Mesothelioma Causes-5 Deadly Risk Factors Unveiled

Mesothelioma Causes-5 Deadly Risk Factors Unveiled

There are several risk factors that are linked with the development of mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos fibers. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly predispose one to the development of this type of cancer. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco.

1 -Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was very popular amongst builders and contractors for many years because of its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning.

Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans had already been exposed to this harmful substance. Over 700,000 schools and buildings in the United States today contain asbestos insulation as reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Asbestos exposure can also occur through other ways. Asbestos is often found in ship yards, manufacturing facilities, railway facilities and construction sites. Blue collar workers are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure and include those who work in mines, factories, shipyards, construction sites, railroads and for insulation manufacturers and gas mask manufacturers.

The occupations commonly affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers – especially those who install asbestos containing insulation. Sometimes family members related to the workers got secondary exposure to asbestos from the dust and fibers that were brought home on the workers clothes and also become at risk for contracting mesothelioma. Serpentine fibers and amphiboles are the 2 primary types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a form of serpentine fiber and the most frequently used. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers, however, are generally straight and thin and usually comprise one of five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. The crocidolite type of Amphiboles also known as “blue asbestos” is thought to be the leading contributor to cancer caused by asbestos.

2–Smoking.

Risk of mesothelioma is increased greatly in smokers who are ex