Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is contracted through exposure to a material known as asbestos.Asbestos is a material made up of minerals that have long, fibrous crystals. Asbestos became popular in the 1800s. Asbestos is resistant to chemicals, electricity and heat. It was mixed into cement and fabric had the material woven into it. Because it is resistant to heat, manufactures used it to make gaskets and brake shoes. Since it is a good insulator of electricity at high temperatures, it was often used in ovens and hotplates. Asbestos is strong and resistant to fire, so it was used in buildings for insulation, strength and flexibility. Since the 1980s, bans have been placed on the use of asbestos because it is incredibly toxic. Serious illnesses such as Mesothelioma can be caused from inhaling the fibers of asbestos.

Thousands of workers and their unsuspecting families have been exposed to asbestos. Since asbestos disease and Mesothelioma can take decades to show symptoms, many will not even know they are sick for several years in the future. Between the years of 1940 and 1970, more than twenty-seven people may have been exposed to asbestos at their place of work.

There are quite a few industries where individuals may have been exposed to asbestos. Mining, milling, manufacturing, and other industries all are at risk of exposing their employees to the hazardous material. An estimate of subtle asbestos uses total more than three thousand. Shipbuilding, construction as well as consumer manufacturing are some examples of the industries where the use of asbestos can be found. People who work in these and other such industries are at a hundred times greater risk than those who are exposed to environmental asbestos.

Cases of Mesothelioma have occurred in family members of the employees of places where asbestos was being used. The worker may bring home traces of the substance on their clothes, skin or in their hair. If the family member comes in contact with the substance, they are put at a risk of contracting Mesothelioma. It is best for the worker to find a place to shower and put on a change of clothes before returning home at the end of the day, to avoid exposing members of their family to asbestos.

Mesothelioma can take from fifteen to fifty years to begin showing symptoms. Anyone over the age of sixty-five should be tested regularly for Mesothelioma.