Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is a significant risk factor for lung cancer related to asbestos?

1. Age over 40

2. Exposure to chemicals

3. Smoking history

4. Occupational exposure

The correct answer is: Smoking history

The significant risk factor for lung cancer related to asbestos is primarily attributed to occupational exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been widely used in various industries due to its insulating properties. Workers who are employed in industries that process or use asbestos—such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing—are often exposed to higher concentrations of asbestos fibers. This increased exposure contributes substantially to the risk of developing lung cancer, which is often compounded by other factors such as smoking. While age over 40, exposure to chemicals, and smoking history can contribute to lung cancer risks more generally, they are not as directly significant or exclusively related to asbestos exposure itself as occupational exposure is. For example, while smoking is a well-known risk factor for lung cancer, its additive effect with asbestos exposure heightens the risk more significantly, yet it does not singularly characterize the asbestos exposure pathway like occupational settings do. In conclusion, occupational exposure to asbestos stands out as the predominant risk factor for lung cancer, illustrating the importance of regulating asbestos in environments where workers may encounter it, as outlined in the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).