Causes of Mesothelioma & Other Risk Factors
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue covering most internal organs, most commonly the lining of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). The disease is almost always linked to asbestos exposure, but it is not the only factor that can raise a person’s risk. Understanding the causes and contributing risk factors can help Missouri residents recognize potential exposures and discuss their history with a doctor.
How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that were widely used in construction, manufacturing, and automotive products for much of the 20th century. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibers become airborne. If inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can become lodged in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Over time, the fibers cause chronic inflammation and scarring, which can damage the DNA of nearby cells and eventually lead to cancer.
Mesothelioma has a long latency period, typically taking 20 to 50 years after exposure to develop. This means a person exposed in the 1970s or 1980s may only receive a diagnosis today.
Occupational Exposure
Workplace exposure is the most common route. Occupations with higher risk include:
- Construction and demolition workers
- Shipyard workers and Navy veterans
- Insulation installers and pipefitters
- Auto mechanics who worked on brakes and clutches
- Electricians, plumbers, and roofers
- Factory workers in plants that made asbestos-containing products
In Missouri, industrial centers such as St. Louis and Kansas City historically hosted manufacturing plants, power stations, and rail yards where asbestos was common. Workers in these settings may have encountered asbestos in boilers, piping, cement, and fireproofing materials.
Secondary (Take-Home) Exposure
Family members of asbestos workers can also be exposed. Before workplace safety rules were strengthened, workers often carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, hair, and tools. Spouses who laundered contaminated work clothes and children who hugged a parent after a shift could inhale the fibers. This type of secondary exposure has been documented in many mesothelioma cases and remains a concern for older homes and workwear.
Environmental and Community Exposure
Some people are exposed without ever working directly with asbestos. Natural asbestos deposits exist in certain regions, and construction, mining, or excavation can release fibers into the air. Additionally, communities near former asbestos-processing or waste sites may face higher risk. Missouri has areas with naturally occurring asbestos and a history of industrial sites where asbestos was used or disposed of, making environmental exposure a legitimate concern for some residents.
Other Risk Factors
While asbestos is the primary cause, several other factors may increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma:
- Erionite: A mineral similar to asbestos found in some rock formations. It has been linked to mesothelioma in certain regions and can be encountered in gravel or road materials.
- Radiation exposure: Prior radiation therapy to the chest or abdomen for other cancers has been associated with a small increase in mesothelioma risk.
- Genetics: A family history of mesothelioma or inherited mutations, such as in the BAP1 gene, may make some people more susceptible to the effects of asbestos.
- Age and gender: Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in older adults, and men are affected more frequently, largely because of higher historical rates of occupational exposure.
- Simian virus 40 (SV40): Some studies have suggested a possible link between this virus and mesothelioma, though the evidence is not conclusive and the topic remains under research.
What Missouri Residents Should Know
Because mesothelioma develops decades after exposure, many Missouri residents may not connect their current symptoms to past jobs or environmental conditions. Anyone who worked in older buildings, industrial facilities, or with vintage automotive parts, or who lived with someone who did, should mention that history to their healthcare provider. Early discussion of exposure history can help guide monitoring and medical decision-making.
This information is provided for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about past asbestos exposure or symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath, consult a qualified healthcare provider.
This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney or physician about your specific situation.
