asbestos causes asbestosis and malignancies by molecular mechanisms that aren't fully understood. The modes of action underlying asbestosis, carcinoma , and mesothelioma appear to differ counting on the fiber type, lung clearance, and genetics. Asbestos can induce chronic inflammation in these areas thanks to the assembly of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. As a consequence, immunocompetent cells can have their cellular and molecular features altered by chronic and recurrent encounters with asbestos fibers, and there could also be modification by the encompassing inflammation, all of which eventually cause decreased tumor immunity. The translational significance of those studies is clear in providing the molecular basis for developing novel therapeutic strategies for asbestos-related lung diseases and, importantly, other pulmonary diseases, such as interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.