Pleural Mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer but is not uncommon in people exposed to asbestos. These men and women have a risk of more than 1,000 times higher to develop mesothelial than anyone not exposed. The risk doubles when the person exposed to asbestos is a smoker because tobacco stimulates macrophages that have an important role in the development of mesothelioma.
Exposure
Exposure to asbestos can be direct or indirect. Direct exposure occurs when an individual comes in contact with asbestos fibers, for example:
- People who work in asbestos mines
- Construction workers
- Restaurateurs
- Boat builders
- Scrap dealers and mechanics who deal with brakes and clutches on vehicles
Indirect exposure occurs when people:
- Come in contact indirectly with asbestos (for example, they live or spend time in buildings that have asbestos-used elements: pipes, roofs, etc.)
- Are in contact with people exposed directly to asbestos, for example, family members or