Key Takeaways
- Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos — a naturally occurring silicate mineral once used heavily in construction, automotive products, and shipbuilding.
- When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they travel to the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, where they irritate cells, cause inflammation, and build up scar tissue that can eventually develop into cancer.
- Primary exposure — direct workplace contact — accounts for most mesothelioma cases. High-risk occupations include construction, shipbuilding, auto mechanics, insulation, and mining.
- Secondary exposure occurs when asbestos fibers travel home on a worker’s clothing, skin, or hair — exposing family members who never worked with asbestos directly.
- Symptoms can take up to 50 years to develop after exposure, meaning many patients diagnosed today trace their exposure back to jobs held decades ago.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can originate in the lining of organs in the body. There are four types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, and it begins in the pleural cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of mesothelioma, beginning in the abdominal cavity. The other two types of mesothelioma are exceedingly rare. Pericardial mesothelioma begins in the lining of the heart, and testicular mesothelioma begins in the testicles. Mesothelioma is aggressive and there is currently no known cure, although there is research and clinical trials that are being conducted that make prognosis more promising.
What Causes Mesothelioma? Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate material that was once used heavily in construction, automotive products, and the shipbuilding industry. It is more common to develop mesothelioma if you were exposed to asbestos for a long period of time, however even low levels of exposure have the potential to cause asbestos-related diseases. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they are released into the surrounding environment. These particles can be inhaled by those who are working around the fibers.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can travel to areas of the body such as the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. These fibers irritate the cells in the mesothelium and cause inflammation, which then causes a buildup of scar tissue. This scar tissue can lead to cancer. When someone breathes in asbestos fibers, it can take up to 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma to develop. This is known as the latency period. Many people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma are retired and are able to trace their exposure back to their workplace.
Primary Asbestos Exposure
Primary asbestos exposure occurs when someone is directly exposed to asbestos. This usually occurs during the workday. Most mesothelioma cases are due to primary asbestos exposure. Jobs that involved a lot of primary asbestos exposure include:
- Construction
- Shipbuilding
- Auto Mechanics
- Insulation
- Mining
Secondary Asbestos Exposure
This type of exposure occurs when someone is exposed to asbestos fibers secondarily but did not work directly in the environment with asbestos. For instance, someone who worked around asbestos may have the asbestos fibers on their clothes and expose their loved ones by hugging them or by their loved ones washing their clothes.
Therefore, to answer the question “what causes mesothelioma?” We can say, breathing in asbestos fibers. Many companies and manufacturers were aware of the dangers they were putting their employees in by exposing them to asbestos. That being the case, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is possible to get compensated for your diagnosis. There are multiple ways to pursue compensation. Contact us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form to find out how we can help you. We help mesothelioma victims in Pennsylvania get their due compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled. These fibers travel to the lining of organs — most commonly the lungs — where they irritate cells, cause chronic inflammation, and create scar tissue that can eventually become cancerous.
What is the difference between primary and secondary exposure?
Primary exposure is direct workplace contact with asbestos — handling, cutting, or breathing in fibers on the job. This accounts for the majority of mesothelioma cases. Secondary exposure occurs when someone who never worked with asbestos inhales fibers brought home on a family member’s clothing, skin, or hair — for example, by washing a worker’s contaminated clothes.
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, understanding your treatment options and legal rights is essential. Many companies knowingly exposed workers to asbestos and may be held accountable. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
