Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 per cent to 80 per cent 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 and woven son purposes. Asbestos was widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, products flooring, 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) and other cancers, such as 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 pathways of air into the lungs.
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