In taking a social history in a patient with lung disease, which occupations would raise your index of suspicion for mesothelioma?
Any occupation that increases a person’s risk of exposure to asbestos would increase their risk of developing mesothelioma. Examples of these occupations include the following: shipyard workers or seamen, construction workers (especially those working in demolition), plasterers, electricians, automobile workers, insulators, and plumbers. Family members of these individuals may also be at higher risk due to possibility of asbestos fibers brought home on worker’s clothing, skin, and hair. The latency period for mesothelioma is approximately 35 to 40 years and possibly as long as 50 years. Therefore these patients typically present as men between the ages of 60 and 70 who have worked in a high-risk profession. The EPA banned any manufacturing of products that were new uses for asbestos. However, products adhering to historical uses of asbestos may still be produced. Furthermore, asbestos is still prevalent in older construction.