Possible Causes of Mesothelioma

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

What exactly is asbestos? It's a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral known for its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties, was utilised in a large number of products during 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 possess one cause above all other causes: asbestos.

What's 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 question is can a virus, such as SV40 cause the cancer mesothelioma? Based on a study done by the Cancer Research Center of the University of Hawaii found that SV40 is present in some people with malignant mesothelioma. In this study they injected SV40 virus into laboratory hamsters, 60 percent of which developed the disease and died of mesothelioma. Though scientists aren't ready 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 well known 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 exposure to asbestos had already done irreparable damage to those exposed to asbestos. Asbestos has also been used in other widely-sold tobacco products over the years as well, including rolling papers and pipe tobaccos, making a link between the use of tobacco and mesothelioma.

Zeolites are a class of naturally occurring crystalline mineral substances composed primarily of aluminum and silicon which can also be produced artificially. This substance is not toxic in nature; however, it can form tiny fiber like structures much like asbestos. Due to this fact, it has lead some medical researchers to conclude that there's a link between zeolites and mesothelioma. Zeolites are used in all kinds 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 remains possible to get mesothelioma without being exposed to these causes.

However, if you have mesothelioma and suspect your exposure to any of the five causes discussed it is important to contact a mesothelioma attorney. Mesothelioma lawyers can assist you determine whether legal action is warranted and whether you may be entitled to financial compensation.

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