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What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A
history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent
to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported
in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals
that occur naturally as masses of strong,
flexible fibers that can be separated into
thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been
widely used in many industrial products,
including cement, brake linings, roof
shingles, flooring products, textiles, and
insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float
in the air, especially during the
manufacturing process, they may be inhaled
or swallowed, and can cause serious health
problems. In addition to mesothelioma,
exposure to asbestos
increases the risk of lung cancer,
asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and
other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.
However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure
significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the
air passageways in the lung. |
