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.
