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What are Common Mesothelioma Risk Factors?

Mesothelioma is a dangerous health issue that affects many people. The risks are significant, however, there are ways to lessen them. Mesothelioma is a very specific type of cancer. It is a form of cancer that occurs in the layer of tissue that covers most of the body’s internal organs, which is called the mesothelium.

Mesothelioma is very aggressive and dangerous. Treatments are available, but in many cases, there is no available cure. It is typically divided into different categories based on what part of the mesothelium is affected. Most commonly, it affects the pleura, which is the tissue surrounding the lungs. This is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. More rare types exist. These typically affect tissues in the abdomen, which is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It can also present in the tissues around the heart and the testicles.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

The most common factors that lead to mesothelioma include:

Smoking: A leading cause of many forms of cancer, smoking is a significant contributor to mesothelioma.

Radiation Exposure: Radiation has been shown to do a great deal of damage to the human body. Radiation has been shown to cause cancer and other ailments, including mesothelioma.

Genetic Factors: Some people are born with a disadvantage. It is possible that one person may be genetically predisposed to be at greater risk for mesothelioma than someone else.

Asbestos Exposure: This is one of the biggest factors in the United States. In fact 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma patients were previously exposed to asbestos.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos has a long history of use in construction and other applications, and it is a naturally occurring mineral. Asbestos is composed of a series of flexible and soft fibers. The structural makeup led to it being used in a variety of industrial processes. Some of the most useful aspects of asbestos is its durability and resistance to other forces and contaminants. The fibers are resistant to electricity, heat, and corrosion, which helped it to become very popular in many industrial uses. Over the decades, however, the dangers of asbestos have become more known, limiting its use.

Asbestos was highly used for many years in a variety of products due to its effectiveness as an insulator. The negative side of this is that the widespread use meant extended contact with asbestos for many people. When asbestos dust is inhaled, toxins can become permanently trapped, leading to serious health problems much later in life.

Common Forms of Asbestos Contamination

Asbestos is commonly found in older homes and other structures. It was commonly used in ceiling and floor tiles and pipe fittings. Construction and remodeling in older homes can be dangerous because pulling out or disrupting old installations can stir up dust that can cause health problems when it is inhaled. This dust could include a variety of potential toxins, however, asbestos is a large risk. Outside of dust inhalation, asbestos can cause water contamination. Not only is there a risk from asbestos use in pipe fittings, but small amounts of asbestos are commonly found in community drinking water.

Radiation Exposure and Mesothelioma

Radiation exposure can cause a variety of health issues. Exposure to radiation can occur in various settings and for different reasons. The root of the exposure could be occupational, environmental, or even medical. People who live or work in an area what they are frequently in contact with radiation are at an increased risk for developing mesothelioma. Radiation treatment for other forms of cancer can result in the onset of the disease as well.

Smoking Risks for Mesothelioma

Smoking is a hazardous activity. It increases the risk of various forms of cancer. Recreational smoking significantly increases mesothelioma risk.

Occupational Risk Factors

Occupational factors can be significant in contributing to mesothelioma risk. Most commonly, work environments that subject workers to radiation contamination or asbestos inhalation are strongly linked to cancer, especially mesothelioma. Many construction-related occupations have been impacted in the past by asbestos side effects. This is less common since the material is not used in new constructions the same as it was in the past. Firefighters have a strong risk because of the dangerous work they perform. Entering into a burning building is dangerous for a variety of reasons, but older structures can lead to asbestos exposure.

What Should I Do After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

Victims of mesothelioma have many questions. It is common to ask about liability after a diagnosis. Liability questions arise when it comes to toxic substances or environments. For questions about liability or gaining compensation, the best option is to consult a knowledgeable lawyer.

Georgetown Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Mesothelioma Victims Get Compensation for Medical Care

Mesothelioma takes a serious toll on your health. Treatment can be very expensive and extremely challenging for most patients; this is why it is so important to receive compensation. If you have recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact a Georgetown mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Complete our online form or call us at 302-656-5445 for a free consultation. Located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.