In industrialized countries, lung cancer is one of the main causes of death from all cancer deaths. Lung cancer mostly affects those aged 40 to 70 years. Smoking is one risk factor in lung cancer and 80% of lung cancer cases occur in smokers. Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace is also clearly associated with the development of lung cancer.

Figures for the incidence of lung was increased in workers exposed to some form of nickel, chromium, and asbestos. Asbestos is widely used for the manufacture of roof (tile) and insulation, asbestos cement, brake linings, electrical devices, and fire-resistant materials and packing materials. Asbestos is the common name of a group of natural silicates which will split into flexible fibers. Exposure can come from natural sources and industrial usage. There are two types of fiber flcksibel, krisotil and krosidolit. Krisotil (3MgO.2SiO, .2 H2O) is a very important role in world trade and 90% of which is composed of asbestos. Krosidolit (blue asbestos), composed of rod-shaped fibers are short and more dangerous than krisotil fiber.

System disease due to exposure to asbestos exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesotheliomas. Other cancers associated with exposure to asbestos is a cancer of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon-rectum, and possibly pancreatic cancer.

Asbestosis is pulmonary fibrosis that develops slowly from inhaling high concentrations of asbestos dust or due to long exposure. Its severity depends on the time span between awitan (initial) exposure and its intensity, then advanced asbestosis is often associated with lung cancer, especially among smokers.

Pleural mesotheliomas is a rare type of cancer. Increased incidence of mesotheliomas associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the working environment. Although initially symptoms slightly, mesotheliomas can be cured if successfully diagnosed. The time between exposure to asbestos and the appearance of first signs of tumors ranging from 20 to 50 years, especially mesotheliomas. The increase in the incidence of mesotheliomas numbers also appear in the population who, although not exposed in occupational, stay home with asbestos workers or living near a strong source of asbestos emissions Although asbestos is no longer used as an insulator, this substance is still in the spotlight because of the danger that comes from building divider using asbestos.