Lung Cancer From Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers, with asbestos-exposed smokers facing a significantly increased risk.
According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer kills more than 357 people every day. Each year, doctors diagnose 238,000 new cases, a fraction of which are linked to asbestos exposure.
Apply For CompensationIndividuals can be exposed to asbestos in various ways. Occupational, secondary, and environmental exposure all increase the risk of later asbestos-related illness.
Individuals with prolonged and intense exposure are at higher risk, but there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure, and any amount of contact can cause harm.
When raw asbestos or asbestos-containing products are handled, toxic fibers and dust become airborne.
If inhaled, the carcinogenic particles can get trapped in a person’s lungs and linger for decades, causing irritation and changes to their DNA that can eventually lead to lung cancer.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with asbestos lung cancer, financial support may be available.
An experienced asbestos lung cancer attorney can help eligible victims pursue the best avenues — lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and more — and maximize potential compensation.
Key Information
- Causes: Asbestos exposure is one cause of lung cancer. Exposure combined with other high-risk behaviors like smoking may increase this risk.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include a new and persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing blood.
- Diagnosing Lung Cancer: Doctors use a combination of imaging tests and biopsies to locate, categorize, and diagnose lung cancer.
- Common Treatment Methods: Lung cancer is commonly treated multimodally with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
- Compensation Options: Eligible victims and their loved ones may access compensation through lawsuits, trust funds, the VA, and other routes.
How Exposure to Asbestos Causes Lung Cancer
There are six varieties of asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that forms thin, fire-resistant, and virtually indestructible threads.
When mined, manufactured, or handled, asbestos and asbestos-containing products frequently shed particles of dust or fibers.
Airborne fibers could then be inhaled or ingested through the following means:
- Occupational Exposure
From the 1930s through the 1980s, those working in mining, manufacturing, and construction were at high risk for occupational exposure. Because asbestos use was widespread, dozens of industries were affected.
- Military Exposure
Asbestos insulation was commonly used in U.S. military vessels, aircraft, and installations. Veterans account for a significant percentage of patients affected by asbestos-related illnesses each year.
- Secondary Exposure
The family members and loved ones of workers in high-risk occupations were often exposed to asbestos fibers accidentally brought into the home on hair, skin, and clothing.
- Environmental Exposure
Those living close to asbestos mining or manufacturing operations face a significant risk of environmental exposure. Anyone who has worked in buildings with substantial asbestos components may also be at risk.
- Talc Products
Talc and asbestos often occur near one another in the earth. This means that when talc is mined, it may be contaminated with asbestos. Many household and cosmetic products, like baby powder, contain asbestos-contaminated talc.
Individuals living or working around asbestos and asbestos products can breathe in airborne fibers, which remain in the lungs for decades. Over time, asbestos fibers accumulate, causing irritation and scarring in lung tissue.
Asbestos inhalation can also cause changes to cellular DNA that eventually lead to cancer.
The latency period between exposure and the onset of symptoms of an asbestos-related illness is long, anywhere from 10 to 40 years.
When symptoms do appear, they can intensify quickly. Anyone with a known history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about regular preventative screening, as there is no safe amount of exposure.
Fact
Can Asbestos Cause Lung Cancer?
Yes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, asbestos is an acknowledged carcinogen.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency, IARCLinking Lung Cancer to Asbestos Exposure
One straightforward way to link a lung cancer diagnosis to asbestos exposure is by showing the patient has a prior asbestos-related condition, such as asbestosis.
If no such condition exists, doctors rely on the Helsinki Criteria to assess whether asbestos exposure significantly contributed to the development of lung cancer.
The Helsinki Criteria is a set of guidelines that help doctors evaluate a patient’s medical history and current health to determine the role asbestos played in their lung cancer diagnosis and whether it can be considered a primary cause.
The criteria are:
- One year of heavy asbestos exposure or 5 to 10 years of moderate exposure.
- Estimated combined exposures to mixed asbestos fibers of 25 fibers per milliliter per year.
- A record of a lung fiber burden within the range for asbestosis from the same laboratory.
- Retained fiber levels of 2 million amphibole fibers per gram of dry lung tissue or 5 million amphibole fibers per gram of dry lung tissue when viewed under electron microscopic analysis.
- Asbestos body concentrations determined by light microscopic analysis greater than 10,000 per gram of dry lung tissue.
Recent studies have shown that chrysotile asbestos fibers do not remain in the body as long as amphibole fibers, making tissue analysis less helpful in determining exposure to the chrysotile variety.
