What are the common risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?
The most prevalent risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Individuals who work around asbestos are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Individuals who live with a person who works around asbestos may also have an increased risk because of asbestos dust being transferred from the work environment to the home environment through clothing and hair.
While tobacco use is not directly related to mesothelioma, individuals who smoke and are also exposed to asbestos have a greater chance of developing lung disease than non-smokers who are not exposed to asbestos.
Infection with simian virus 40 (SV40) may increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. The virus was inadvertently introduced into some of the polio vaccine during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Study findings about SV40 and a possible link to cancer are conflicting; consequently, further research needs to be conducted before concluding that a connection exists between the two.