Key Takeaways
- Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 80% of all cases. This exposure most commonly occurs in occupational settings.
- Location matters. Living near naturally occurring asbestos deposits or man-made contamination sites — like the BoRit Superfund Site in Ambler, PA — increases mesothelioma risk even without direct occupational exposure.
- Not everyone exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. A mutation in the BAP1 gene — which has tumor-suppressing functions — has been linked to mesothelioma onset. Asbestos-induced irritation can cause BAP1 mutations in some people, while others inherit the mutation.
- In rare cases, excess radiation exposure — particularly to the chest or abdomen — has been associated with mesothelioma development, usually by triggering genetic mutations linked to cancer.
- There is currently no way to screen for or intercept mesothelioma during its latency period. The best approach is to inform your doctor about any known asbestos exposure so they can monitor for symptoms and order appropriate testing.
- The 2024 EPA ban on chrysotile asbestos is a significant step toward reducing future cases — but people who were already exposed decades ago remain at risk.
Mesothelioma Carcinogenesis
Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer of the linings of body cavities, most commonly the lining around the lungs. Scientists and doctors aren’t sure of the exact mechanisms/conditions that lend themselves to mesothelioma development. Despite not knowing the definitive carcinogenesis of mesothelioma, scientists do know that:
- Asbestos exposure is the most pertinent risk factor for developing mesothelioma. “Asbestos” refers to a group of naturally-occurring minerals that used to be used in construction and industrial pursuits. When airborne, individual asbestos fibers can become lodged within body cavities; once inside the body, asbestos fibers can’t be removed or broken down. The body continues to try to remove or break down the fibers, leading to prolonged immune responses. This chronic irritation lends itself to a host of biological disruptions: a compromised immune response, decreased anti tumor capacities, etc. Scientists believe that these disruptions eventually manifest as mesothelioma. This type of exposure—usually occurring occupationally—is believed to account for about 80% of all mesothelioma cases.
- Physical location and occupation matters. If you live near a naturally-occurring site of asbestos (or a man-made site of asbestos, like Ambler, PA), then you’re at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma. If you worked with/near/around asbestos, even if unintentionally, you’re at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma. Again, asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma carcinogenesis.
- Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. There’s a genetic mutation that’s associated with the BAP1 gene—which has tumor suppressant capacities—that has been linked with mesothelioma onset. Researchers discovered that asbestos-induced irritation lends itself to BAP1 mutations in some people. (In other rare cases, people inherit a BAP1 mutation. This makes them susceptible to a host of other cancers that aren’t associated with asbestos.)
- In some rare cases, excess radiation exposure is associated with mesothelioma carcinogenesis. Usually, this radiation was administered to the abdomen or chest and caused genetic mutations (like BAP1) that are associated with mesothelioma carcinogenesis.
Addressing Risk Factors Associated with Mesothelioma
If you know or might reasonably assume that you’ve been exposed to asbestos, there isn’t a way to either screen for or intercept its progression. The best way to address mesothelioma’s risk factors is to stop them at the source. Recent efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to regulate asbestos use in the U.S. has resulted in a ban of the last type of asbestos (chrysotile) regularly used by Americans. This is a massive step in preventing future asbestos-related diseases. If the federal government can restrict asbestos use—which accounts for 80% of all mesothelioma cases—then the occurrence of mesothelioma should decrease in coming generations.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, tell your doctor. They can make informed decisions regarding screening, yearly tests, and preemptive monitoring of symptoms.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please call us at (800) 505-6000. We are here to help. You can also fill out our simple contact form for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest risk factor for mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure is by far the most significant risk factor, accounting for approximately 80% of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that were widely used in construction and industrial applications. When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibers that can be inhaled and become permanently lodged in body tissue — triggering chronic inflammation that can eventually lead to cancer.
What types of asbestos exposure increase mesothelioma risk?
Three types of exposure are associated with mesothelioma:
- Occupational exposure — the most common pathway. Workers in construction, shipbuilding, steel mills, insulation, automotive repair, and other trades directly handled asbestos-containing materials.
- Environmental exposure — living near naturally occurring asbestos deposits or contaminated sites (like the BoRit Superfund Site in Ambler, PA) increases risk even without workplace contact.
- Secondhand exposure — family members can inhale asbestos fibers brought home on a worker’s clothing, skin, or hair.
Does everyone exposed to asbestos get mesothelioma?
No. Not everyone exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma — even those exposed to significant amounts. Researchers believe that genetic factors play a role in determining who develops the disease. The most significant genetic factor identified so far is a mutation in the BAP1 gene, a tumor suppressor. In some people, asbestos-induced irritation causes BAP1 mutations; in others, a BAP1 mutation is inherited from a parent, making them more susceptible to cancer after asbestos exposure.
Can radiation cause mesothelioma?
In rare cases, yes. Excessive radiation exposure — particularly radiation administered to the chest or abdomen during medical treatment — has been associated with mesothelioma development. Radiation can trigger genetic mutations (including BAP1 mutations) that are linked to mesothelioma carcinogenesis. However, radiation-related mesothelioma cases are extremely rare compared to asbestos-related cases.
Can mesothelioma be prevented?
The most effective prevention is eliminating asbestos exposure. The EPA’s 2024 ban on chrysotile asbestos — the last type regularly used in the U.S. — is a major step toward preventing future cases. However, for people who have already been exposed, there is currently no way to screen for or intercept mesothelioma during its latency period. The best approach is to tell your doctor about any known exposure so they can make informed decisions about monitoring, yearly tests, and symptom awareness.
What should I do if I know I’ve been exposed to asbestos?
If you know or suspect that you’ve been exposed to asbestos — whether through your occupation, your environment, or secondhand contact — take two steps. First, tell your doctor about your exposure history so they can set up appropriate monitoring and be alert to early symptoms. Second, if you develop symptoms or receive a diagnosis, explore your legal options — compensation may be available through lawsuits, asbestos trust funds, or VA claims. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
