Final answer:
Gender is not a factor in the likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease; rather, smoking, the amount and duration of exposure, and age are the key risk factors. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, with smoking notably increasing the risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The likelihood of a person developing an asbestos-related disease is not based on gender. Risk factors that do contribute include the amount and duration of exposure, smoking, and age.
Exposure to asbestos can cause serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These health effects are directly associated with the extent of exposure to asbestos fibers. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, the fibers can be released into the air, thus increasing the risk of asbestos-related diseases. Among the risk factors, smoking is particularly noteworthy as it can significantly heighten the risk of developing lung cancer when combined with asbestos exposure. Age can also impact susceptibility since the body's defenses decrease with age.
Importantly, while most behavioral risk factors for diseases can be mitigated by making healthy lifestyle choices, some, like age and gender, are non-modifiable. Asbestos exposure hazards have been seen in certain geographic areas, especially where asbestos was mined or processed. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that while some risk factors can be controlled, others, such as the naturally occurring presence of asbestos in certain locations, cannot.