What is asbestos?

The main risk factor for developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. The term asbestos refers to a family of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. In the past, asbestos was used widely for insulation because it does not conduct heat well and is resistant to burning. As the link between asbestos and mesothelioma has become more well known, the use of this material has decreased. However, up to 8 million Americans may already have been exposed to asbestos. Although asbestos has not been used in construction since approximately 1975, the products already in place present a danger to individuals involved in repair work and the demolition of structures containing asbestos products.

It is possible that asbestos causes cancer by physically irritating cells rather than by a chemical effect. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, the long, thin fibers may reach the ends of the small airways and penetrate into the pleural lining of the lung and chest wall. These fibers may then directly injure mesothelial cells of the pleura, and eventually cause mesothelioma.

People exposed to asbestos at an early age, for a long period of time, are most likely to develop this cancer. Mesothelioma, however, takes a very long time to develop. The time between exposure and diagnosis of mesothelioma is usually between 20 and 40 years.

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