What major health risk is associated with working around asbestos for smokers?

Working around asbestos presents significant health risks, particularly for smokers, due to the synergistic effect of smoking and asbestos exposure. When an individual who smokes is also exposed to asbestos, their chances of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and asbestosis, increase substantially compared to non-smokers.

The combination of the harmful effects of tobacco smoke and asbestos fibers can lead to more severe respiratory issues and a higher incidence of malignancies, especially lung cancer. This is because both smoking and asbestos exposure contribute to carcinogenic processes in the lungs, and their effects are amplified when experienced together.

Thus, the correct response highlights the increased risk for smokers working around asbestos, emphasizing the critical need for heightened awareness and safety measures in such environments. Other options suggest lower risks or no additional risk, which do not reflect the well-documented research regarding the compounded dangers faced by smokers in asbestos-related contexts.