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Asbestos increases the risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer because it A. turns on the BRCA oncogenes. B. causes DNA damage. C. inhibits differentiation. D. acts as a tumor promoter by stimulating cell proliferation.

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Answer:

B. causes DNA damage

Step-by-step explanation:

Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber extracted from rocks and is used to make tiles and water tanks. It has become widely used because of its economic advantages (affordable price and abundance in nature), and properties: it is heat resistant; does not deteriorate; It is a good thermal, acoustic and electrical insulator; etc.

Although this mineral can cause cancer. According to research, it all starts with an inflammatory reaction caused by prolonged exposure to the fibers. Because they are very thin, they enter the respiratory tract by inhalation. The inflammation is continuous and gets worse over time, and after a certain period (aproximately about 10 years) asbestosis (lung cancer) arises with the sympthon of loss of breathing capacity.

In addition to damaging the lungs, the microscopic fibers present in the body can cause cancer through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These species cause DNA damage, and from there occur the cellular mutations that give rise to cancer cells.

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