mesothelioma caused by
Sunday, June 14th, 2009
There are several risk factors that are related to the development of mesothelioma. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos fibers. Exposure to this substance injurious can significantly influence the development of this cancer. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and snuff.
1-Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos is the major risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material composed of magnesium silicate minerals – fibers. It was very popular among builders and contractors for many years due to its low conductivity thermal resistance to melting and burning.
Because researchers have identified growing links between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, the material is now less used. Before this discovery, however, millions of Americans already been exposed to this harmful substance. More than 700,000 schools and buildings in the U.S. today contain asbestos insulation as reported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Exposure to Asbestos can also occur through other ways. Asbestos is often found in shipyards, factories, railways and construction sites. Blue collar workers are most at risk of developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure and include those who work in mines, factories, shipyards, construction, rail and insulation manufacturers and the manufacturers of the gas mask.
Occupations commonly affected are the miners, workers, railway workers, shipbuilders and construction workers – especially those who install insulation containing asbestos. Sometimes members family in relation to workers is secondary to exposure to asbestos dust and fibers brought home the clothing of workers and also run the risk of contracting mesothelioma. Serpentine and amphibole asbestos fibers are the 2 main types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a serpentine fiber and the most common. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers, however, are generally straight and thin and usually are one of the five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. The type of amphibole crocidolite also known as "blue asbestos" is believed to be the major contributor to cancer caused by asbestos.
2 - Smoking.
Risk of mesothelioma is increased greatly in smokers who are former About the Author:
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Mesothelioma Causes-5 Deadly Risk Factors Unveiled
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