What Causes Mesothelioma?

The Primary Cause: Asbestos Exposure

The overwhelming majority of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various industrial applications throughout the 20th century due to their resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals. However, when asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne and be inhaled or ingested, leading to serious health risks.

How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

• Inhalation of Fibers: When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the mesothelium, the thin membrane that covers and protects many of the body’s internal organs, including the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and heart (pericardium). Over time, these fibers cause inflammation and scarring, which can eventually lead to the development of cancerous cells. Learn more about pleural mesothelioma.
• Latency Period: One of the most challenging aspects of asbestos-related diseases is the long latency period. It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 years, or even longer, for mesothelioma to develop after initial exposure to asbestos. This delay often means that the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage when it is more difficult to treat effectively.

Occupational Exposure

• High-Risk Professions: Individuals who worked in industries where asbestos was heavily used are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma. This includes workers in construction, shipbuilding, mining, and manufacturing, as well as those who handled asbestos-containing materials, such as insulation, roofing, and automotive parts. For more information, see who is at risk of developing mesothelioma.
• Secondary Exposure: Family members of asbestos workers are also at risk due to secondary exposure. This occurs when workers bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, or skin, inadvertently exposing their families to the dangerous fibers.

Other Potential Risk Factors

While asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, other factors may also increase the risk of developing the disease, though these are far less common.

• Genetic Predisposition: Some research suggests that genetic factors might play a role in an individual's susceptibility to mesothelioma. Certain inherited mutations, such as those in the BAP1 gene, have been associated with an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, even in individuals with lower levels of asbestos exposure.
• Radiation Exposure: There have been a few documented cases where mesothelioma developed after exposure to high doses of radiation, particularly in individuals who underwent radiation therapy for other cancers. However, this is a rare occurrence compared to asbestos-related cases.
• Other Mineral Fibers: Exposure to other mineral fibers, such as erionite, a naturally occurring mineral found in certain types of volcanic ash, has also been linked to mesothelioma. Erionite exposure has been primarily associated with mesothelioma cases in specific regions, such as parts of Turkey, where the mineral is prevalent.
• Simian Virus 40 (SV40): Some studies have suggested a potential link between mesothelioma and the Simian Virus 40 (SV40), a virus that contaminated some polio vaccines between 1955 and 1963. However, the role of SV40 in the development of mesothelioma remains controversial and is not widely accepted as a significant risk factor.

Factors That Do Not Cause Mesothelioma

It is also important to address factors that do not cause mesothelioma but are often mistakenly believed to be linked to the disease. For example, cigarette smoking, while a major risk factor for many types of lung cancer, does not cause mesothelioma. However, smoking can exacerbate the effects of asbestos exposure, increasing the likelihood of developing lung cancer in asbestos-exposed individuals, but not mesothelioma specifically.

The Importance of Awareness and Prevention

Given that asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, prevention efforts focus on minimizing exposure to this hazardous material. This includes:

• Strict Regulation and Bans: Many countries have implemented strict regulations or outright bans on the use of asbestos to reduce the risk of exposure. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have established guidelines and regulations for handling asbestos. Discover regulations to limit asbestos exposure.
• Workplace Safety Measures: Employers are required to provide protective equipment and training for workers who may come into contact with asbestos. This includes proper ventilation systems, protective clothing, and regular health screenings for workers in high-risk occupations.
• Public Awareness: Increasing awareness about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of proper asbestos abatement procedures in homes and public buildings can also help prevent exposure.

Conclusion

Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, making it a largely preventable disease. Understanding the risks associated with asbestos and taking proactive steps to avoid exposure are key to reducing the incidence of mesothelioma. While other risk factors, such as genetic predisposition and radiation exposure, may play a minor role, asbestos remains the dominant cause. Public health efforts must continue to focus on regulation, education, and prevention to protect future generations from this devastating disease.

Sources:

• National Cancer Institute - Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Asbestos: Overview and Health Effects
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Asbestos: Information for Workers
• World Health Organization (WHO) - Asbestos: Elimination of Asbestos-Related Diseases