What Causes Cancer mesothelioma

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma has just one cause, asbestos exposure. Many are unaware that almost everyone has had some form of exposure to asbestos; however, in the majority of people it does not result in illness. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally and is distinguishable by its long crystal fibers. The mineral’s fibers can be found in the air, water, and a range of products.

Asbestos has had commercial uses in the United States throughout history. Heavy exposure to the fiber can result in asbestos disease, mesothelioma, and other terminal conditions. For more than half a century, thousands of widely used products contained asbestos. Before consumer product regulation of the 1970s, the manufacturing of commonly used items containing asbestos was unregulated. Since that time agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency have outlawed new asbestos uses, however with old ones remaining allowed to a certain degree, asbestos is still used and is still causing many to become fatally ill.

People affected by asbestos exposure typically do not show symptoms until several years after being exposed. This is one reason why manufacturers sometimes manage to escape taking responsibility for causing one to become ill, regardless of whether they knowingly knew of the dangers of using asbestos in manufacturing beforehand.

The most prominent uses of asbestos have been within the construction and automotive industries. Public awareness and initiatives have contributed to a decline in consumption of asbestos in the US, however the attacks at the world trade center during September 11, 2001 have led to recent predictions of an increase in occurrences of diseases like mesothelioma and others linked to this type of toxic exposure.

Unfortunately, because of having such a long latency period, it is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma until its latter stages. The condition is terminal. However, more research and information can be found regarding symptoms and possible treatments. If someone feels they have been exposed to asbestos or may have mesothelioma, it is important to seek the proper medical and legal advice on what steps to take next.