The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, followed by peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is exceptionally rare. The only known cause of mesothelioma is
exposure to asbestos, a mineral commonly used in insulating and fire retardant materials. Asbestos was widely used in
manufacturing and construction until 1972, when it was partially banned. However, asbestos continued to be used in many household products into the late 1970's, and in automotive brakes into the 1990's.
Mesothelioma can occur as the result of very low levels of exposure to asbestos fibers. It often takes several decades for signs of the disease to surface.
Symptoms Of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chronic cough, chest and back pain, and weight loss. Victims tend to be men ages 50 and up, though nearly anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can contract the disease. The disease is most common in industrial and construction workers, but can also result from household exposures. Many cases of mesothelioma have occurred in the children or wives of industrial workers, who have been exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on the clothing of the worker.
The relatively common occurrence of mesothelioma diagnoses in California can be explained by the state’s prominence as a center for ship building, ship repair, petroleum refining, building materials and construction. Unfortunately, asbestos was traditionally used in many components of both navy and commercial vessels. As a result, tens of thousands of workers in California have contracted asbestos diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Due to the prolonged latency period of
asbestos-related diseases, many people who were exposed to this deadly material moved on to other parts of the country only to discover later on that they contracted terminal mesothelioma while living and working in California. Even if you do not live in California but were exposed to asbestos serving in the military or from your job, we can help you.
