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What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for
mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is
reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases.
However, mesothelioma has been reported in some
individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur
naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can
be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has
been widely used in many industrial products, including
cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products,
textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles
float in the air, especially during the manufacturing
process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause
serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma,
exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer,
asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and
other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of
mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and
asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's
risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the
lung.
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Sources of National Cancer Institute Information
Mesothilioma, Mesotheliema,Mesothiliema,Mesotheleoma
Mesosthelioma, Masesthilioma information: |