The main mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which is known for its thermal resistance and was therefore widely used for insulation purposes in a broad variety of products such as cement, drywall compound, shingles, flooring and others.
Anybody who works with or is around asbestos fibers is at a high risk of developing mesothelioma, or other asbestos induced diseases such as asbestosis or lung cancer. When the material gets damaged or is being worked on, the toxic dust fibers get airborne and contaminate the air.
As the dust is being inhaled or ingested the carcinogenic particles may cause cell damages in the so called mesothelium, which is a very thin lining that surrounds the lungs. People, who are either exposed to asbestos very frequently, or infrequently at high levels, are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
All asbestos induced diseases are known for their long latency time which sometimes even exceeds forty years. We also know that not everybody who was exposed to asbestos will automatically get sick. Clinical studies indicate that there are other factors at play, for instance, a genetically inherited predisposition to develop cancer. Here is a summary of the possible mesothelioma risk factors:
- Being exposed to the material at work or at home.
- Getting in contact with a family member who is exposed to asbestos as they might carry the toxic fibers on their clothes and skin.
- People who smoke.
- The SV40 virus. Research was conducted that showed a link between the development of mesothelioma and the SV40 (simian virus).
If you are currently exposed to asbestos or have been so in the past, it is strongly recommended to consult with a specialized health care professional, even if you don’t encounter any unusual health condition symptoms at this point.