Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), heart (pericardium) and / or stomach (peritoneum). It is a rare disease with the primary known cause: exposure to asbestos.

People most at risk for developing mesothelioma include workers whose jobs directly exposed them to asbestos fibers:

• Navy and Shipyard workers
• Asbestos mining and mill workers
• Employess involved in the manufacture of asbestos-containing products

Tradesmen, who were exposed to asbestos indirectly- such as being present on a job site while asbestos-containing materials were being installed, are also at risk:

• Heating , ventilation and air conditioning trades-people
• Construction workers

Family and friends of these workers may also be at risk due to what is called "household exposure." There are numerous cases of spouses and children of workers who develop mesothelioma as a result of "second-hand" exposure to asbestos through their husband or a parent who worked with or around products containing asbestos.