Mesothelioma is a deadly lung cancer that is most frequently caused by asbestos exposure. It can manifest in the lungs, the lining of the abdomen and the pericardium. It is estimated that almost 80% of all diagnoses are made because of exposure to asbestos. Although mesothelioma is directly linked to asbestos exposure but there are some other risk factors that can be a cause of mesothelioma.
One of the major risk factor for developing mesothelioma is asbestos exposure at work. Occupations such as mining, insulation manufacturers, shipbuilding, pipefitters, railroad workers and those who are in construction are at high risk. Because of its insulating and heat-resistant nature, asbestos was once commonly used in insulation, flooring, cement and many other common products. Individuals who had prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers are at a greater risk.
Non-Occupational Risks
Families of those who are exposed to airborne asbestos particles as well as those who live near industrial plants or mines are at an increased risk.
Zeolites
Zeolites are microporous crystalline solids which are chemical similar to asbestos. Zeolites are widely used for the preparation of advanced materials and in nuclear reprocessing. Accoridng to clinical studies, it has proved that long term persistence of Zeolites (fibrous erionite) can lead to malignant mesothelioma. This will make zeolites a solid suspect in the formation of mesothelioma.
SV40
SV40 is a polyomavirus that is found in both monkeys and human, is also another risk factor of this fatal disease. Clinical findings suggest that experimental animals were developed mesothelioma when injected with SV40. Researches also showed that traces of SV40 have also found in the biopsy samples of mesothelioma patients.
According to some recent clinical research it has been discovered that ionizing radiation is another risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Radiation exposed individuals such as patients exposed to the diagnostic X-ray contrast medium "Thorotrast," or atomic energy workers chronically exposed to lower levels of radiation are at also at risk of developing this disease.
Smoking
Although smoking is not the direct cause of mesothelioma development, but studies show that smokers exposed to asbestos are much likely to develop the cancer than non smokers with the same exposure. It is probably due to those cigarettes that were sold earlier by P. Lorillard Tobacco Company, which contained asbestos in the filters. Each cigarette contained approximately 10mg of asbestos material, putting these smokers at high risk for developing life threatening disease.
Since mesothelioma is incurable, but taking some precautionary steps will reduce your risk of exposure to asbestos, thereby decreasing your risk for developing mesothelioma.
Author Bio:
Rachel Smith is a web enthusiast and professional webmaster of MesotheliomaResourceOnline. She loves to write about mesothelioma research findings that help people and their loved ones suffering from mesothelioma.
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