Risk Factors for Mesothelioma, That Increase Your Risk of Developing Mesothelioma
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma – Asbestos is a carcinogen that has been employed in many industrial settings for decades. When asbestos fibers are ingested, they can lodge in the mesothelium of the pleura, the membrane enclosing the lungs and other organs.
Over time, asbestos exposure can cause malignant growths known as mesothelioma, which damages the lung tissue’s protective layers most frequently. However, not all asbestos-exposed individuals get this condition.
In fact, only 2% of asbestos-exposed individuals will develop malignant mesothelioma; nevertheless, there are factors that can raise your risk.
Long-Term Asbestos Exposure
Long-term asbestos exposure is one of the most significant risk factors for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous substance made up of microscopic, thin threads. Although it has numerous beneficial features, it has the potential to cause health issues. Due to its resistance to heat, fire, water, and chemicals, asbestos was once widely utilized.
Asbestos was utilized in numerous industrial items, including insulation and roofing, in buildings and ships, and as a soundproofing agent and tacky glue, due to these qualities. Asbestos can cause health problems, however it is not considered an acute health issue.
Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, may only be acquired by prolonged asbestos exposure. As a result, mesothelioma is frequently a work-related illness associated with persistent asbestos exposure. Determining your risk of acquiring mesothelioma can be improved by knowing the length of time you were exposed to asbestos.
Genetic Predisposition
The genetic makeup of an individual may also raise their risk for acquiring mesothelioma. Approximately 15% of all mesothelioma cases are attributed to inherited genetic factors, according to studies.
Certain gene alterations, including BAP1, EGF-R, and BRAF-KIT, are associated with the development of mesothelioma. In fact, those who inherit one of these mutations have a higher risk of getting mesothelioma, even if they are only exposed to modest levels of asbestos.
This shows that individuals with a genetic predisposition are more sensitive to the carcinogenic effects of asbestos, meaning they may become ill from asbestos exposure at lower levels than the rest of the population.
Occupational Exposure
As stated previously, asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, although not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will acquire this disease. Therefore, what factors increase the likelihood of having mesothelioma? One of these factors is occupational asbestos exposure.
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While it is impossible to determine the exact amount of asbestos exposure that causes mesothelioma, research indicates that a specific level of asbestos is required. For instance, among persons who worked in building demolition and asbestos removal, the risk of mesothelioma was higher among those exposed to asbestos for more than 10 years.
Others in industries extensively contaminated with asbestos, such as insulation workers, are at an even greater risk of acquiring mesothelioma.
Smoking History
An further modifiable risk factor is your smoking history, which can raise your risk of getting mesothelioma. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which is increased by the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Smoking is believed to increase the risk of getting mesothelioma because it induces the accumulation of cancer-causing substances in the lungs.
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Additionally, smoking destroys lung cells, resulting in inflammation and an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, quitting smoking can help to lessen your risk of developing mesothelioma.
However, quitting smoking later in life may not be enough to minimize your risk, as smoking can harm the lungs for many years. Those who quit smoking after asbestos exposure may nevertheless have a higher chance of getting mesothelioma than those who have never smoked.
Other Risk Variables
Other risk factors that may contribute to the development of mesothelioma include exposure to other harmful substances, frequent exposure to severe temperatures, and extreme physical stress.
Other harmful substances, such as benzene, enhance the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. People who are exposed to intense temperatures, such as those who work in a furnace, are more likely to acquire pleural mesothelioma.
It has been demonstrated that extreme physical stress, such as repeatedly moving large objects, increases the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a fatal disease induced by exposure to asbestos. Even while asbestos is not an immediate health hazard, long-term exposure can create health problems. If you were exposed to asbestos, there’s no reason to panic.
By learning how long you were exposed to asbestos, your genetic risk, and your employment exposure, as well as preventing further exposure, you can lower your risk of developing this dreadful disease.
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