Is asbestos itself a carcinogen or is it that once it's in the lungs it causes chronic inflammation which then causes disease like cancer?

See below: Whether it is a carcinogen or cause inflammation that causes cancer would be a distinction without a difference. Asbestos can do both. For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. Practice safe sex, if you have sex.