Mesothelioma Health Center

Many individuals with mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to form. Other risk factors for mesothelioma include living with a person who works near asbestos or being exposed to a certain virus.

Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment as bundles of fibers which can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and they do not conduct electricity. Asbestos has been mined and used commercially in North America since the late 1800s and usage increased dramatically during World War II. It is often used for insulation, roofing, fireproofing and sound absorption. It's used in ceiling and floor tiles, coatings and adhesives as well as plastics. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned all new uses of asbestos and established regulations that require school systems to inspect buildings for the presence of damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce asbestos exposure by removing the material or encasing it.

When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the body's lungs and remain there for a long period of time. These fibers can accumulate over time and cause scarring as well as inflammation which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems. Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer in addition to mesothelioma and some studies have suggested a connection between exposure to gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. There is also an elevated risk for cancers of the throat, kidney, esophagus and gallbladder.