How does asbestos cause lung cancer?

Lung cancer can result from asbestos through the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the air. This can occur when mining and processing asbestos, producing asbestos-containing products, or installing asbestos insulation. It can also occur when older asbestos-containing materials begin to break down. In any of these situations, asbestos fibers tend to create a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air and be inhaled by people nearby. In addition, because asbestos fibers are small and light, they can stay in the air for a long time.