Mesothelioma Causes

There are multiple causes of mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure frequently causes mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that was extensively used for commercial purposes because it is strong, flexible, heat resistant and durable. As a result of these physical characteristics, asbestos has been used in products such as brakes, roofing shingles and tiles.

Asbestos containing products however, can cause mesothelioma disease and asbestos lung cancer. These diseases are caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Asbestos fibers may be released when an asbestos containing product is disturbed e.g., by cutting or hammering. Asbestos fibers are not visible to the naked eye and can remain in the air for long periods of time. As a result, they can be inhaled by people nearby. Once asbestos fibers have been inhaled, they can become trapped in organs such as the lungs. The trapped asbestos fibers can cause cancers such as malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer decades later.

Job-related Asbestos Exposure Frequently Causes Mesothelioma

People who work with asbestos containing products are at risk of developing mesothelioma and lung cancer. Unfortunately, because asbestos was used in many types of products, many types of workers are at risk of developing an asbestos cancer. Additionally, even retired workers are at risk of developing mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancer because asbestos typically causes mesothelioma and other diseases decades after exposure has occurred. Thus, it is said that asbestos cancers have a long latency period.

Jobs that can Cause Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Cancers

Below is only a partial list of jobs that can cause asbestos exposure which in turn can cause mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer.

Mesothelioma Cause: Secondary Exposure

Mesothelioma can be caused by secondary asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure is often described as primary exposure or secondary exposure. Both types of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. Primary exposure occurs when a person is directly exposed to asbestos e.g., by working with an asbestos containing product. Secondary exposure occurs when a person becomes exposed to asbestos from another person e.g., by washing the clothes of someone who works with asbestos.

Other Mesothelioma Causes

While asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma, research has shown that there are other possible causes of mesothelioma. These other possible mesothelioma causes include radiation and Zeolite exposure.

Radiation that involves the use of thorium dioxide (Thorotrast) maybe a cause of mesothelioma. Research has shown that there have been a few cases of mesothelioma caused by thorium dioxide radiation.

Zeolite is a mineral that is related to asbestos by way of chemical structure. The mineral can be found in certain regions of the world such as Turkey. It is believed that at least some mesothelioma cases in Turkey were caused by exposure to zeolite.

If Your Mesothelioma was Caused by Asbestos, Learn Your Rights

Asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma cause. If you worked with asbestos containing products and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, it is highly likely that your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure. The mesothelioma lawyers of Weitz & Luxenberg have helped many people whose mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure. The asbestos attorneys of Weitz & Luxenberg have won millions of dollars for clients with mesothelioma caused by asbestos. The firm has been specializing in mesothelioma cases since 1986 and the firm's mesothelioma attorneys have been recognized as the "Best Lawyers of New York" by New York Magazine multiple times. For a case review from a leading asbestos lawyer, complete the form on this page.