In rare cases, individuals develop mesothelioma without any obvious asbestos or erionite exposure. The cause in such cases is unknown (idiopathic or spontaneous mesothelioma). In such cases, it is possible that individuals experienced unknown exposure to asbestos or erionite.
Are there any causes of mesothelioma other than asbestos?
- There are no other proven causes of mesothelioma. Researchers continue to investigate other potential causes and risk factors such as exposure to the SV40 virus or minerals that resemble asbestos. Mesothelioma was virtually unknown until the 20th century. Mesothelioma incidence rates rose as industries expanded the use of asbestos.
Is asbestos the only cause of mesothelioma?
- Asbestos exposure is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. Most people diagnosed with the disease worked jobs that required them to handle asbestos-containing products. There are no other proven causes of mesothelioma.
What causes mesothelioma other than asbestos?
- Being exposed to asbestos at work.
- Living with someone who works with asbestos.
- Living or working in a building where materials that contain asbestos have been disturbed.
- Living in an area with natural asbestos deposits or asbestos mines or factories.
Does everyone exposed to asbestos get mesothelioma?
- There is a dose-response relationship between asbestos and the development of mesothelioma, which means your risk of getting the cancer increases with every exposure. However, not everyone exposed to large amounts of asbestos will develop the disease. Research shows approximately 8% to 13% of asbestos workers eventually develop mesothelioma.