Mesothelioma Risk Factors

The risk factors for malignant mesothelioma
Risk factor is when the possibility of contracting a particular disease increases tremendously as in the case of mesothelioma risk.
It has been found various cancers have different risk factors like in the case of skin cancer exposure of the skin to strong sunlight is the risk factor whereas in lung cancer, smoking is the risk factor. Likewise asbestos exposure becomes a risk factor for mesothelioma. It should be understand here that having a risk factor does not indicate that you are definitely going to get the disease.
Asbestos as risk factor
In about 75-85%, the main cause for the disease is exposure to asbestos.
During the period of 1900s to 1960s, this material was used widely in different types of industries. Through the World War II era, scores of workers were exposed to asbestos. Owing to the exposure in industries, the various health problems caused due to asbestos started becoming evident in 1999 leading to a decisive association.
Asbestos is a form of fibrous mineral made of silicate and was used extensively in various industries like construction, insulation, sound proofing, roofing, fireproofing, floor tiles, etc. As more and more people were exposed to this fibrous mineral, cases of a deadly cancerous disease, mesothelioma became common.
Statistics indicate the over 8 million Americans who have already been exposed are under this risk. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicate that about 733,000 schools and public buildings in the country today consists of asbestos insulation and about 10% to 15% schools have asbestos insulation.
Apart from this people prone such as miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers, railroad workers, ship builders, gas mask manufacturers, construction workers and those involved with installing insulation.
Studies also indicate that family members are also exposed to asbestos and are with this kind of risk.
The extent of exposure varies with the type of industry in which the employee is working. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no safe extent.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set up standards or Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc) for a weighted average of 8 hour time. The best option is to reduce or complete stop asbestos exposure in workplace. If exposed, the employees should wear safety gear to protect themselves.
Cases of mesothelioma among men has shown tremendous drop as industries have stopped using asbestos whereas cases of this disease remains steady among women. This indicates that they are exposed to asbestos due to its presence in the environment either at work or at home. Study undertaken at California show that people are prone to mesothelioma risk due to asbestos being present in mountains naturally.
This risk does not reduce with time after exposure; it tends to be lifelong and undiminished.