Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a natural mineral, mined from rock found in many countries. It is made up of tiny fibres that are as strong as steel but can be woven like cotton and are highly resistant to heat and chemicals.
There are three main types of asbestos :
- blue (crocidolite),
- brown (amosite)
- and white (Chrysotile).
image from www.enviraz.co.uk/about_asbestos.htm
They are all harmful but blue and brown asbestos are recognised as the most hazardous.
A history of asbestos exposure exists in almost all cases. It is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. Mesothelioma does not usually develop until many years after exposure to asbestos. It can take any time from 10 to 60 years, although the average is about 30 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos.
However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos e.g. In rare cases, mesothelioma has also been associated with :
- irradiation,
- intrapleural thorium dioxide (Thorotrast),
- and inhalation of other fibrous silicates, such as erionite.
Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products. However, 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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