Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Risk Factors You Should Know for Mesothelioma

There are several risk factors for mesothelioma. A risk factor is something that increases the chance that a person may develop a disease. Having a risk factor does not guarantee a person will develop mesothelioma, it only increases the risk of developing it.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group of minerals once used in industrial and construction materials, but is now produced in small quantities. Asbestos was once found in products like:

tile and flooring

insulation

door gaskets

roofing materials

cement

plaster of paris

joint compound

textured paint

It is estimated that about 8 million Americans have been exposed to asbestos. It generally takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to present themselves after a person is exposed to asbestos.

Smoking and Asbestos Exposure
The combination of tobacco smoking and exposure to asbestos can greatly increase the risk factor for developing mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, no studies currently link smoking alone to mesothelioma.

Radiation

In the past, certain x-rays used a material called thorium doxide. It was later to have been found to cause mesothelioma. Fortunately, it is no longer in use.

Zeolite
Zeolite is a natural occurring mineral in the Turkish region, Anatoli. Zeolite is found in the soil and is very similar to asbestos.

If You Think You're at Risk for Mesothelioma...

Talk to you doctor, if you feel you are at risk for developing mesothelioma. Together you can monitor your health and decide a course of action for possible screening methods.

Keep in mind that mesothelioma is a very slow moving disease. People usually do not develop symptoms for decades after being exposed to asbestos.