Mesothelioma Risk Factors

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Mesothelioma Risk Factors Explained

Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause and biggest risk factor of mesothelioma. Anyone exposed to this cancer-causing material can get sick 10-50 years later.

People who were exposed to asbestos for long periods of time (for example, working with or around this substance for years at a job) are at greater risk of getting mesothelioma.

Other risk factors for may be involved in determining whether someone develops this rare cancer following asbestos exposure.

These mesothelioma risk factors include:

• Age
• Gender
• Erionite exposure
• Radiation exposure
• SV40 virus (also known as simian virus 40)
• Taconite exposure

The mineral was incorporated into many building materials, such as bricks and insulation. Companies produced and sold hundreds of thousands of tons of asbestos-containing products for a large portion of the 20th century.

Occupational Asbestos Exposure

People working in certain occupations have a higher risk of asbestos exposure than others. Trades that have historically used asbestos range from manufacturing and construction to mining and shipbuilding.

Some of the top professions at risk for mesothelioma include:

• Aircraft mechanics
• Asbestos miners
• Automotive workers
• Boilermakers and operators
• Construction workers
• Electricians
• Home renovators
• Insulators and insulation manufacturers
• Railroad workers
• Shipyard workers

Are you a veteran with mesothelioma who worked in a high-risk trade? Request your copy of our Free Veterans Packet to learn what help is available to you.

Secondhand Asbestos Exposure

Employees in these trades aren't the only ones at risk of mesothelioma. Their families can also be exposed to asbestos secondhand. For example, a miner who worked with or near asbestos could come home with tiny fibers coating their work clothing. These fibers could then be unknowingly inhaled or ingested by a spouse, child, or other family member.

Military Asbestos Exposure

All branches of the military used asbestos in some form from the 1930s to the 1980s. For example, the U.S. Navy used asbestos to insulate all their ships and submarines.

As a result, many Navy personnel (especially shipbuilders and submariners) were later diagnosed with mesothelioma. In fact, U.S. military veterans make up one-third of all mesothelioma cases because of the military's widespread asbestos use.

Veterans who had the highest mesothelioma risk include:

• Aircraft mechanics
• Electricians
• Machinists
• Naval yard workers
• Pipefitters
• Shipbuilders
• Tank mechanics

Order our Free Veterans Packet today to learn more about military asbestos exposure and how to get help if you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Known Asbestos Exposure Risks

Your risk of developing mesothelioma grows as your exposure to asbestos increases. Several factors can increase your risk of asbestos exposure.

Some of the most well-known asbestos risk factors include:

• Working at an asbestos mine or asbestos processing plant: Asbestos is friable. This means it breaks apart and becomes airborne easily. Even with protection, asbestos can be found on clothing and inhaled.
• Working in construction or automotive factories: Asbestos is found in insulation used in cars, homes, and other buildings. While the use of asbestos in these areas has decreased, older buildings and cars still contain asbestos. Without protective equipment, workers can easily inhale airborne fibers from these materials.
• Working on a military ship or in military facilities: Submarines and ships were heavily insulated with asbestos to prevent fires. The military used asbestos in barracks and other buildings for similar reasons. Everyone who came in contact with the insulation may have inhaled asbestos fibers.
• Living near an asbestos mine: Anyone who lives in a residential area near an asbestos mine is at risk. Wind can carry airborne fibers to nearby homes. People in these areas may be exposed to asbestos fibers whenever they go outside. Asbestos from nearby mines can also contaminate drinking water.
• Completing home renovations: Professional renovators, as well homeowners who choose to do this work themselves, are at risk of asbestos exposure. Everyone must take caution when working with older materials that may have asbestos in them.

Other Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos gets mesothelioma. Some people are at a greater risk than others.

Risk factors for developing mesothelioma include:

• Genes: Some people could be at a higher risk if they have specific gene mutations. The mutations themselves won't cause mesothelioma. Rather, they may make someone predisposed to the cancer following asbestos exposure.
• Increasing age: The risk of mesothelioma grows as people get older since it can take 50 years (or more) for the cancer to develop. About two-thirds of all people with mesothelioma are at least 65 years of age.
• Male gender: Men are four times more likely than women to develop mesothelioma. This is because more men were more commonly exposed to asbestos in the workplace.

Get Help for Asbestos Exposure

Knowing the risk factors of mesothelioma may give patients some insight into where their disease came from. In most cases, the greatest risk factor is occupational asbestos exposure.

Here are the key points to remember about mesothelioma risk factors:

1. Asbestos is the only known cause of this cancer and greatest risk factor.
2. Long-term exposure to asbestos increases your risk.
3. Men, military veterans, and trade workers have the highest rates of asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma patients shouldn’t hesitate to get help. Being aware of your asbestos exposure history is crucial for getting access to health care and compensation. Asbestos trust funds and VA benefits can help you pay for treatment and other expenses.

If you or a loved one is a veteran who's been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us to learn what free benefits are available.