Possible Causes Of Mesothelioma

The five main causes attributed towards the cancer called Mesothelioma are: asbestos exposure, radiation, simian virus, tobacco use, and zeolite.

What is asbestos? It's a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral known for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, was used in thousands of products in the 20th century, including construction materials, machinery, automobiles, and consumer goods. Use of asbestos was banned in the early 1980s; however many companies made and sold this product right up until the ban. Malignant Mesothelioma has been validated by the scientific community to have one cause above all other causes: asbestos.

Radiation, like ionizing radiation, which consists of energetic forms of light, X-rays, and gamma rays are all used in the diagnosis of disease. However, a recent study has shown that such radiation can trigger mesothelioma in some people.

What is the Simian Virus? The abbreviation for Simian Virus is SV40. It's a polymavirus that is a DNA virus that can cause tumors, but often persists as a latent infection. The query is can a virus, like SV40 cause the cancer mesothelioma? According to a study done by the Cancer Research Center of the University of Hawaii found that SV40 is present in some people with malignant mesothelioma. During this study they injected SV40 virus into laboratory hamsters, 60 percent of which developed the disease and died of mesothelioma. Though scientists are not able to state that SV40 directly causes mesothelioma, they are willing to say that it may trigger cancer in people whose immune system are week.

It's a recognized proven fact that extended tobacco use could cause cancer. However, can it cause mesothelioma? Starting in 1952, the P. Lorillard Tobacco Company sold filter cigarettes under the Kent brand. These filters contained micronite which has 10mg of asbestos in each filter. Five years later, the group dumped the use of micronite filters; however, the contact with asbestos had already done irreparable damage to those exposed to asbestos. Asbestos has also been used in other widely-sold tobacco products through the years as well, including rolling papers and in pipe tobaccos, creating a link between the usage of tobacco and mesothelioma.

Zeolites are a category of naturally occurring crystalline mineral substances composed primarily of aluminum and silicon which can also be produced artificially. This substance isn't toxic in nature; however, it can form tiny fiber like structures similar to asbestos. Due to this truth, it's lead some medical researchers to conclude that there is a link between zeolites and mesothelioma. Zeolites are used in a wide variety of industries in the United States, especially the petroleum, plastics, and chemical industries and associated fields. Zeolite miners and processors are also regularly exposed to the substance.

Though these are five possible causes of mesothelioma, it is still possible to get mesothelioma without being exposed to these causes. However, if you have mesothelioma and suspect your contact with any of the five causes discussed it is important to contact a mesothelioma attorney. Mesothelioma lawyers can help you identify whether legal action is warranted and whether you might be entitled to financial compensation.