Unusual Causes of Mesothelioma:
Mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen that is generally caused by exposure to asbestos, whether through work, natural exposure, or second-hand exposure. Asbestos is a fire-resistant mineral that can be pulled into fibers and was commonly used in building products and in clothing as a fire retardant. Today, the use of asbestos is greatly restricted in the United States due to its toxicity and the fact that it causes cancer and other lung diseases.After the U.S. implemented strict regulations on the use of asbestos in the workplace, scientists expected mesothelioma to gradually disappear. However, that hasn’t happened. In fact, more than 3,000 people in the U.S. are still diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. Most diagnoses are related to asbestos exposure but mesothelioma can also occur from causes more rare than asbestos exposure. Let’s take a look at some of these rare causes of mesothelioma.
- Erionite
Erionite is a fibrous mineral that is often found in volcanic ash that has been altered by weathering and ground water. When the material is disturbed, it generates air or water-born fibers with health risks similar to asbestos. Until recently, there weren’t many health concerns related to erionite because the risk of exposure was considered low. In more recent years, however, cases of erionite-related mesothelioma have begun to appear. Because there aren’t yet any regulatory or consensus standards about acceptable limits of exposure to erionite, this can be particularly dangerous. Much still needs to be learned about this before a scientific consensus can be reached.
- Talc
Cosmetic talcum powder has been used for decades, but more recently we have discovered that inhalation of talc can lead to lung fibrosis, ovarian cancer, gynecological tumors, and mesothelioma. Talc is a mineral in clay mined from underground. Asbestos is also found underground and deposits of asbestos can streak through talc deposits, leading to contamination of the talc. Asbestos is unsafe in any amount, but it may be present in small amounts in talc used in talcum powder and many cosmetics, including children’s cosmetics.In fact, Johnson and Johnson is facing more than 12,000 lawsuits related to asbestos exposure from their products containing talc. Media investigations have revealed that the talc manufacturer has been concerned about possible asbestos contamination in their products for decades.
- Radiation Exposure
In rare cases, radiation exposure can also cause mesothelioma. For example, if a patient has undergone radiation therapy for lymphoma, the risk of developing mesothelioma increases. Radiation exposure accounts for a very small number of mesothelioma cases, far less than one percent.If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO, or contact us here.
