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Mesothelioma Risk Factors
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for
mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in
about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma
has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to
asbestos.
Asbestos is the name of a group of
minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that
can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely
used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof
shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos
particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process,
they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems.
In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos
increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic
lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.
However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly
increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in
the lung.
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Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?
Asbestos has been mined
and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use
greatly increased during World War II. Since the early
1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to
asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with
asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased
risk of developing mesothelioma was later found
among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos
mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers
in the heating and construction industries, and other
tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable
levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who
work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to
lower their risk of exposure.
The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with
heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time.
However, some individuals with only brief exposures have
developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all
workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related
diseases.
There is some evidence that family members and others
living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of
developing mesothelioma, and possibly other
asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result
of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the
clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the
chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers,
asbestos workers are usually required to shower and
change their clothing before leaving the workplace.
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Risk Factors | Mesothelioma
Asbestos Exposure | Vermiculite Asbestos
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