Causes of Mesothelioma
There are two known causes of mesothelioma and two possible causes. However, the main cause (accounting for at least 80% of cases) is exposure to asbestos. Each potential cause and its impact is detailed below:
Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos is by far the highest risk factor associated with mesothelioma (accounting for at least 80% of all cases). Asbestos is the name for a large group of naturally-occurring minerals that exist as a mass of flexible fibres that can be separated and woven into thin threads. As a result asbestos was widely used during the 1950s and 1960s in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Asbestos is also fire-retardant and was used in many fire-protective materials. Unfortunately, because of its fibrous nature (and because of the brittle nature of these fibres) asbestos particles are readily released into the air (most especially during the manufacturing process) and these are readily inhaled or swallowed. Being needle-like these can stick into and irritate the pleural membranes of the lungs and the peritoneum of the abdomen. Continuous irritation can lead to inflammation and ultimately to cancer. 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.
There are three types of asbestos: blue, brown and white. Blue and brown asbestos are linked with mesothelioma. In most countries the use of all types of asbestos have now been banned and even white asbestos is now also thought to be harmful.
Smoking and Asbestos Exposure
Studies have shown that a history of 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.
Radiation
It is known that both pleural and peritoneal forms of mesothelioma have developed after exposure to radiation caused by thorium dioxide (Thorotast) which was used until the 1950s in certain X-ray machines.
Other Chemicals
A mineral called zeolite (which is mined in Turkey and has many properties in common with asbestos) may also cause mesothelioma.
The SV40 Virus
Some research work into the effects of the simian virus-40 (SV40) has suggested that this may be a cause of pleural mesothelioma. However, this proposal is currently a matter of considerable dispute amongst scientists and the causative ling between this virus and mesothelioma has not been conclusively proved. The likelihood, based on the current evidence, is that SV40 virus does not directly cause mesothelioma. However, it may be that SV40 may predispose a person infected with it to and increased risk of developing mesothelioma. As such it is a co-factor for the disease.
The Problem with Asbestos Exposure
One of the main problems with asbestos exposure and its strong causal link with mesothelioma is that the average manifestation time for the disease after exposure to asbestos may be 35 to 50 years later (and may in some cases even be as much as 50 years later). This is why the incidence of mesothelioma is expected to rise during the next 20 years.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, your family may also have been exposed. Asbestos fibres can be carried home on your clothes. Research studies have confirmed that the family of people exposed to asbestos also have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is different from most other kinds of cancer as it can be classed as an industrial disease. As such, many people who develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation. If you have been diagnosed with this disease you should talk to your solicitor/attorney about this as early as possible. Your specialist doctor or nurse may be able to give you some information on this from their dealings with other mesothelioma patients.