What is Mesothelioma? How do you get Mesothelioma?

"Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum." - National Cancer Institute

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims have either inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers which then travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura (the thin, saran wrap-type membrane lining the lungs). Mesothelioma can also develop in the abdominal (peritoneal) area of the body. Each year 2,500 to 4,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can cause injuries.

Exposure to asbestos fibers usually occurs in at-risk workplace environments. Those at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma include workers handling or installing insulation, roofers, electricians, miners, and others (more about occupational hazards).

Asbestos fibers are so toxic, that industrial and trade worker’s families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as Para occupational exposure.

Exposure to asbestos can also occur in the home. Asbestos exposure in the home could have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos, however those frequently used prior to 1970 do carry exposure risks. Products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe covering, cements, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. If these products were mixed, grinded, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise manipulated, banged or damaged, they could have released significant asbestos fibers into your home. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma, even 15-30 years later.


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