What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that can be caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. When asbestos is disturbed, the asbestos fibres float in the air like dust and are inhaled by people in the area. The fibres work their way to the lining in the lungs (the pleura). The irritation of the pleura damages the lung and can cause genetic mutations which can eventually lead to the growth of cancer.
Mesothelioma is most common with workers in the construction industry such as laggers, joiners, pipe fitters and demolition workers to name a few. It can also be caused by secondary exposure i.e a wife who washes her husband’s work clothes which are covered in asbestos dust. The development of mesothelioma can take years to fully develop following exposure.
