/ / Mesothelioma Causes
Mesothelioma Causes - Mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of asbestos. When microscopic asbestos fibers attach to the pleura (lining of the lungs), they can cause genetic changes that create cancer cells. Greater exposure to asbestos leads to a greater risk of developing cancer.

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, which occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become lodged in human tissue, causing inflammation or infection.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous substance that was once widely used in the 20th century in a number of different industries. When the public became aware of the hazards associated with the mineral, warnings were issued in the mid-1970s and use of the product began to decline.

More than 30 percent of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans. Please visit the page on asbestos for additional information about the mineral.

Mesothelioma is almost unknown until the 20th century. After decades of investigating this disease, medical researchers identified the cause: Asbestos exposure. The price of mesothelioma rises because the industry expands the use of asbestos.

Research studies have proven that inhaling or swallowing microscopic asbestos fibers can start a chain reaction that leads to several types of cancer. Toxic dust can also cause asbestosis, an incurable respiratory disorder.

In March 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reaffirmed asbestos exposure as the main cause of mesothelioma. All forms of asbestos cause disease.

Two years later, the IARC presented an update on the relationship between asbestos and cancer at a World Health Organization conference in Spain. They explain the scientific evidence has been strengthened over time. At present there is remarkable evidence that asbestos is carcinogenic in humans, regardless of the type or length of the fiber.

Key Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
  • Work in asbestos mines or asbestos processing plants
  • Work in high risk jobs such as construction or heavy industry
  • Serving on military ships or facilities built with products containing asbestos
  • Living in a residential area near an asbestos mine or contaminated place
  • Disturb asbestos products during home renovations without proper security measures How come 

 

How does Mesothelioma develop?

Once asbestos is inhaled, the body will have difficulty removing sharp fibers.

These fibers eventually form in the lungs or stomach over time. After years, these fibers can cause cancer changes.

Cancer begins in mesothelial cells, which consist of a protective membrane that covers the lungs, stomach and heart.


Possible Mechanisms for Development of Asbestos-Related Tumors

Inflammatory Cells: Fiber stimulates and irritates mesothelial cells, which causes irreparable scarring, cell damage and cancer.

Genetic change: Fiber enters mesothelial cells and disrupts their life cycle, causing genetic changes that lead to cancer.

Cancer mutations: Asbestos causes the production of free radicals, which are molecules that damage DNA and cause healthy cells to mutate.

Uncontrolled Growth: These fibers trigger the production of oncoproteins, which block genes that protect cells from uncontrolled growth and form tumors.

Mesothelioma has a dose-response relationship to asbestos, which means higher doses of asbestos exposure lead to a greater risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

In 2012, mesothelioma specialist Dr. Michele Carbone, director of thoracic oncology at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, co-authored scientific articles detailing some ways asbestos can damage the body.

DNA Damage Caused by Asbestos Fiber

Chronic inflammation: Fiber can be stimulated and irritates mesothelial cells, which can cause irreparable scarring, cell damage and cancer.

Cell Life Cycle Disorders: Fiber can enter mesothelial cells and disrupt their life cycle, causing genetic changes that lead to cancer.

Cancer mutations: Asbestos can cause the production of free radicals, which are molecules that damage DNA and cause healthy cells to mutate.

Uncontrolled Growth: Asbestos fibers can trigger the production of oncoproteins, which block genes that protect cells from uncontrolled growth and form tumors.

Every healthy cell has genes that regulate growth and protection against cancer.

Once asbestos blocks this function, cells can divide uncontrollably, causing malignant tumors to form locally and possibly metastasize - spread throughout the body and form metastatic tumors.

Metastatic tumors develop relatively late in mesothelioma travel but may be the main source of patient symptoms.

While all types of asbestos cause mesothelioma, certain types, such as crocidolite and amosite, are very dangerous. Researchers believe that chemical compositions that vary from different types of asbestos make some asbestos more carcinogenic than others.

The majority of people who work with asbestos will not develop the disease, but individual factors can cause a diagnosis. For example, genetics plays a role in developing mesothelioma. And smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer.
Regardless of the risk factors associated with asbestos, several other factors can increase your risk of developing mesothelioma:
  • Exposure to other fibrous minerals such as erionite.
  • Exposure to radiation.
  • Received a polio vaccine between 1955 and 1963 contaminated with simian 40 virus (SV40).
  • Genetic mutations that increase the chance of developing cancer.
Mesothelioma is more common in men than women and rarely affects people younger than 45. This is because mesothelioma often takes decades to develop, and men are more likely to work in jobs where asbestos exposure occurs.


