Mesothelioma Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco. We discuss each of these risk factors in more detail below.
Exposure to asbestos is the main known risk factor for mesothelioma. People in occupations such as mining, milling, construction, plumbing, heating, insulation, carpentry, and electrical and shipyard work generally have had greater exposure to asbestos than those in other occupations and are therefore at higher risk of mesothelioma. Family members of these workers are also at higher risk than others because of indirect exposure to asbestos (in the clothes and hair of family members).
Smoking and Asbestos Exposure
The combination of tobacco smoking and exposure to asbestos can greatly increase the risk factor for developing mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, no studies currently link smoking alone to mesothelioma.
Radiation
In the past, certain x-rays used a material called thorium dioxide. It was later to have been found to cause mesothelioma. Fortunately, it is no longer in use.
Zeolite
Zeolite is a natural occurring mineral in the Turkish region, Anatolia. Zeolite is found in the soil and is very similar to asbestos.
Below we have provided an alphabetical list of "High Risk Professions." The list was generated on the basis of the possibility for reoccurring contact with Asbestos, thus significantly increasing not only your chances of Mesothelioma but the chance that one of your family members could potentially develop Mesothelioma.
Boilermakers
Bricklayers
Building trades workers
Carpenters
Electricians
Industrial workers
Insulators
Maintenance workers
Mechanics
Millwrights
Navy personnel
Pipe fitters
Plasterers
Plumbers
Refinery workers
Shipyard Workers
Steam fitters
Steel workers
Who has an increased risk for developing mesothelioma?
In the 1800s, the use of asbestos was commercial. It was used significantly during the World War II. At first, the dangers of asbestos were not known.
Those working in shipyards, asbestos mines and mills, heating and construction factories, and other places have shown an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have put acceptable level limits for asbestos exposure in a place of work. Workers of asbestos now put on protective clothing’s in order to reduce exposure risks, and also reducing mesothelioma cases.
You are at a risk of an asbestos-associated cancer if you have worked with an asbestos factory or industry.
How many people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Annually, about 10,000 people worldwide (and 3,000 in the U.S. only) are discovered to have mesothelioma cancers thereby becoming mesothelioma patients, or other asbestos-associated cancers.
