Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. In the United States, most cases of mesothelioma are related to asbestos exposure. There are several types of asbestos, but asbestos can broadly be described as a fibrous mineral that has been used in numerous industrial products. Some asbestos products include brake lining, insulation, and roofing materials. When workers use these products, they may be exposed to asbestos dust. Workers can breathe airborne asbestos fibers, which then become lodged in the lungs. These tiny fibers can work their way through the lungs and into the membrane surrounding the lungs. The asbestos fibers can irritate the mesothelium or peritoneum, eventually causing cancerous cells to develop.