Who Is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?

Occupational Risk Factors

The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace. Asbestos was widely used in various industries until its dangers became well-known and regulations were put in place. Despite these regulations, many workers were exposed before the full risks were understood.

Construction Workers

• Exposure: Construction workers are among the highest risk groups due to their frequent exposure to asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, roofing, tiles, and cement. Asbestos was commonly used in these materials for its durability and heat-resistant properties.
• Current Risks: Even today, construction workers may be exposed during the renovation or demolition of older buildings that still contain asbestos materials.

Shipyard Workers

• Exposure: Shipbuilding and ship repair work historically involved extensive use of asbestos, particularly for insulation around boilers, pipes, and engines. Workers in shipyards were regularly exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, especially those involved in tasks like cutting or removing asbestos-containing materials.
• Notable Cases: Some of the earliest and most severe mesothelioma cases were documented among shipyard workers, particularly during and after World War II.

Industrial Workers

• Exposure: Workers in industries such as manufacturing, power plants, chemical plants, and refineries are also at high risk. Asbestos was used in machinery, protective clothing, and building materials, leading to prolonged exposure.
• High-Risk Occupations: Specific jobs within these industries, such as pipefitters, electricians, and machinists, often involved direct handling of asbestos materials.

Military Veterans

• Exposure: Military personnel, particularly those in the Navy, are at increased risk due to the extensive use of asbestos on ships and in military buildings. Veterans may have been exposed while serving in roles involving ship maintenance, construction, or firefighting.
• Long-Term Risk: Mesothelioma cases continue to emerge among veterans, sometimes decades after their military service.

Environmental Risk Factors

In addition to occupational exposure, environmental factors can also increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Living Near Asbestos Mines or Factories

• Exposure: Communities located near asbestos mines or processing plants may be at risk due to environmental contamination. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air or water, leading to exposure even among those who do not work directly with the material.
• Notable Examples: Areas such as Libby, Montana, where a vermiculite mine contaminated with asbestos operated for decades, have seen unusually high rates of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos in Homes and Buildings

• Exposure: Asbestos-containing materials were widely used in homes, schools, and public buildings constructed before the 1980s. When these materials are disturbed during renovations or demolitions, asbestos fibers can become airborne, posing a risk to occupants. Learn more about asbestos exposure.
• High-Risk Activities: Homeowners and contractors who work on older buildings without proper precautions are at risk of asbestos exposure.

Secondary Exposure

Secondary exposure, also known as paraoccupational or household exposure, occurs when individuals come into contact with asbestos fibers brought home on the clothing, hair, or skin of workers who were exposed to asbestos on the job.

Family Members of Workers

• Exposure: Family members, particularly spouses and children, may be exposed to asbestos when they handle contaminated clothing or hug and interact with workers who bring asbestos fibers home. This type of exposure has led to cases of mesothelioma among individuals who never worked with asbestos directly.

Low-Dose Exposure Risks

• Latency and Impact: Even low-dose, secondary exposure can lead to mesothelioma, highlighting the extreme toxicity of asbestos fibers. Given the long latency period of mesothelioma, these cases may not be diagnosed until many years after the exposure occurred. Learn how asbestos exposure leads to mesothelioma.

Other Risk Factors

While asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, other factors may contribute to an individual’s risk.

Genetic Predisposition:

• BAP1 Gene Mutation: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma, particularly those with a mutation in the BAP1 gene. This genetic factor can increase susceptibility to asbestos-related diseases. Learn more about causes of mesothelioma.
• Family History: A family history of mesothelioma may also indicate an increased genetic risk, though this is much less common than asbestos-related cases.

Radiation Exposure:

• Previous Radiation Therapy: There have been rare cases where individuals who received radiation therapy for other cancers later developed mesothelioma. The radiation may cause damage to the mesothelium, similar to asbestos exposure, leading to cancer development. Learn about Diagnosing mesothelioma.

Other Mineral Fibers:

• Erionite Exposure: Erionite, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral similar to asbestos, has been linked to mesothelioma in certain geographic areas, such as parts of Turkey. People living in regions where erionite is common in the soil are at increased risk.

Conclusion

Mesothelioma is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure, particularly in occupational settings. However, environmental and secondary exposures also pose significant risks. Understanding who is at risk is critical for preventing future cases of mesothelioma and for identifying individuals who may benefit from early screening and intervention.

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