{"id":123,"date":"2017-05-08T21:39:30","date_gmt":"2017-05-09T01:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=123"},"modified":"2025-12-10T11:55:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T16:55:12","slug":"causes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/causes\/","title":{"rendered":"Mesothelioma Causes"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What Causes Mesothelioma?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>The only confirmed cause of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma cancer<\/a> is asbestos exposure<\/strong>. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of strong, microscopic fibers. It was commonly used in buildings, vehicles, and dozens of construction products from the 1930s to the early 1980s because it was cheap, durable, and resistant to fire, water, and sound.<\/p>\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/asbestos\/\">asbestos<\/a> fibers get inside the body, they can get stuck and cause long-term inflammation that leads to cancer. Makers of asbestos-based products knew the risks of exposure before the general public did, hiding the truth so that they could continue to profit.<\/p>\n<p>If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos is likely the cause. Because this cancer is preventable, you may be able to get compensation for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/\">treatment<\/a> from funds set up by the companies responsible.<\/p>\n<h3>Risk Factors for Mesothelioma from Asbestos<\/h3>\n<p>There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, but certain factors may put someone at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/risk-factors\/\">mesothelioma risk factors<\/a> include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Long-term asbestos exposure at work: <\/strong>You may be more likely to develop mesothelioma if you regularly worked near or handled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/products\/\">asbestos-based products<\/a>.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Family history: <\/strong>If someone you lived with developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you may also be at risk of secondhand exposure to asbestos fibers.<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Genetic mutation: <\/strong>According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a mutation in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/genetics\/bap1\/\">BAP1 gene<\/a> can increase the chances of developing mesothelioma after asbestos exposure. The mutation alone is not enough to cause mesothelioma without asbestos being involved, however.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can pursue medical care after a mesothelioma diagnosis and seek compensation from companies that used or made asbestos-containing goods without disclosing the dangers. Learn more with our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"causes\">How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?<\/h2>\n<p>People who worked with or around asbestos products can develop mesothelioma decades later. When someone breathes in or swallows asbestos fibers, they can get stuck in different parts of the body and cause mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>Asbestos fibers that stick to the lung lining (pleura) cause malignant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/\">pleural mesothelioma<\/a>, while fibers that reach the abdominal lining (peritoneum) cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/peritoneal\/\">peritoneal mesothelioma<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare type of this cancer that\u2019s caused by asbestos fibers irritating the lining of the heart (pericardium). Testicular mesothelioma is an even rarer type caused by fibers irritating the lining of the testes (tunica vaginalis).<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about how asbestos causes mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27239 size-full alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-does-asbestos-cause-mesothelioma.png\" alt=\"Infographic showing how asbestos causes mesothelioma\" width=\"624\" height=\"663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-does-asbestos-cause-mesothelioma.png 624w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-does-asbestos-cause-mesothelioma-282x300.png 282w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/how-does-asbestos-cause-mesothelioma-94x100.png 94w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px\" \/><\/p>\n<ol class=\"no-dots line-breaks\">\n<li><strong>Exposure:<\/strong> When asbestos products are disturbed through renovation or maintenance, microscopic fibers can get released into the air. People then breathe these fibers in or swallow them without even knowing it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fibers get trapped:<\/strong> These sharp, tiny fibers can get lodged in the delicate tissues around the lungs, abdomen, heart, or testicles.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cell damage:<\/strong> Over time, these fibers start to irritate and inflame the healthy cells in those tissues.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tumor growth:<\/strong> After many years or decades of this constant irritation, the asbestos fibers can damage the DNA of healthy cells. This damage can cause the cells to grow out of control and eventually lead to cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Asbestos exposure can also cause lung cancer, <a href=\"\/asbestosis\/\">asbestosis<\/a>, and many other conditions.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"exposure\">Types of Asbestos Exposure That Cause Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos-containing products, and exposure could occur in many ways. Those who served in the U.S. military or industrial occupations before the early 1980s are at a higher risk of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/asbestos\/exposure\/\">asbestos exposure<\/a>, along with their families or those who lived nearby.