What Causes Mesothelioma?
Understanding asbestos exposure and other risk factors that lead to mesothelioma development.
Asbestos: The Primary Cause
Asbestos exposure is responsible for approximately 80% of all mesothelioma cases. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, causing inflammation and cellular damage over decades.
The latency period between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis typically ranges from 20 to 50 years, making it difficult to trace the exact source of exposure.
High-Risk Occupations for Asbestos Exposure
Certain professions have historically involved significant asbestos exposure, putting workers at higher risk for developing mesothelioma:
- • Demolition crews
- • Insulators
- • Electricians
- • Plumbers
- • Carpenters
- • Roofers
- • Power plant workers
- • Refinery workers
- • Factory workers
- • Boiler workers
- • Chemical plant workers
- • Steel mill workers
- • Navy personnel
- • Shipyard workers
- • Coast Guard
- • Merchant Marines
- • Army mechanics
- • Air Force technicians
- • Auto mechanics
- • Aircraft mechanics
- • HVAC technicians
- • Brake repair specialists
- • Heavy equipment operators
- • Railroad workers
- • Firefighters
- • Teachers (old buildings)
- • Miners
- • Textile workers
- • Asbestos product manufacturers
- • Building inspectors
- • Family members of workers
- • Spouses who laundered work clothes
- • Children in contaminated homes
- • Residents near asbestos sites
- • Bystanders near demolition
- • Community exposure
Types of Asbestos
There are six types of asbestos minerals, each with different levels of toxicity:
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
The most commonly used type, accounting for 95% of asbestos in buildings. Found in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors. While considered less dangerous than amphibole types, it still causes mesothelioma.
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
Second most common type. Used in cement sheets and pipe insulation. Considered more dangerous due to its straight, brittle fibers.
Crocidolite (Blue Asbestos)
The most dangerous type with extremely thin fibers that easily penetrate tissue. Used in spray-on coatings and insulation.
Other Types
Tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite are less common but equally dangerous when exposure occurs.
While asbestos is the primary cause, other factors can increase mesothelioma risk:
High doses of radiation to the chest or abdomen, such as from cancer treatment, may increase risk.
Certain genetic mutations (BAP1 gene) may make individuals more susceptible to mesothelioma after asbestos exposure.
Some research suggests this virus, found in some polio vaccines before 1963, may play a role in mesothelioma development.
A naturally occurring mineral similar to asbestos, found in certain geographic regions, particularly in Turkey and the western United States.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos?
If you worked in a high-risk occupation or have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. Learn about your legal rights and available resources.