What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The overwhelming majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral once widely used in construction, manufacturing, and the military.
In most cases, this exposure did not happen recently. It often occurred decades ago, sometimes when victims were young adults starting their careers, serving in the military, or even attending schools where asbestos was present. Because mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years to develop, many people are diagnosed long after the initial exposure.
How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made of tiny, durable fibers that are resistant to heat and corrosion. While these qualities made it valuable for industrial use, they also made it dangerous to human health.
When asbestos materials are disturbed during construction, repairs, manufacturing, or demolition, microscopic fibers are released into the air. Once inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can:
- Become lodged in the protective lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium)
- Cause chronic inflammation and scarring over time
- Lead to cellular damage and genetic mutations that can develop into cancer
Because these fibers remain in the body permanently, the damage accumulates slowly, which is why mesothelioma usually develops decades after exposure.
Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure
While asbestos use has been restricted in the United States since the late 20th century, millions of people were exposed before safety regulations were enforced. Our clients often encountered asbestos in:
- Workplaces such as shipyards, construction sites, factories, power plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities
- The military, especially Navy veterans who worked in engine rooms, boiler rooms, or on ships where asbestos was widely used for insulation
- Public buildings such as schools, courthouses, and other older structures built before the 1980s where asbestos was present in insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring
- Secondary exposure from family members who handled dusty work clothes worn by asbestos workers
Determining the Source of Your Exposure
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, one of the most important steps in your legal case is identifying where and how you were exposed to asbestos. The more asbestos products and manufacturers we can link to your exposure, the more opportunities we have to recover compensation from multiple sources.
Our law firm focuses on:
- Historical research using detailed asbestos product databases to identify materials used in specific industries, job sites, and time periods
- Local knowledge through partnerships with trusted law firms that know which asbestos products were used in specific regions
- Comprehensive investigation of your employment history, military service, and possible secondary exposures to uncover every potential source
- This approach strengthens your case and helps maximize the total compensation available to you and your family.
Why Identifying Multiple Products Matters
Mesothelioma cases often involve more than one asbestos product or manufacturer. If we can prove exposure to multiple products, we can pursue claims against several defendants and potentially multiple asbestos trust funds. This increases the likelihood of:
- Larger overall compensation
- Faster partial settlements from some defendants while other claims are still being pursued
- Greater financial security for medical care and your family’s future
Take the Next Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve answers and fair compensation. At MesotheliomaAttorney.com, we have decades of experience uncovering asbestos exposure sources and holding companies accountable.
Call us today at 855-680-0452 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your case, investigate every possible exposure source, and fight to secure the maximum compensation available to you and your family.
