A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Prolonged exposure to asbestos through a job, or during a building demolition or remodel, significantly increases your chances of getting asbestos cancer. Asbestos exposure is reported in over 90% of all mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos was widely used in a multitude of commercial products, including:
- Insulation
- Floor tiles
- Door gaskets
- Roofing
- Patching compounds
- Iron board covers
- Brake pads
The majority of mesothelioma cases are men who were exposed to asbestos in a jobsite . While the incidences of cases in men are declining slightly, the incidences in women have remained steady. This would suggest that women are in contact with asbestos through their spouses work clothing, or from products in the home, rather than directly from time spent in a work place.
Occupations at risk for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma include:
- Construction Workers
- Auto mechanics
- Building engineers
- Railroad workers
- Shipyard employees
- Navy sailors
- HVAC workers
Additionally, studies have shown that family members of people exposed to asbestos are also at risk. Asbestos fibers can be carried home on clothing, putting the family at risk of breathing in and coming into contact with the fibers.
