What causes mesothelioma?
The exact cause of mesothelioma is not known. However, working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos had been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, insulation, brake linings, roof shingles, textiles, and flooring products. Small asbestos particles can float in the air and may be inhaled or swallowed, causing serious health problems. A history of asbestos exposure is reported in approximately 75 percent of all cases of mesothelioma. There have been a small number of reported cases in individuals with no known asbestos exposure. Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passages in the lungs.