Mesothelioma cancer develops
after exposure to asbestos, which most often occurs in the workplace – in
industrial settings, shipyards, auto repair shops, old houses, schools and
public buildings. It usually takes long-term exposure to put someone at risk,
asbestos is highly toxic. Even short-term and one-time exposures are known to
cause mesothelioma cancer.
Microscopic asbestos fibers are
breathed in or swallowed. The human body has difficulty destroying or getting
rid of these fibers. Over decades, the fibers cause biological changes that
result in inflammation, scarring and genetic damage. The most susceptible area
to these fibers is the lining of the lungs, called the pleura, although fibers
also can become trapped in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Once fibers cause biological damage, the stage is set for the decades-long
latency period for the development of malignant mesothelioma.