Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma.Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced cancers.Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).

Mesothelioma Lawyers - Exposure to asbestos has been linked to a deadly form of cancer known as mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or otherwise ingested, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen, where they may lead to a mesothelioma diagnosis. Although it can take up to 50 years after asbestos exposure to develop mesothelioma, patients may only live for a few short years after learning that they have the disease.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used as insulation or heat-resistant coating in many commercial and industrial products, including building insulation, shipbuilding, pipes and boilers, automotive parts and other products. Because of the link between asbestos and mesothelioma, the federal government has placed restrictions on how asbestos can be used. However, asbestos is still legal, and can still be commonly found in these and other products.