How much more likely are abatement workers who smoke to develop health issues compared to non-smoking workers?

Abatement workers who smoke are significantly more likely to develop health issues, particularly respiratory conditions and cancers, due to the combined effects of asbestos exposure and smoking. Studies have shown that smoking can greatly increase the risk of developing diseases such as lung cancer, especially when a worker has been exposed to asbestos.

The answer indicates that smokers are 50 to 90 times more likely to face such health problems compared to their non-smoking counterparts. This staggering increase is attributed to the synergistic effect of asbestos exposure and tobacco use, which can exacerbate the harmful effects on the lungs and overall health. Therefore, understanding the seriousness of this combined risk is crucial for abatement workers and emphasizes the need for stringent safety measures and health monitoring in the workplace.