Do host characteristics, diet, smoking status determine weather someone who has asbestos/silica dust exposure will develop malignant, benign, or no disease? does amount of exposure or characteristics above play a role in latency, morbidity or type?

Tobacco and asbestos act synergistically in causing lung disease, including lung cancers. If you have any concerns it would be prudent to consult a doctor. Wish you good health!

Agree with Dr. Singh that smoking with these types of exposures definitely increases your risk of lung malignancy. The amount of exposure to the lung increases the risk of developing any lung disease from it-benign or malignant. So, limiting the exposure plus smoking cessation are very important in disease prevention. See a lung doctor for diagnosis/treatment for these disorders. Good luck!