Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. People can become exposed to asbestos from a variety of occupational and environmental hazards. It can take decades after exposure for mesothelioma to manifest. Read on to learn about mesothelioma’s causes and risk factors.
How Do You Get Mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure accounts for 80% of all mesothelioma cases. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the protective lining of the lungs or the abdomen. Over time, this causes scarring, inflammation, and irreversible cell damage, leading to the development of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma type is determined by tumor location:
- Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal organs.
- Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart.
As asbestos became more widely used in manufacturing during the 20th century, mesothelioma cases spiked. Before this time, the disease was virtually unknown. Mesothelioma cases reached their peak in the early ’90s and have been slowly declining since then.
It can take anywhere from 20 to 60 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop.
Common causes of asbestos exposure include:
- Employment in occupations like construction or manufacturing
- Employment in asbestos mines or asbestos plants
- Serving on military ships that used asbestos in their construction
- Living near an asbestos mine
- Disturbing asbestos during home renovations
Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Occupational asbestos exposure is the number one cause of mesothelioma. Because asbestos was so widely used in manufacturing throughout the 20th century, many industrial workers and military veterans encountered asbestos while on the job.
Firefighters are also at risk because of the presence of asbestos in older homes and buildings. When a fire or natural disaster strikes, firefighters can be exposed to harmful particles released into the air.
Jobs with the highest risk of exposure include:
- Shipyard workers
- Construction workers
- Firefighters
- Insulation installers
- Asbestos miners
- Auto mechanics
- Factory workers
- Textile mill workers
- Power plant workers
Although more regulations have been placed on asbestos use in recent years, occupational asbestos hazards still exist.
Several federal agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, have established strict asbestos standards to protect employees. These organizations have developed guidelines on how to properly handle asbestos, asbestos exposure limits, and yearly employee safety training programs.
Environmental Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in certain rocks or soil. If disturbed by human activity or weather, asbestos particles can be released into the air, putting those nearby at risk. Asbestos can be carried long distances by wind or water and contaminate areas far from its source.
Residential areas near naturally occurring asbestos are at risk of asbestos exposure. A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that the odds of developing mesothelioma decreased by 6.3% for every 10 kilometers farther from the nearest asbestos source.
Homes and buildings can also be sites for asbestos exposure. Until the 1970s, it was common for building products and insulation materials to contain asbestos. These asbestos-containing products are not necessarily dangerous. The danger occurs when the materials are disturbed or damaged, causing asbestos fibers to become airborne.
Gender
Mesothelioma tends to affect men more than women. This is likely due to the higher number of men working in high-risk occupations like construction and demolition.
Age
While there’s no direct link between age and mesothelioma, the disease is more prevalent among the elderly. This is largely due to the long period between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma symptoms.
According to the American Cancer Society, 2 in 3 people with pleural mesothelioma are at least 65 years old.
Simian Virus 40 (SV40)
In the 1950s and ’60s, millions of polio vaccines were contaminated with the Simian Virus 40. Some studies suggest that exposure to the virus is associated with an elevated risk of mesothelioma. More research is required to definitively prove any link between the two.
Radiation
Individuals who have been treated with radiation for other types of cancer may be at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. However, research on this risk is limited.
Zeolites
Zeolites are naturally occurring minerals that have chemical properties similar to asbestos. Zeolite inhalation has been linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma. Erionite, a mineral in the zeolite family, is found in gravel quarries and road construction sites. Like asbestos, these minerals are mostly harmless unless disturbed.
Secondhand Exposure to Asbestos
People who have never encountered asbestos directly can be exposed through secondhand exposure. This happens when an exposed person carries home asbestos fibers on his or her skin, hair, or clothing, and transfers the toxic fibers to loved ones.
To prevent secondhand asbestos exposure, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends high-risk workers adhere to the following guidelines:
- Always follow workplace safety protocols
- Leave contaminated clothing at work, or change clothes before leaving work
- Shower before leaving work
- Leave work tools in the workplace; do not bring them home
- Clean work clothes separately from other laundry.
Differences Between Mesothelioma Causes and Risk Factors
It’s important to understand the difference between mesothelioma causes and risk factors. A cause is something that brings about a disease. A risk factor is anything that increases someone’s odds of developing such a disease.
People with mesothelioma often present more than one risk factor, and some patients will have none of the known risk factors for mesothelioma.
It’s important to be aware of any risk factors you may have and to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Understanding these risk factors can help you make informed healthcare decisions.
Preventing and Detecting Mesothelioma
The easiest way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid asbestos.
If you work in a high-risk trade, always follow asbestos safety protocols and wear appropriate asbestos safety gear. If your home was built before 1980, be wary of materials that could contain asbestos. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring an asbestos professional to inspect your home before performing renovations. Never remove asbestos yourself.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past, it’s important to keep up with your medical examinations and monitor yourself for symptoms. Early detection is linked to a better overall prognosis for mesothelioma.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Causes
Below are some common questions we receive from patients or family members who seek answers for their recent diagnosis of asbestos-related cancers.
Asbestos is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, 8 out of 10 people with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at some point. Researchers have identified several risk factors that may contribute to the development of mesothelioma, such as age and genetics, but these risk factors alone do not cause cancer.
Mesothelioma is not hereditary. Research suggests that individuals with a mutated BAP1 gene may be predisposed to mesothelioma. Even so, inheriting a mutated BAP1 gene does not mean a person will necessarily develop mesothelioma.
Yes. Although asbestos mining was banned in 2002 and its use has declined in recent years, the U.S. continues to import commercial products with small amounts of asbestos. Certain states, including New Jersey, have enacted stricter asbestos laws to protect the general public. However, a nationwide ban on asbestos has recently been put in place in 2024.
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even trace amounts of the mineral can cause harm. Mesothelioma risk increases with higher levels of exposure over longer periods.
Asbestos-containing materials that are undamaged and fully intact should not pose a risk to your health. If the materials become damaged or you plan to do any remodeling, however, the EPA recommends hiring an asbestos professional to repair or remove dangerous materials.
If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos, your healthcare provider can help you determine your level of risk. Fortunately, minimal, short-term exposure does not usually result in cancer. Inform your physician of any mesothelioma symptoms you’ve experienced, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or painful coughing. Early detection is associated with a higher life expectancy and better overall prognosis.
Understanding the causes of mesothelioma is the first step in navigating the asbestos lawsuit process from diagnosis to legal action. Taking immediate steps after a diagnosis is crucial for securing your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve. By acting quickly, you can identify the source of your exposure and hold those responsible accountable for asbestos exposure
