Asbestos and MesotheliomaAsbestos is the primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Asbestos-related exposure can cause people to develop mesothelioma after the mineral's fibers cut into their body's protective tissues.The asbestos fibers can be embedded in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum) or in the membrane which surrounds the testes (pericardium). Mesothelioma can also be contracted by people who have been exposed to asbestos.Asbestos miningInhaling asbestos fibres is the main way that people become exposed to mesothelioma. These microscopic fibres irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura) and other organs, and could cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis. Symptoms typically appear between 15 and 30 years after the first exposure.Mining asbestos is an inherently hazardous job. The mines are often located in remote locations, and the asbestos is usually buried deep underground making it difficult to get access. Heavy machinery, fires and explosions and toxic chemicals can also cause injuries to workers.Miners who work with asbestos are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than those who do not, due to their increased levels of exposure. The asbestos can remain in the workplace after mining for a long period of time, and miners could bring the fibers home with them on their clothing. This can lead to exposure to family members who are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.The most popular type of asbestos is chrysotile, which is utilized in a variety of types of construction materials. It is a strong and flexible mineral with good electrical and fire-resistant properties. It is also a powerful insulation. In the United States, asbestos was widely used up until the 1980s, when it was banned from the majority of products.The people who mine asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma. However, they also are exposed to it while working in other industries. Many asbestos-related illnesses are linked to a combination of factors. For example, smoking and certain genetic mutations increase the risk of mesothelioma.Some people who work with asbestos are at risk of developing other forms of mesothelioma like peritoneal and pericardial. The peritoneal, pericardial and pleura linings are all covered by mesothelial cell. Exposure to asbestos can cause the cells to grow abnormally, and eventually lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may also affect the skin, causing swelling and itching. It can also cause pleural effusions which is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. This can make breathing difficult and uncomfortable. Chest pain is the most common sign.Asbestos manufacturingThe cancerous mesothelioma affects the mesothelium that covers the organs of the chest and abdomen. It is linked to asbestos exposure. Most mesothelioma sufferers are affected by asbestos exposure in industrial sites like asbestos mines and manufacturing facilities. However what causes mesothelioma lung cancer like smoking, or a history of mesothelioma can also increase your risk.When asbestos is disturbed, loose fibres are made airborne and may be inhaled or inhaled. The fibres then can irritate the mesothelium and cause genetic mutations that cause cancer. The signs of mesothelioma can not be evident until as long as 50 years after initial exposure.The most popular asbestos type that can cause mesothelioma, is chrysotile. This durable and fire-resistant substance was extensively used in construction from the 1940s to the 1970s. Asbestos was commonly used in roofing and wall materials, pipes, insulation and other. When these materials were used workers were exposed to many asbestos particles that could easily be breathed in.Asbestos producers concealed the dangers of asbestos from their employees and public. Workers in asbestos mines, mills, or factories that contained asbestos were exposed to asbestos-related dangers without knowing about them. They were at risk not just of mesothelioma but also other asbestos-related illnesses.Workers in jobs which were close to asbestos also had a risk of secondary exposure, such as those who brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes. For instance barbers and ceramics are known to bring asbestos home on their footwear, clothing and other equipment. The families of these workers were also at risk of mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos fibers.Anyone in any profession who were exposed to asbestos are at risk for mesothelioma, and the majority of mesothelioma patients are military veterans. The extensive use of asbestos by the military is believed to be due to the requirement for ships, aircraft, and barracks that were built quickly in order to prepare for the wars where veterans served. Veterans were also often transferred from one location to another and could have been exposed to asbestos in various places.Asbestos insulationAsbestos is a class of fibrous minerals that occur naturally in tiny bundles of fibers. It was used in the past as an insulator, and also in construction materials. It is resistant to fire and corrosion. It is also used to create parts for clutches and brakes ceiling and floor tiles, asbestos cement textiles, and a variety of other products. If a person breathes in fibers of asbestos, they can lodge in the lungs and other organs. The fibers can lead to serious ailments, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.Construction workers were at a higher risk of exposure to asbestos than other workers. This is due to the fact that they handle and apply insulation. Insulators were required to cut and sand the insulation material, which exposed them to the mineral. They also had to move it when they had to do other jobs in the same location, which caused asbestos fibers to be airborne.Insulators were at a higher risk of being exposed to asbestos, since the insulation they used was typically asbestos-containing. It is not uncommon for asbestos-containing insulation from the past to be removed in order to do other work on a home or building. When the insulation of this older building is disturbed it releases dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. When insulators inhale or swallow these harmful fibers they may suffer from asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma which can develop in the lung lining and other organs.Mesothelioma, a rare cancer, affects the thin lung lining and the chest. It can also affect the abdominal cavity. It could take up to 30 years after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to manifest. The signs of the disease are fluid accumulation around the lungs and chest pain.A family history of mesothelioma increases the risk of developing this type of cancer. They could be at risk if have been exposed to asbestos fibers on the clothing, skin or hair of relatives of someone who has mesothelioma. They are also at risk of bringing asbestos fibers home on their clothes and shoes, which could put other members of the household at risk.Asbestos roofingAsbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that occur as tiny fibers that form bundles. It was extensively employed in the construction and other industries because of its fire retardant and corrosion-resistant properties. Asbestos fibres inhalation can cause serious health problems like lung cancer and mesothelioma. These illnesses typically take 15 to 30 years to develop from the first exposure.If exposed to air, asbestos particles break down into microscopically thin fibers that are easily inhaled. These fibres can travel deep into the lungs where they are lodged and cause scar tissue known as fibrosis. The fibrosis may hinder breathing, causing complications like chest pain, persistent cough, and difficulty swallowing. It can also cause an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusions).Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of organs. It is most common in the abdominal cavity and the lungs but it can also affect the heart, testicles and the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can develop 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. It is possible to contract this type of cancer even if you've been exposed to a small amount of asbestos.Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, especially if shingles or roofing comprise asbestos cement asbestos insulation, asbestos insulation or asbestos-containing paints. Other asbestos-containing products were often used, including:While most people who have been exposed to low levels of asbestos do not get sick It is important to consult an expert if you're experiencing any symptoms that may be due to asbestos. The best way to test for mesothelioma is to perform a biopsy, which is performed under local anesthesia, and requires only one small amount of tissue. The biopsy is sent to a laboratory where it will be examined for mesothelioma. The results of the biopsy will then be reviewed by a specialist to determine whether or not mesothelioma is present.