What puts someone at risk for developing Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a tumor that can be benign or malignant. Those at highest risk for developing mesothelioma are those that have been exposed to asbestos. Exposure does not have to be significant. Occupations that put people at risk for asbestos exposure include, but are not limited to: miners, shipyard workers, insulators, factory workers, railroad workers and manufacturers of gas masks. Family members of those working around asbestos are also at risk for developing mesothelioma, as they exposure to asbestos as well. Asbestos particles often remain on the body and clothing of the exposed worker, therefore those family members around the worker can ingest the asbestos dust and become exposed. Those involved in laundering clothes of the asbestos-exposed worker, also become at risk for developing mesothelioma. Tobacco is not an independent risk factor for developing mesothelioma; however, tobacco plus asbestos exposure significantly increases ones risk for developing mesothelioma.