What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used across many industries for its durability and resistance to high heat. All 6 types of asbestos are made up of microscopic fibers.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the linings of the lungs, abdomen and other organs. The only confirmed cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People get mesothelioma by inhaling or ingesting asbestos. Once in the body, the asbestos fibers can trigger the development of cancer cells. No level of exposure to asbestos is safe.
People may be exposed to asbestos at work, at home, in public buildings and through consumer products. Those who experience regular exposure are more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Experts have linked a common series of events to this type of cancer. Learn how the body may react to asbestos exposure and how this can lead to a mesothelioma diagnosis.
How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
Asbestos causes mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions. Mesothelioma often has a long latency period between exposure and when symptoms begin.
This latency period can stretch 10 – 50 years. By the time symptoms arise, it can be difficult to connect them to the exact source(s) of asbestos exposure.
From Exposure to Diagnosis
If you have inhaled or ingested asbestos, the fibers can lodge in the linings around your lungs. In some cases, asbestos fibers may migrate to other organ linings. Over time, the fibers cause inflammation that damages nearby cells. The damaged cells can undergo changes that may eventually lead to mesothelioma.
What Are the Risk Factors for Mesothelioma?
It’s important to note that causes and risk factors are different. A cause directly leads to a disease, whereas a risk factor may increase your chances of getting it. Discuss preventative measures with your doctor if you work in a high-risk industry.
Factors that may affect your risk for mesothelioma include:
- Advanced age: Data indicates mesothelioma is more common among people ages 55 and up.
- Biological sex: Research shows that pleural mesothelioma occurs in male patients more frequently than female patients.
- Erionite exposure: Erionite is a mineral found in volcanic ash. Some places with high erionite levels also have high incidence of mesothelioma.
- Radiation exposure: Concentrated doses of radiation therapy may increase your risk of developing mesothelioma.
How to Reduce the Risk of Mesothelioma
Learning how to lower mesothelioma risks can help protect you and your loved ones. The following steps may reduce asbestos exposure and related risks:
- Learn which consumer products may have asbestos so you can avoid them.
- Find out which parts of your home or office might contain asbestos building products.
- If you think there is asbestos in your home or at work, have professionals test and remove it. Do not handle asbestos yourself.
- Learn about asbestos regulations and how you can push for a total asbestos ban.
Understanding Your Mesothelioma Risk
If you have been exposed to asbestos, you are at risk of developing mesothelioma. This fact underlines the importance of asbestos awareness and risk reduction. Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. By recognizing this truth and taking steps to reduce contact, you can lower the risk of developing this rare and serious cancer.