<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-shortcode-container\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.video-shortcode-container{margin:40px 0;background:#F3F2F0;border-radius:15px;overflow:hidden;max-width:605px;font-size:16px}.video-shortcode-container:first-child{margin-top:0}.video-shortcode-container:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.video-shortcode-container>.youtube-video-place{background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:center;border:1px solid #fff;height:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-bottom:55.77%;position:relative}.video-shortcode-container>.youtube-video-place iframe{height:100%;left:0;position:absolute;top:0;width:100%}.video-shortcode-container>.youtube-video-place 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ol>li{margin-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px}.video-shortcode-container .what-next ol>li:before{display:none}.video-shortcode-container .what-next ol>li::marker{font-weight:700;color:#fff}@media screen and (min-width: 550px){.what-next{font-size:18px}.what-next .header{font-size:24px}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.what-next{padding:50px 40px}.what-next .header{padding-bottom:35px;margin-bottom:50px}.what-next ol{column-count:2}.what-next ol>li{margin-bottom:25px}}<\/style><script defer type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/iframe_api\"><\/script><div class=\"what-next\" data-video-name=\"Causes of Mesothelioma\">\n\t\t\t        \t<div class=\"header\">\n\t\t\t        \t\t<strong>What would you like to do now?<\/strong>\n\t\t\t        \t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MH-logo.png\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Hope Logo\" class=\"no-lazyload\" \/>\n\t\t\t        \t<\/div><ol>\n<li><a href=\"\/video-library\/?cat=mesothelioma\">See More Mesothelioma Videos<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">Go to Mesothelioma Page<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/video-library\/\">Return to Video Library<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">Contact Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/video-library\/\">Connect with Nurse Jenna<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/simmons-hanly-conroy\/\">Connect with a Lawyer<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\t\t\t        <\/div><div id=\"oscar-video-16838\" class=\"youtube-video-place embed-wrap-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Causes of Mesothelioma Video Thumbnail\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mesothelioma-causes-MH-img-603x337.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" width=\"603\" height=\"337\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mesothelioma-causes-MH-img-603x337.jpg\" alt=\"Causes of Mesothelioma Video Thumbnail\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" width=\"603\" height=\"337\" \/><\/noscript><button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Youtube Video\" class=\"embed-play\" data-youtube-url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RMUGNAZsL8U\" data-embed-id=\"RMUGNAZsL8U\" data-video-category=\"mesothelioma\" data-ce-category=\"Video\" data-ce-label=\"Play Button of Causes of Mesothelioma\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Play Video<\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"under-video-text\"><p>Registered Nurse Amy Fair explains how exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. Call our team at <a href='tel:+18666088933'>(866) 608-8933<\/a> for help identifying the source of your asbestos exposure.\r\n <a href=\"#\" data-collapsed=\"true\" title=\"Click to read Causes of Mesothelioma transcript \" class=\"show-more\" data-ce-category=\"Video\" data-ce-label=\"Read Transcript of Causes of Mesothelioma\">View Transcript.<\/a><\/p><p class=\"duration\">Duration: <strong>1 min 06 sec<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"video-transcript\"><p><strong>What are the causes of mesothelioma?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Many times after being diagnosed with mesothelioma your physician may ask you if you have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a causative factor for mesothelioma. Some of the imaging studies may show underlying pleural plaques which are indicated that they have been around asbestos and may show underlying asbestosis.<\/p>\n<p>The risk factors for developing mesothelioma are working around asbestos-related products or being indirectly around those products such as secondhand exposures that are seen with wives that launder their loved ones&#8217; clothes and have asbestos dust on them. So direct asbestos exposure, as well as indirect asbestos exposure, can be causative factors for mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>If you have symptoms of mesothelioma or any asbestos-related disease, it\u2019s important that you inform your doctor of your asbestos exposure so that appropriate testing can be done.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"see-more-videos\"><a href=\"\/video-library\/?cat=mesothelioma\" data-ce-category=\"Video\" data-ce-label=\"See More - Causes of Mesothelioma\">See More Mesothelioma Videos<\/a><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@graph\": [{\"@type\": \"VideoObject\", \"name\": \"Causes of Mesothelioma\", \"uploadDate\": \"2021-04-09T00:00:00-04:00\", \"thumbnail\": \"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mesothelioma-causes-MH-img.jpg\", \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mesothelioma-causes-MH-img.jpg\", \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RMUGNAZsL8U\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RMUGNAZsL8U\", \"caption\": \"Registered Nurse Amy Fair explains how exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. Call our team at &lt;a href='tel:+18666088933'&gt;(866) 608-8933&lt;\/a&gt; for help identifying the source of your asbestos exposure.\r\n\", \"description\": \"Registered Nurse Amy Fair explains how exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. Call our team at &lt;a href='tel:+18666088933'&gt;(866) 608-8933&lt;\/a&gt; for help identifying the source of your asbestos exposure.\r\n\", \"transcript\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What are the causes of mesothelioma?&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Many times after being diagnosed with mesothelioma your physician may ask you if you have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a causative factor for mesothelioma. Some of the imaging studies may show underlying pleural plaques which are indicated that they have been around asbestos and may show underlying asbestosis.&lt;\/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The risk factors for developing mesothelioma are working around asbestos-related products or being indirectly around those products such as secondhand exposures that are seen with wives that launder their loved ones&amp;#8217; clothes and have asbestos dust on them. So direct asbestos exposure, as well as indirect asbestos exposure, can be causative factors for mesothelioma.&lt;\/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;If you have symptoms of mesothelioma or any asbestos-related disease, it\u2019s important that you inform your doctor of your asbestos exposure so that appropriate testing can be done.