Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a dangerous form of cancer caused nearly exclusively by asbestos. Researchers believed there may be a connection between asbestos and mesothelioma in the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until 1977 that cancer research first conclusively linked the two together.
Part of the problem with finding the connection was a result of the fact that there is a considerably long latency period between asbestos exposure and development of mesothelioma. It may take anywhere from 15 to 50 years for mesothelioma to occur after exposure, which made it difficult for scientists to trace the origin of the disease.
Now, however, the link between asbestos and mesothelioma has been proven, and there is no longer any scientific debate over the connection between the mineral and cancer. When someone comes into contact with asbestos fibers – at work, at home, or from being in close contact with someone exposed to asbestos – they are at risk for mesothelioma.
What Causes the Cancer?
Asbestos is actually a naturally occurring mineral, and in the 19th and 20th century, it was found that this mineral had a very high resistance to heat and chemicals. That property made asbestos a great way to improve fire resistance and decay in various items used in homes and business, such as insulation.
It was found later that this very same resistance also made them a serious danger to human beings. When you inhale asbestos fibers, the fibers get lodged in the lining of your lungs. Because of their strong resistance to heat, your body is unable to remove these fibers, and because of their resistance to chemicals, it is not currently possible to remove the lodged fibers from your body through any type of drug therapy.
Over time, these fibers begin to cause inflammation, and that inflammation may eventually lead to the growth of cancerous tumors, ultimately leading to a type of cancer known as mesothelioma.
How Does the Degree of Exposure Affect The Cancer Rate?
Research has shown that the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma grew stronger the more the person was exposed to the fibers. That is why those at the highest risk are people who work in a location with a high amount of asbestos. People working in demolished buildings are at exceedingly high risk, because the demolition increases the number of asbestos fibers in the air.
Still, it is possible to have mesothelioma with only limited exposure to these fibers. Any time there is a high level of asbestos in the air you run the risk of serious inhalation. So if you are in contact with the clothes of someone who worked in these types of locations, you may inhale some of the particles on their shirt.
Getting Yourself Tested
Regardless of the severity of your exposure, there is a clear connection between asbestos and mesothelioma. So if you have come into contact with asbestos in any way – at home or at work – it is important that you get yourself regularly tested so that you can catch the cancer early, before it is at its most dangerous.