Understanding Mesothelioma Risk Factors: Who Should Consider Early Screening
Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer, is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. While the latency period between exposure and diagnosis can be decades long, early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and extending survival rates. Understanding the risk factors associated with mesothelioma can help identify individuals who should consider early screening.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the body’s internal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the abdomen), pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the heart), and testicular mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the testes), though these are less common.
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
- Exposure to Asbestos: Asbestos exposure stands as the primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma. Asbestos was extensively utilized across industries like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing due to its remarkable heat-resistant and insulating properties. Additionally, asbestos found its way into the insulation of numerous older homes, as well as commercial and public buildings nationwide, including educational institutions. Encapsulated within building materials, these particles typically remain undisturbed, presenting a low risk of airborne exposure. However, should these particles become airborne, the risk of exposure can significantly escalate.
- Occupational Exposure: Individuals working in industries where asbestos exposure is prevalent are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. Secondary exposure through contact with asbestos-contaminated clothing or equipment can also pose a risk. Here are some occupations that are at the highest risk for asbestos exposure:
- Construction Workers: Construction workers are often exposed to asbestos during the renovation or demolition of older buildings where asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, roofing materials, flooring tiles, and cement products may be present. Cutting, sanding, or drilling these materials can release asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers at risk of inhaling them.
- Shipyard Workers: Shipyard workers face asbestos exposure primarily through the construction and repair of ships. Asbestos was commonly used in shipbuilding materials such as insulation, gaskets, valves, and boilers. As ships age and undergo maintenance or dismantling, asbestos fibers can become airborne, leading to inhalation exposure.
- Plumbers and Electricians: Plumbers and electricians may encounter asbestos in older homes and buildings when repairing or replacing piping, electrical wiring, or insulation. Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in these applications due to their heat resistance and durability.
- Firefighters: Firefighters are exposed to asbestos fibers when responding to fires in buildings containing asbestos materials. During firefighting activities, high temperatures can cause asbestos-containing materials to break down, releasing fibers into the air. Additionally, firefighters may encounter asbestos in older structures during rescue and recovery operations.
Mesothelioma is predominantly a disease of older individuals, with the majority of cases diagnosed in people over the age of 65. This age-related pattern is largely attributed to the long latency period associated with asbestos exposure. It often takes several decades for asbestos fibers to cause cellular damage and subsequent tumor formation, leading to the manifestation of mesothelioma symptoms later in life.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact us today at 412-471-3980 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