Are Risk Factors for Mesothelioma?

Studies show smoking is not a risk factor for mesothelioma, but those who smoke and regularly get asbestos are far more likely to develop asbestos-related lung cancer. Several studies have revealed that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer by around 90 percent.

Researchers also found smoking can weaken the lungs and reduce the body's ability to get rid of asbestos fibers trapped inside. Smoking also worsens asbestosis.

Difference Between Causes & Risk Factors

Risk factors are everything that increases the chances of developing disease. The cause is the contribution factor that leads to an illness.

For example, although men are much more likely to develop mesothelioma than women, gender alone cannot cause cancer.

Often, various risk factors are involved in developing mesothelioma.

The duration of exposure to asbestos plays a key role. While the World Health Organization says there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure, usually severe, years of repeated exposure leading to asbestos-related diseases.

A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that the longer a person works in a job that involves exposure to asbestos, the higher their risk of mesothelioma.

The relationship between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is so strong that it is difficult for researchers to find out whether other risk factors can cause mesothelioma alone. Although the exposure is the most obvious cause.

Where Do Asbestos Occur?

Asbestos has filled many US homes and businesses in the form of insulation and refractory materials.

Throughout the construction boom after World War II, asbestos was a key element in thousands of industrial and household products. Examples include drywall, cables, glue and adhesives, ceiling tiles, cement and shingles.

Workers are exposed to dangerous natural minerals while working. Others, including family members of workers, face secondary exposure at home. Environmental exposure occurs in communities that mine or process asbestos.

Some asbestos products remain in the old structure and are usually harmless - provided they are not disturbed. Firefighters, contractors, demolition workers, electricians and plumbers are at high risk of exposure to asbestos in old buildings.

Past Occupational Exposure

The risk for asbestos-related diseases is the highest for people who work with raw minerals or with asbestos-containing products every day.

Some of the highest risk jobs include:
  • Docker
  • Construction worker
  • Power Plant Workers
  • Chemical Plant Workers
  • Industrial Workers
  • Insulator
  • Boiler Workers
  • Automatic Mechanics

Risk Factors in Today's Work

Construction traders and firefighters can be exposed to asbestos while working in old houses and structures built with contaminated materials. Exposure can occur during renovation, demolition or disaster response.

When old buildings are destroyed without safety precautions, air asbestos fibers can pollute the surrounding area.

Direct exposure

When the asbestos industry booms, workers' families are also at high risk. Workers often go home with asbestos fibers in their hair, work clothes and equipment - exposing family members to toxic substances and increasing their risk for related diseases.

In 1995, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) presented a study of "Labor House Controversy" to Congress.

They concluded "families of workers exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of pleural, pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and non-partial pleural and parenchymal abnormalities and asbestosis."

Environmental Exposure

Because asbestos is a natural mineral, people who live near large deposits in hilly or mountainous areas also face the possibility of exposure. A minimum amount of minerals can fill air in this region, but exposure to the most dangerous environment near asbestos mines.

The two best known cities for the problem of asbestos exposure are Libby, Montana, and El Dorado Hills, California.

Libby is home to vermiculite mines that are naturally contaminated with asbestos. The mine, controlled by WR Grace & Company and operated from 1923 to 1990, is responsible for hundreds of deaths related to asbestos.

In June 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a public health emergency at Libby.

At El Dorado Hills, the EPA said asbestos levels were "alarming," according to the agency's report on 400-plus air samples collected there in 2004.

Although asbestos mines no longer operate in the US, people who live near dead mines continue to develop mesothelioma.

In February 2015, reports of naturally occurring asbestos exposure in southern Nevada made national headlines. Geologists discovered asbestos in 150 soil samples from Nevada and Arizona, and epidemiological studies have shown an increased incidence of mesothelioma in the sample area.

Geologists suspect that natural erosion and commercial development of asbestos-contaminated soil send asbestos fibers into the air.

Geological studies show asbestos in Nevada is much like asbestos found in Libby. Nevada officials responded by taking steps to protect workers on projects involving areas contaminated with asbestos


Preventing and Detecting Mesothelioma

The best way to prevent mesothelioma is by following work safety regulations. Be careful of material in old houses that may contain asbestos.

If you think that past work or a home improvement project led you to asbestos, you should look for a routine medical examination to check for signs of asbestos-related illness.

If you or a loved one has a history of exposure to asbestos - especially at work - don't wait for symptoms to appear. Instead, be proactive and talk to your doctor. Early detection offers the best opportunities for effective treatment.

