significantly increased when exposure to asbestos occurs in conjunction with smoking. This synergistic effect means that the presence of both risk factors leads to a much higher likelihood of lung cancer compared to either factor alone.

Asbestos fibers can cause damage to lung tissue and contribute to the development of cancer on their own. When combined with the harmful effects of tobacco smoke—such as inflammation and enhanced carcinogenic activity in the lungs—the risk of lung cancer becomes substantially greater. This combination is well-documented in occupational health studies, underscoring the critical nature of recognizing how these two factors interact to elevate cancer risk.

Other factors like prolonged exposure, high humidity levels, and age at first exposure can influence individual risk, but none demonstrate the same level of significant interaction in increasing the likelihood of lung cancer as smoking does. This understanding is essential for effective risk assessment and prevention strategies in asbestos-related health issues.