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Mesothelioma Cancer Resources
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Causes of
Mesothelioma
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In the majority of mesothelioma cases, the cause is
linked to exposure to asbestos. There is a known link
between asbestos and lung disease, but the link with
mesothelioma has only recently been discovered.
The number of mesothelioma cases in the UK is expected
to rapidly increase each year over the next 20 to 25
years due to the use of asbestos during the years
following World War II, and its current common use in
industry.
Approximately 75% of people who are diagnosed with
mesothelioma say they have been exposed to asbestos. If
exposed to large amounts of asbestos at an early age for
long periods of time, you are highly at risk. However,
some people diagnosed with mesothelioma say they have
not been exposed to any high concentration of asbestos.
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Other Causes of
Mesothelioma
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RADIATION
Both types of mesothelioma, pleural and peritoneal, have
been known to develop after exposure to a type of
radiation called thorium dioxide, also known as
Thorotast. Thorium dioxide was used in some x-ray tests
until the 1950's.
OTHER CHEMICALS
A mineral called Zeolite, commonly found in Turkey, may
cause mesothelioma.
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