What are the risk
factors for malignant mesothelioma?
There are several risk
factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful
substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease.
Smoking does not have a direct causal relationship with mesothelioma but is a
significant compounding factor and increases the chances of developing the
disease. Other less common secondary factors include exposure to radiation,
zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and erionite. We discuss each of these risk
factors in more detail below. Please click on the links to learn more about
each mesothelioma risk factor.
Exposure to Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos is
the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating
material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was favored by
builders and contractors for many years for its low heat conductivity and
resistance to melting and burning. Since researchers have identified more and
more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now
less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans have
experienced serious exposure to this harmful substance.
Smoking and Mesothelioma
Smoking alone is not
linked to mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much
higher chance of developing asbestos lung cancer (as much as fifty to ninety percent higher) and
as much as double the risk of developing mesothelioma.
Less Common Mesothelioma Risk Factors
Radiation
Thorium dioxide
(Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has reported links to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.
The use of Thorotrast has been discontinued for many years due to this
discovery.
Zeolite
Some mesothelioma cases
in the Anatoli region within Turkey have been linked to Zeolite, a silica based
mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos found in the soil there.
Simian Virus 40 (SV40)
Some scientists have
found the simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells from humans and have
been able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship
between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear, however, and further
research is being conducted to gain clarity on this potential link.
Erionite Exposure
Erionite is a naturally
occurring mineral that possesses properties that are very similar to those of
asbestos. There have been several documented cases of mesothelioma in
indivuduals living near large erionite deposits.
Carbon Nanotubes
Researchers continue to
evaluate nanotube exposure as a possible risk factor for mesothelioma even
though scientists have not expressed immediate concern.
Source http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/risk-factors/
Source http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/risk-factors/
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