The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. About three quarters of cases occur in those who have worked with asbestos. The higher rate of exposure to asbestos and the longer you are exposed increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. There are now tight regulations governing the amount of asbestos exposure for workers.
A vast amount of research has happened recently to prove the link between asbestos and mesothelioma. The link was first investigated in South Africa as early as the 1960′s by J C Wagner.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals. The fibers of asbestos are strong and can be woven and are a particularly good fire retardant. Asbestos has been used since the late 19th century, although exposure increased significantly after World War II. This was particularly the case with Navy workers. Asbestos has been used products such as flooring and roofing products, insulation and cement. Asbestos particles floating in the air, which are invisible to the naked eye, can be inhaled or swallowed which is what can cause health problems including:
Mesothelioma
Lung cancer
Asbestosis
Other forms of cancer
Many people are now going through lawyers to seek compensation for contracting Mesothelioma through exposure to asbestos in the workplace.