Am I at risk for mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with only 2,300 cases diagnosed in 2000, in the United States. It is eight times more common in men, which is due in most part to work-related exposure to asbestos. Risk also increases with age. The biggest risk factor for developing the disease is exposure to asbestos, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of all cases. Asbestos has been used in many products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Particles can be released from these products, particularly during the manufacturing process, and inhaled. Prior to knowing the dangers, asbestos miners and other workers exposed to asbestos worked without wearing any protection. Since the 1970's, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure and requires protective equipment in the workplace. Family members of people who worked with asbestos were also exposed to the toxin when it was carried home on clothing and hair, putting them at increased risk for mesothelioma. It takes 20 to 40 years from the time of asbestos exposure until mesothelioma is detected. This exposure was usually over a period of time, but has been reported to be as little as one or two months of exposure. Smoking does not seem to increase the risk of developing the disease.

The incidence of mesothelioma in Western Europe is much higher, with 5,000 new cases in 2000. This is because maximal exposure to asbestos in Europe occurred around 1970, whereas the maximum exposure in the U.S. was from the 1930s to 60s. It is expected that rates in the U.S. should begin to decline, whereas rates in Europe are expected to plateau in 2018 before declining.