Asbestos

Asbestos exposure is the leading risk factor associated with Mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material composed of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. Since researchers have indentified increasing links between Mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, the material is now rarely used. Prior to the discovery of this connection, millions of people across the world have experienced serious exposure to this dangerous material.

Blue collar workers are often at the highest risk of developing Mesothelioma due to asbestos from occupational exposure at mines, shipyards, factories, construction sites, and other industries. The who install asbestos based insulation are clearly at the highest risk of exposure. It is not rare for family members to receive second hand exposure to asbestos from dust and fibers brought into the home, and therefore, also becoming at risk to developing Mesothelioma.

Research reveals that inhaled asbestos fibers cause a physical irritation resulting in Mesothelioma based cancers. The long and thin, amphibole fibers in asbestos, do not easily clear from the body, and then they embed into the lining of the lungs and chest resulting in Mesothelioma. It is beleived that coughing up and swallowing asbestos contributes to the formation of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, a type of Mesothelioma that originates in the abdomen.

The duration and amount of asbestos exposure is directly proportional to the chance of contriving Mesothelioma. People with high exposure at a young age for extended periods of time are in the most danger. It is also important to note that Mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest in the body. In some cases, thirty to forty years can pass from the time of asbestos exposure to the initial symptoms of Mesothelioma.