Mesothelioma Causes

Mesothelioma Causes - Mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of asbestos. When microscopic asbestos fibers attach to the pleura (lining of the lungs), they can cause genetic changes that create cancer cells. Greater exposure to asbestos leads to a greater risk of developing cancer.

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, which occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become lodged in human tissue, causing inflammation or infection.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous substance that was once widely used in the 20th century in a number of different industries. When the public became aware of the hazards associated with the mineral, warnings were issued in the mid-1970s and use of the product began to decline.

More than 30 percent of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans. Please visit the page on asbestos for additional information about the mineral.

Mesothelioma is almost unknown until the 20th century. After decades of investigating this disease, medical researchers identified the cause: Asbestos exposure. The price of mesothelioma rises because the industry expands the use of asbestos.

Research studies have proven that inhaling or swallowing microscopic asbestos fibers can start a chain reaction that leads to several types of cancer. Toxic dust can also cause asbestosis, an incurable respiratory disorder.

In March 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reaffirmed asbestos exposure as the main cause of mesothelioma. All forms of asbestos cause disease.

Two years later, the IARC presented an update on the relationship between asbestos and cancer at a World Health Organization conference in Spain. They explain the scientific evidence has been strengthened over time. At present there is remarkable evidence that asbestos is carcinogenic in humans, regardless of the type or length of the fiber.

Key Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
  • Work in asbestos mines or asbestos processing plants
  • Work in high risk jobs such as construction or heavy industry
  • Serving on military ships or facilities built with products containing asbestos
  • Living in a residential area near an asbestos mine or contaminated place
  • Disturb asbestos products during home renovations without proper security measures How come 

 

How does Mesothelioma develop?

Once asbestos is inhaled, the body will have difficulty removing sharp fibers.

These fibers eventually form in the lungs or stomach over time. After years, these fibers can cause cancer changes.

Cancer begins in mesothelial cells, which consist of a protective membrane that covers the lungs, stomach and heart.


Possible Mechanisms for Development of Asbestos-Related Tumors

Inflammatory Cells: Fiber stimulates and irritates mesothelial cells, which causes irreparable scarring, cell damage and cancer.

Genetic change: Fiber enters mesothelial cells and disrupts their life cycle, causing genetic changes that lead to cancer.

Cancer mutations: Asbestos causes the production of free radicals, which are molecules that damage DNA and cause healthy cells to mutate.

Uncontrolled Growth: These fibers trigger the production of oncoproteins, which block genes that protect cells from uncontrolled growth and form tumors.

Mesothelioma has a dose-response relationship to asbestos, which means higher doses of asbestos exposure lead to a greater risk of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

In 2012, mesothelioma specialist Dr. Michele Carbone, director of thoracic oncology at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, co-authored scientific articles detailing some ways asbestos can damage the body.

DNA Damage Caused by Asbestos Fiber

Chronic inflammation: Fiber can be stimulated and irritates mesothelial cells, which can cause irreparable scarring, cell damage and cancer.

Cell Life Cycle Disorders: Fiber can enter mesothelial cells and disrupt their life cycle, causing genetic changes that lead to cancer.

Cancer mutations: Asbestos can cause the production of free radicals, which are molecules that damage DNA and cause healthy cells to mutate.

Uncontrolled Growth: Asbestos fibers can trigger the production of oncoproteins, which block genes that protect cells from uncontrolled growth and form tumors.

Every healthy cell has genes that regulate growth and protection against cancer.

Once asbestos blocks this function, cells can divide uncontrollably, causing malignant tumors to form locally and possibly metastasize - spread throughout the body and form metastatic tumors.

Metastatic tumors develop relatively late in mesothelioma travel but may be the main source of patient symptoms.

While all types of asbestos cause mesothelioma, certain types, such as crocidolite and amosite, are very dangerous. Researchers believe that chemical compositions that vary from different types of asbestos make some asbestos more carcinogenic than others.

The majority of people who work with asbestos will not develop the disease, but individual factors can cause a diagnosis. For example, genetics plays a role in developing mesothelioma. And smoking cigarettes can increase the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer.
Regardless of the risk factors associated with asbestos, several other factors can increase your risk of developing mesothelioma:
  • Exposure to other fibrous minerals such as erionite.
  • Exposure to radiation.
  • Received a polio vaccine between 1955 and 1963 contaminated with simian 40 virus (SV40).
  • Genetic mutations that increase the chance of developing cancer.
Mesothelioma is more common in men than women and rarely affects people younger than 45. This is because mesothelioma often takes decades to develop, and men are more likely to work in jobs where asbestos exposure occurs.


