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Most cases of mesothelioma are caused by excessive exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined for its fire retardant properties. It’s still mined today in many countries in the world. It’s made of multiple tiny fibers that can be spun and woven together. It’s extremely resistant to chemicals and heat.
Prior to the knowledge about the hazards of asbestos it was used in many different products, mainly in building materials. The problem as we now know is that when these little fibers are disturbed they release particles into the air. These particles can stay airborne for a long time. When inhaled these particles become lodged in a person’s lungs (or possibly swallowed and end up in the digestive system and inflame the lining of the abdomen). The lungs then become inflamed.
Anyone that worked with asbestos or was involved in the mining of asbestos or production of asbestos products was at risk of exposure. Family members and friends were also at risk because these same fibers could also cling to the clothing of the worker and travel to other unsuspecting people.
There are three basic types of asbestos. They are blue, white, and brown. The blue and brown varieties are the ones associated with mesothelioma. White is harmful as well.
Mesothelioma is not contagious. It can’t be inherited by bad genes.
As mesothelioma cancer doesn’t occur until twenty or thirty years after the initial exposure it makes it hard to diagnose an exact time of exposure. It is estimated that by the year 2015, approximately 3000 people will have been diagnosed with this disease every year.