Evaluation for compensation of asbestos-exposed individuals. II. Apportionment of risk for lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The incidence of lung cancer in the cigarette smoking population occupationally exposed to asbestos is inordinately high. A method for apportioning risk to these two agents has been developed. It utilizes degree of asbestos and smoking exposures; the time interval from onset and, where applicable, termination of both exposures; the time interval to diagnosis of lung cancer; and morphologic, physiologic, and radiological evidence of pulmonary fibrosis.