&lt;\/p&gt; \",\"publisher\" : {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/#organization\"}}, {\"@type\": \"MediaObject\", \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/mesothelioma-causes-MH-img.jpg\", \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RMUGNAZsL8U\", \"uploadDate\": \"2021-04-09T00:00:00-04:00\", \"duration\": \"T01M06S\", \"startTime\": \"0:00\", \"endTime\": \"1:06\"}]}<\/script><\/div>\n<h3>Occupational Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n<p>The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) reports that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/occupations\/\">occupational exposure<\/a> is the most common way people come in contact with asbestos. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 27 million employees were exposed to asbestos fibers in high-risk workplaces between 1940 and 1979.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Work sites with a high risk of asbestos exposure include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Automobile assembly plants<\/li>\n<li>Chemical plants<\/li>\n<li>Coal and asbestos mines<\/li>\n<li>Construction sites<\/li>\n<li>Mining sites<\/li>\n<li>Power plants<\/li>\n<li>Shipyards<\/li>\n<li>Steel mills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<p>Although many corporations stopped using asbestos in the 1980s after the dangers were widely publicized, the mineral has not been completely banned in the U.S. Additionally, many people continue to be exposed to asbestos in older construction.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cFrom a global oncology perspective, there&#8217;s an urgent need to advocate for an asbestos ban since this is the leading preventable cause of mesothelioma around the world.\u201d<br \/>\n<strong>\u2013 Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, mesothelioma specialist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Military Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n<p>The military heavily used asbestos to keep several types of structures flame-resistant and durable. Due to the large amounts of asbestos used by the military, 33% of mesothelioma patients today are <a href=\"\/veterans\/\">U.S. veterans<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The U.S. military used asbestos in:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Airplanes<\/li>\n<li>Bases and other buildings<\/li>\n<li>Ships<\/li>\n<li>Vehicles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The U.S. Navy used more asbestos than any other military branch. As a result, <a href=\"\/veterans\/navy\/\">U.S. Navy veterans<\/a> have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<h3>Secondary Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n<p>Individuals can also develop mesothelioma through <a href=\"\/asbestos\/exposure\/secondary\/\">secondary asbestos exposure<\/a>. Family members and friends may have been indirectly exposed if someone worked around asbestos regularly. For example, workers could carry asbestos fibers back home on their clothes, skin, and hair.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThere is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.\u201d<br \/>\n<strong>\u2013 National Cancer Institute<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Environmental Asbestos Exposure<\/h3>\n<p>According to the NCI, many people experience some level of asbestos exposure due to small amounts of fibers entering the air, water, and soil. This type of environmental exposure is very rarely a cause of mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>However, there are some places where asbestos exists in unusually high concentrations. For example, people living close to mines or asbestos deposits are at a greater risk of mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about how asbestos exposure occurs and get treatment for mesothelioma with our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong>. Order now and we&#8217;ll ship the guide overnight to you.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"preventing\">How to Prevent Asbestos Exposure &amp; Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Knowing the mesothelioma etiology, or the cause of this cancer, can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from it. While there is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/cure\/\">no known cure<\/a> for mesothelioma, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of asbestos exposure and catch the cancer early if it does develop, which means more treatment options and better chances of long-term survival.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Know the dangers.<\/strong> Determine whether you will come in contact with asbestos at your workplace or other areas you\u2019re frequently in. For example, some buildings still contain asbestos, which may pose a risk if the building is damaged or renovated. Being aware of the existence of asbestos can help you limit your risk of exposure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow safety regulations.<\/strong> If your job involves working around asbestos, follow all guidelines to reduce your exposure risk, such as wearing protective gear or avoiding certain products or tasks. Also, showering and changing clothes before leaving work can help protect your loved ones from secondary exposure.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take precautions at home.<\/strong> Many older homes, like those with popcorn ceilings, may still contain asbestos. This can lead to direct asbestos exposure and a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. If you have an older home, make sure to get it inspected. If the asbestos in your home poses a threat, consult a professional to have it removed. Never handle asbestos yourself.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Voice your concerns.<\/strong> Contact your employer or landlord if you are concerned about asbestos in the workplace or your home. They can contact an asbestos abatement specialist who can seal or remove the products to help keep you safe.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get regular check-ups.<\/strong> If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past, it\u2019s important to get regular physical exams with your doctor. This is especially important if you have any symptoms of mesothelioma, such as a chronic cough, trouble breathing, or digestive issues. Early detection may improve your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/\">mesothelioma prognosis<\/a> (health outlook) and help you get prompt treatment from a specialist.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"help\">Get Help for Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Millions of people were exposed to asbestos without knowing it could make them sick. Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products hid the truth about the toxic effects from the public.