How many times more likely is a smoker exposed to asbestos to develop lung cancer compared to a non-smoker?

Smokers who are exposed to asbestos face a significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to non-smokers due to the combined effects of tobacco smoke and asbestos fibers. Research indicates that this increased risk can be up to 50 times greater for smokers exposed to asbestos than for non-smokers. This heightened risk is attributed to the fact that both smoking and asbestos exposure contribute to the onset of lung cancer through different mechanisms, with the synergy between the two dramatically increasing the likelihood of developing the disease. Understanding this relationship underscores the critical importance of risk assessment in environments where asbestos exposure could occur, particularly for those with a history of smoking.