Add To FavoritesAsbestos: The Main Cause of Mesothelioma
The National Institute of Cancer states that people who have been exposed to asbestos are at most risk of developing mesothelioma cancer. This is confirmed by the fact that approximately 80% of those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos - usually in a work environment. Given the hazardous nature of asbestos, it can take very little to dramatically increase the chance of developing asbestos mesothelioma, although symptoms may not appear until many years later.
There are, however, mesothelioma cases reported where the individual has not had any known exposure to asbestos.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is part of a group of naturally occurring minerals that have been used for many industrial purposes, including cement, brake linings, roofing, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. During manufacturing or handling of these products tiny asbestos particles can become airborne. They may be inhaled or swallowed, leading to serious health problems. Mesothelioma is only one illness that can develop as a result of exposure to asbestos: lung cancer, asbestosis (a non-cancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney are also common.
While smoking is not linked to an increase in the risk of mesothelioma but a combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of other cancers developing.