Mesothelioma Causes

The primary cause of mesothelioma is prolonged exposure to asbestos particles. Since the propensity of contracting mesothelioma is dose dependent, this means chances of developing the cancer are directly proportional to the duration and quantity of inhaled asbestos fibers. Thus workers involved in asbestos-related occupational settings, who have been exposed to the deadly fibers for long periods are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos is categorized as a naturally-obtained fibrous mineral. It was widely used as insulation, manufacturing floor tiles, soundproofing, patching, fireproofing, roofing and ironing board covers. When inhaled or ingested, the asbestos particles accumulate in the cavity between the lining of the lungs, chest and abdomen and eventually lead to the formation of cancerous cells.

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Asbestos Exposure

People who live in close proximity to asbestos manufacturing set-ups or are indirectly exposed to asbestos particles through the skin, hair or clothing of people directly in contact with asbestos are also at a significant risk of developing mesothelioma. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a late latency period cancer, meaning the cancer can lie dormant in the body for 20 to 50 years before the symptoms surface. Approximately 10 percent of asbestos-exposed workers develop mesothelioma, so exposure to asbestos doesn't always lead to mesothelioma; however, 80 percent of pleural mesothelioma workers have a definite asbestos history, thus establishing the strong link. Though asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, non-asbestos mineral fibers like erionite and taconite are also considered risk factors.

For over five decades, the use of asbestos remained unregulated and manufacturers continued to flourish, despite the knowledge that their workers who came in contact with asbestos on a daily basis would eventually suffer its deadly consequences later. Although legislation has been passed banning the use of asbestos since the 70s, it is still being imported and used in some industries.

Other Causes of Mesothelioma

  • Smoking: Though smoking is not a direct cause of mesothelioma, it can drastically weaken the lungs and compromise the immune system's ability to fight the disease. The combination of inhaling asbestos and smoking can be a huge risk factor. It was revealed in a study that workers involved in the asbestos industry who also smoked were 50 to 90 times more at a risk of developing pleural mesothelioma than non-smoking asbestos workers, thus establishing a definite link between tobacco and mesothelioma. Smoking is also known to facilitate other asbestos-related ailments like asbestosis. It has also been noted by researchers that more asbestos workers are affected by lung cancer than mesothelioma.
  • Radiation: It was discovered that exposure to thorium dioxide used in specific X-rays can also cause mesothelioma, and since then it has been banned.
  • SV40 Virus: SV40 or Simian Virus 40 is also considered a cause of mesothelioma. The virus alone does not lead to mesothelioma, unless accompanied by exposure to asbestos. Studies are still being conducted to establish the link between the SV40 virus and mesothelioma.
  • Zeolite: Zeolite is a naturally-obtained mineral similar to asbestos that is mostly found in Turkey. The link between zeolite and mesothelioma was determined after a spate of mesothelioma cases were diagnosed in Turkey.

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