Are Risk Factors for Mesothelioma?

Studies show smoking is not a risk factor for mesothelioma, but those who smoke and regularly get asbestos are far more likely to develop asbestos-related lung cancer. Several studies have revealed that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer by around 90 percent.

Researchers also found smoking can weaken the lungs and reduce the body's ability to get rid of asbestos fibers trapped inside. Smoking also worsens asbestosis.

Difference Between Causes & Risk Factors

Risk factors are everything that increases the chances of developing disease. The cause is the contribution factor that leads to an illness.

For example, although men are much more likely to develop mesothelioma than women, gender alone cannot cause cancer.

Often, various risk factors are involved in developing mesothelioma.

The duration of exposure to asbestos plays a key role. While the World Health Organization says there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure, usually severe, years of repeated exposure leading to asbestos-related diseases.

A study in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that the longer a person works in a job that involves exposure to asbestos, the higher their risk of mesothelioma.

The relationship between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is so strong that it is difficult for researchers to find out whether other risk factors can cause mesothelioma alone. Although the exposure is the most obvious cause.

Where Do Asbestos Occur?

Asbestos has filled many US homes and businesses in the form of insulation and refractory materials.

Throughout the construction boom after World War II, asbestos was a key element in thousands of industrial and household products. Examples include drywall, cables, glue and adhesives, ceiling tiles, cement and shingles.

Workers are exposed to dangerous natural minerals while working. Others, including family members of workers, face secondary exposure at home. Environmental exposure occurs in communities that mine or process asbestos.

Some asbestos products remain in the old structure and are usually harmless - provided they are not disturbed. Firefighters, contractors, demolition workers, electricians and plumbers are at high risk of exposure to asbestos in old buildings.

Past Occupational Exposure

The risk for asbestos-related diseases is the highest for people who work with raw minerals or with asbestos-containing products every day.

Some of the highest risk jobs include:
  • Docker
  • Construction worker
  • Power Plant Workers
  • Chemical Plant Workers
  • Industrial Workers
  • Insulator
  • Boiler Workers
  • Automatic Mechanics

Risk Factors in Today's Work

Construction traders and firefighters can be exposed to asbestos while working in old houses and structures built with contaminated materials. Exposure can occur during renovation, demolition or disaster response.

When old buildings are destroyed without safety precautions, air asbestos fibers can pollute the surrounding area.

Direct exposure

When the asbestos industry booms, workers' families are also at high risk. Workers often go home with asbestos fibers in their hair, work clothes and equipment - exposing family members to toxic substances and increasing their risk for related diseases.

In 1995, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) presented a study of "Labor House Controversy" to Congress.

They concluded "families of workers exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of pleural, pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and non-partial pleural and parenchymal abnormalities and asbestosis."

Environmental Exposure

Because asbestos is a natural mineral, people who live near large deposits in hilly or mountainous areas also face the possibility of exposure. A minimum amount of minerals can fill air in this region, but exposure to the most dangerous environment near asbestos mines.

The two best known cities for the problem of asbestos exposure are Libby, Montana, and El Dorado Hills, California.

Libby is home to vermiculite mines that are naturally contaminated with asbestos. The mine, controlled by WR Grace & Company and operated from 1923 to 1990, is responsible for hundreds of deaths related to asbestos.

In June 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a public health emergency at Libby.

At El Dorado Hills, the EPA said asbestos levels were "alarming," according to the agency's report on 400-plus air samples collected there in 2004.

Although asbestos mines no longer operate in the US, people who live near dead mines continue to develop mesothelioma.

In February 2015, reports of naturally occurring asbestos exposure in southern Nevada made national headlines. Geologists discovered asbestos in 150 soil samples from Nevada and Arizona, and epidemiological studies have shown an increased incidence of mesothelioma in the sample area.

Geologists suspect that natural erosion and commercial development of asbestos-contaminated soil send asbestos fibers into the air.

Geological studies show asbestos in Nevada is much like asbestos found in Libby. Nevada officials responded by taking steps to protect workers on projects involving areas contaminated with asbestos


Preventing and Detecting Mesothelioma

The best way to prevent mesothelioma is by following work safety regulations. Be careful of material in old houses that may contain asbestos.

If you think that past work or a home improvement project led you to asbestos, you should look for a routine medical examination to check for signs of asbestos-related illness.

If you or a loved one has a history of exposure to asbestos - especially at work - don't wait for symptoms to appear. Instead, be proactive and talk to your doctor. Early detection offers the best opportunities for effective treatment.
Mesothelioma Causes