Fact Check: Are Asbestos and Zinc Linked to Cancer? Prabowo's Claim Examined

President Prabowo Subianto has raised concerns about young people developing lung cancer without smoking, attributing the cause to exposure from zinc and asbestos roofing materials. During the inauguration of the revitalization of Semarang Tawang Station, he urged the public to revert to traditional roofing options such as palm fiber, thatch, or clay tiles, noting that zinc was not originally part of Indonesian architecture.

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Young people are already getting lung cancer even though they do not smoke. Where does it come from? From rust, from asbestos, from various chemicals.

While Prabowo's statement highlighted potential health risks, an examination by Tempo, consulting health experts and medical data, found that asbestos exposure is indeed linked to lung cancer. However, scientific evidence does not support the claim that rusted zinc causes cancer, though it may increase the risk of respiratory irritation.

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Originally, Indonesians did not use zinc. If necessary, we should return to using palm fiber, return to using thatch. Otherwise, we need to find alternatives.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified asbestos exposure as a significant cause of lung cancer, alongside factors like secondhand smoke and air pollution. Experts confirmed that long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious lung conditions, particularly for workers in certain industries. Asbestos is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, increasing the risk of not only lung cancer but also other forms of cancer. The material becomes dangerous when cracked or damaged, but is relatively safe if intact.

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However, if it is still in good condition, it is relatively safe.