As doctors continue to learn more about asbestos and its effects on the body, the Helsinki Criteria are reviewed and updated to reflect current best practices.
Financial Compensation for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Receiving an asbestos lung cancer diagnosis creates enormous and immediate physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Many victims must stop working to receive treatment, which can last for months or even years.
Seeking compensation from negligent asbestos companies not only provides eligible victims and their families with much-needed financial and medical resources but also holds those companies accountable and serves as a deterrent against future negligence.
Even in cases where the victim of asbestos exposure has passed away, these companies still bear a responsibility to the victim’s survivors.
Loved ones and family members are often eligible for compensation in cases of wrongful death.
“Victims of asbestos lung cancer and their families may have multiple options for compensation, some of which can be pursued at the same time. Lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, VA support, and more can provide valuable financial and medical resources to those facing an asbestos lung cancer diagnosis.”
– Samuel Meirowitz, Attorney

Lawsuits
Asbestos use was widespread for decades, and the final type was only banned in the U.S. in 2024. Hundreds of companies once used this dangerous carcinogen in their products, many of which remain in place today.
While some asbestos companies have declared bankruptcy, many are still active.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by the products or activities of one of these companies, you may be eligible to file a lung cancer lawsuit.
Even if the victim has already passed away, family members may still be able to access compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Most asbestos lawsuits end in settlement, an agreement regarding compensation made out of court. Very few asbestos lawsuits go to trial, which can be long, expensive, and stressful for all parties. It’s often in the best interest of both the plaintiff and the defendant to settle.
Settlements are highly customizable and may include cash sums, medical care, and post-mortem expenses. An experienced asbestos attorney can help you negotiate the best potential settlement.
Examples of asbestos lung cancer settlements include:
- $1.2 million for a merchant marine electrician
- $1 million for a crane operator with bystander exposure
- $1 million for an 89-year-old millwright
Asbestos Trust Funds
Asbestos trust funds are established by companies undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Many asbestos companies eventually found themselves unable to meet their legal liabilities and sought refuge from asbestos lawsuits through bankruptcy.
Asbestos trust funds are created under the bankruptcy court’s supervision to compensate all current and future claimants harmed by an asbestos company’s activities or products.
There are more than 60 active asbestos trust funds, with over $30 billion set aside to compensate eligible victims. Over $20 billion has already been paid out to victims from these trusts. Most victims can receive money from multiple trusts, with some claimants receiving $1 million or more.
Additional Options for Compensation
Other forms of compensation include:
- Workers’ Compensation
Individuals exposed to asbestos through their jobs may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Compensation varies by state but typically includes forms of financial support such as wage replacement, coverage for medical expenses, and death benefits.
- Disability
Social Security Disability or SSDI provides claimants with monthly income payments. Individuals with SSDI may also qualify for early access to Medicare.
- Cancer Charities
Charities for individuals with asbestos lung cancer offer services like treatment, transportation, mental health care, and housing support. Your doctor may be able to connect you to appropriate organizations.
Given the wide range of compensation options and the complexities of the various filing processes, knowing where to start can be challenging.
Working with an experienced asbestos law firm can help ease the burden on patients. If you’re eligible, our professional team can help you apply for assistance today.
Types of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is divided into two primary categories based on cell shape and size. Prognosis varies widely depending on which type a patient has.
Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
Small-cell lung cancer is characterized by smaller, usually round, cells and is most common in heavy smokers. It is a rarer form of lung cancer, more difficult to treat than non-small cell lung cancer, and generally has a poorer prognosis.
Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Non-small cell lung cancer can be broken down into several other subgroups, which are determined by the size, shape, and location of the cancer cells.
The three most common NSCLC types are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Also called epidermoid carcinoma, squamous cells look flat and form on the lining of the lungs in a floor tile-like arrangement.
- Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer cell forms in mucous glands that line various organs, including the lungs.
- Large cell carcinoma: These cells are larger than average and can originate in several places in the lungs.
Less common types of NSCLC include:
- Adenosquamous carcinoma
- Sarcomatoid carcinoma
- Salivary gland carcinoma
- Carcinoid tumor
- Unclassified carcinoma
Lung Cancer vs Mesothelioma From Asbestos Exposure
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and develops in the lining of the lungs. It is nearly always caused by asbestos exposure.
Lung cancer has various causes, one of which is asbestos exposure. That said, they are distinct diagnoses with different sites of origin and treatment requirements.