<\/p>\n<p>If you or a loved one developed mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, you may be owed compensation to help pay for treatment and other costs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our team can help you:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get an accurate diagnosis and treatment<\/li>\n<li>Determine how you were exposed to asbestos<\/li>\n<li>File claims for compensation from asbestos companies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Call us at <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a> or get our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma-guide\/\">Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/a> today to learn more.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Causes of Mesothelioma FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What are the main causes of mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>The only known mesothelioma cause is asbestos exposure. Many people were exposed to this mineral since it was widely used in buildings, construction materials, and hundreds of other products from the 1930s to the early 1980s.<\/p>\n<p>Old structures might still contain asbestos in the present day. Due to the long <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/latency-period\/\">latency period of mesothelioma<\/a>, it can take anywhere from 10-50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to develop after exposure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What causes mesothelioma other than asbestos?<\/h3><div><p><strong>There are no other confirmed causes of mesothelioma besides asbestos exposure.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Researchers have found that having an inherited BAP1 gene mutation may increase a person\u2019s risk if they come into contact with asbestos. However, if you or a family member has this mutation, it doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll automatically develop mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the most common cause of mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>At this time, it\u2019s believed that almost all mesothelioma cases stem from asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<p>Cancer research and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/clinical-trials\/\">clinical trials<\/a> are showing that some potential genetic factors can put people at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma after asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How much asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>There is generally no safe level of asbestos exposure. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), some victims have developed asbestos-related diseases after a single instance of exposure.<\/p>\n<p>That said, those at the greatest risk of mesothelioma were regularly exposed to asbestos over the course of several years, usually in the workplace or as part of their service in the military.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What should I do if I think I have mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you were exposed to asbestos and are showing symptoms of mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some common symptoms of mesothelioma include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Chest pain<\/li>\n<li>Shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Weight loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The only way to confirm you have mesothelioma is to get a biopsy. Getting an early diagnosis can help you access more mesothelioma treatment options before the cancer spreads to other internal organs. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/about\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a> for help finding a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What are the main causes of mesothelioma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;The only known mesothelioma cause is asbestos exposure. Many people were exposed to this mineral since it was widely used in buildings, construction materials, and hundreds of other products from the 1930s to the early 1980s.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Old structures might still contain asbestos in the present day. Due to the long latency period of mesothelioma, it can take anywhere from 10-50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to develop after exposure.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What causes mesothelioma other than asbestos?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;There are no other confirmed causes of mesothelioma besides asbestos exposure.&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Researchers have found that having an inherited BAP1 gene mutation may increase a person\u2019s risk if they come into contact with asbestos. 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Contact us for help finding a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}}]}<\/script><style type=\"text\/css\">.faq-wrap{background:#E4F4F6;padding:20px 15px;margin:40px -15px}.faq-wrap:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq{background:#fff;padding:15px;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:0px 20px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.03);margin:15px 0 0 0}.faq-wrap .faq:first-child{margin-top:0}.faq-wrap .faq .faq-heading{color:#100134;font-size:21px;margin-bottom:15px}.faq-wrap .faq p{margin-bottom:20px;line-height:1.5}.faq-wrap .faq p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more{color:#248AFF;display:block;padding-right:17px;text-align:right;position:relative;line-height:1}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited{color:#248AFF}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:visited:hover,.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:hover{color:#34d}.faq-wrap .faq .learn-more:after{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e905\";position:absolute;right:0;top:3px}h2.faq-wrap-heading{margin-bottom:25px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.faq-wrap{padding:25px 15px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.faq-wrap{border-radius:10px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:25px}.faq-wrap .faq{padding:25px}.faq-heading{font-size:24px}}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Causes Mesothelioma? The only confirmed cause of mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of strong, microscopic fibers. It was commonly used in buildings, vehicles, and dozens of construction products from the 1930s to the early 1980s because it was cheap, durable, and resistant to fire, water, and&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":18360,"parent":17,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-123","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/123","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=123"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/123\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}