Exposure & Risk Factors
Causes of Mesothelioma: Exposure to Asbestos and Risk Factors
Tennessee is home to hundreds of people who have developed mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Due to several major industrial operations that have historically relied on asbestos use, Tennessee workers are among the hardest hit by mesothelioma in our state. The paper and pulp industries, electrical power operators, utilities companies, and construction firms in Tennessee have posed the greatest occupational risks of asbestos exposure to workers.
Historically, asbestos—a naturally occurring fiber—has been used extensively in many industries because of its heat resistant, insulating and other desirable properties. For decades, the use of this material was unabated. In the last 30 years, as the effects of asbestos have become undeniable, industries have begun to limit their use of this carcinogenic material.
However, the risks of exposure to asbestos have been known for over 100 years. Industries continued to use this material, posing serious risks to the health of their workers, because it was monetarily advantageous for them to do so.
Industrial operators who are responsible for exposing workers and others to asbestos can be held liable for the losses suffered by those who develop mesothelioma, even if they do not know of their disease for decades following exposure.
How asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma
Asbestos is extremely toxic to virtually all systems of the body. However, the chest areas (including the heart and lungs) and the abdominal cavity are at greatest risk for serious asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma. These areas are most prone to asbestos related ailments because when asbestos fibers are released in the air, they can be unknowingly ingested or inhaled by people in the environment.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lining of the lung or heart cavities where they can eventually spur the development of mesothelioma. When ingested, asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lining of the abdominal cavity, where they can also cause mesothelioma cancer.
Risk factors for mesothelioma
While workers exposed to asbestos on the job are the greatest at-risk population for mesothelioma, others are also at risk. For example, the family members of those who work with asbestos may be exposed to these toxic fibers when the worker unknowingly brings home asbestos on their person or belongings. The following factors also increase the risk of mesothelioma:
- Long-term exposure to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to asbestos for long periods of time, even in smaller quantities, are at a greater risk for developing mesothelioma.
- High levels of asbestos exposure. Conversely, those who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos in a short period of time are also more likely to develop mesothelioma. (Workers at the World Trade Center in New York City, for example, may have been exposed to high doses of asbestos over a short period of time)
- Men. Men appear to be three times more likely to develop mesothelioma than women, perhaps because the occupations.
If you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos on the job or in another environment, it is a good idea to speak with your doctor about the risks of mesothelioma or other asbestos related diseases. It is important to know that the symptoms of mesothelioma may not develop for years or even decades following exposure to asbestos. This means that you may not know asbestos has caused you harm.
Because many companies and even the government continued to expose workers and citizens to asbestos despite knowledge of the risks, these entities can be held liable when people suffer asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. Please see our legal resources page to learn more.
