Additional Risk Factors

Other risk factors that may cause malignant mesothelioma include:

• Radiation: Some mesothelioma patients with no traceable history of asbestos exposure do share a history of radiation exposure. Around 45 cases of mesothelioma following radiation therapy have been reported and discussed in medical literature.
• Nonasbestos Mineral Fibers: A few nonasbestos mineral fibers have been linked to malignant mesothelioma, such as erionite and taconite.
• Simian Virus 40: Originating in the rhesus monkey and contaminating millions of polio vaccines administered in the 1950s and ’60s, simian virus 40 has been linked to malignant mesothelioma and several other malignancies.

Additional risk factors that are not as well-researched in medical literature include chronic inflammation, chest injuries, genetics and organic chemicals.

It should be noted that cancer doctors and research scientists know that smoking does not cause mesothelioma, but it can aggravate other asbestos-related conditions (such as asbestosis) and compromises the body’s ability to fight the biological effects of asbestos fibers. Additionally, asbestos exposure and smoking has a synergistic affect that can increase a person's risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 84 times or more. For this reason, those who have been exposed to asbestos are highly advised not to smoke.

For those who would like to learn more, extensive information about mesothelioma and treatment options are available to patients and their family members by filling out this form or calling 800-615-2270 and speaking with an educated patient and family advocate.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Castleman, B. Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects. Aspen Publishers: New York. 2005.
3. Webster, P. White Dust Black Death. Trafford: Canada. 2005.
4. Robinson, Bruce W. S.; Musk, Arthur W.; Lake, Richard A.. Lancet, 7/30/2005, Vol. 366 Issue 9483, p397-408.
5. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PUB/DOCS/SECTION28/89.pdf