The long term effects of carcinogenic industrial agents, namely asbestos (1332214), were discussed. Cancer was described as the major public health hazard of the present time. Cancer was considered to be primarily an environmental disease, related to the industrial generation of carcinogenic substances. Only in recent years were industrial agents tested for carcinogenicity prior to use. Therefore, exposure to carcinogenic industrial agents in past decades was largely uncontrolled. Because of these past exposures, most countries had a significant legacy of cancer risk. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, was used extensively by various industries during the past century. Despite the well established risks, many countries, especially developing countries, continued to use asbestos. In addition to other tumor types, asbestos exposure caused the otherwise very rare mesothelioma. Epidemiological studies revealed the substantial risk of asbestos related cancers among exposed workers in various occupations. Nonoccupational, family, home, and environmental exposure to asbestos also led to increased cancer risk. The author concludes that the legacy of carcinogenic industrial agents, such as asbestos, may be long lasting, affecting the present generation and many generations to come.