There is significant symptom overlap, and the two cancers are often initially misdiagnosed, sometimes for each other, or more common respiratory illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Here are the primary differences between lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma:
Lung Cancer | Pleural Mesothelioma |
---|---|
Abnormal cells in the lungs multiply to form tumors. | Abnormal cells form malignant sheets on the lining around the lungs. |
Occurs primarily due to environmental factors, smoking, and radon gas. Asbestos is also a cause of lung cancer. | Occurs due to asbestos exposure. |
Most common cancer in the United States, with about 238,000 new cases a year. | Among the most rare forms of cancer in the United States, with about 3,000 new cases annually. |
Treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. | Treatment options include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation but are administered differently than they are for lung cancer. |
Tumors are well-defined masses that form in the lungs. | Tumors appear as nodular masses that spread along the pleura, the two thin layers that encase the lungs. |
Targeted treatment is available for localized tumors. | Targeted treatment is available for localized tumors but may not be available in many cases due to the spread of the disease. |
The five-year survival rate is 65% for localized non-small cell lung cancer and 30% for small cell lung cancer. | The five-year survival rate for localized pleural mesothelioma is around 10%. |
Takes 10 to 30 years from the time of exposure to a carcinogen (air pollution, cigarette smoke, radon gas, etc.) to the appearance of cancer. | Takes 20 to 50 years from the time of exposure to asbestos to the appearance of cancer. |
Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
The most common early symptoms of asbestos-related lung cancer are nonspecific and can be easily mistaken for other, less severe illnesses.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness
- Persistent, new cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Once the cancer has metastasized, some additional symptoms may include:
- Bone pain
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the face or neck
- Weight loss
Diagnosing Lung Cancer
Doctors use many tools to help in the diagnosis of lung cancer, including;
- Biopsy: Biopsies are tissue samples. They can be taken in several ways, some more invasive than others, and once collected, they are examined for evidence of cancer.
- Imaging: Imaging tests show the size and location of the cancer. X-ray, MRI, CT, and PET scans are all standard imaging processes.
- Sputum cytology: Doctors examine mucus coughed up from the lungs under a microscope for evidence of cancer cells.
Even once a lung cancer diagnosis is confirmed, additional testing may be needed to determine the specific cell type, stage, and extent of the metastasis (cancer spread).
Individuals with a high risk of asbestos-related illness should speak to their doctor about receiving regular lung cancer screenings.
Prognosis & Survival Rates of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
According to a 2024 Korean study, the median survival time for asbestos-related lung cancer is 2.92 years.
The same study showed a strong correlation between the degree of exposure and the patient’s eventual prognosis, with those with more concentrated and protracted exposure showing significantly worse outcomes.
According to the American Lung Association, the 5-year survival rate is 65% for non-small-cell lung cancer and 30% for small-cell lung cancer.
Smoking Impacts to Lung Cancer
Both cigarette smoke and asbestos are known carcinogens that individually can significantly increase the risk of developing lung cancer. For asbestos-exposed smokers, the risk is even greater.
One 2019 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health showed a 50-fold increase in the likelihood of lung cancer in asbestos-exposed smokers.
Stopping smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. The same 2019 study mentioned above showed that after ten years of quitting smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer is halved. After 30 years, the risk is similar to those who have never smoked.
Treatment for Lung Cancer
There are several common avenues for treating lung cancer. Most patients are treated using a combination of methods to achieve the best possible results:
- Chemotherapy: Powerful, cancer-killing medications given orally, intravenously, or applied to targeted areas. It’s often used alongside radiation and surgery.
- Radiation: High-energy beams are released in concentrated bursts to kill cancer cells. It’s often used in conjunction with surgery.
- Surgery: Used to remove cancerous tissue and ease discomfort. Common surgeries to treat lung cancer include wedge resection, segmental resection, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy.
- Immunotherapy: Uses the patient’s immune system to attack the cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Special medications that target specific weaknesses or chemicals produced by cancer cells. It’s commonly used to treat patients whose cancer has particular DNA markers that make it vulnerable.
- Palliative care: Non-curative treatment focused on managing pain and easing discomfort.
Lung cancer patients may be eligible for clinical trials, especially when standard treatments have failed. These trials test new treatments that are still being evaluated.
Although the outcome is uncertain, clinical trials can offer patients access to cutting-edge therapies and play a crucial role in advancing cancer treatment options.
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