Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Most people with mesothelioma are men over the age of 45 that have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma and the only known cause of the disease. Here are some more details about asbestos and how it can cause mesothelioma:
Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of minerals that was used for many years in various commercial industries because of its strength and durability. Asbestos fibers are microscopic (2% the diameter of a human hair) and are very resistant to fire, chemical reactions, and breakdown. Because of these properties, asbestos was commonly used in the shipbuilding, roofing, textiles, construction, and automotive industries. Workers stopped using asbestos in the 1970s when people started to realize that these properties also make it extremely dangerous. Asbestos fibers can easily be inhaled and get lodged in the soft tissue that lines the lungs, causing cells to undergo genetic changes that can lead to cancer. People who worked in any of these industries before 1980 have a much higher risk for mesothelioma. There are several types of asbestos so it is important to know which type you might have been exposed to.
