Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma affects the lining which protects the body’s vital organs and is almost invariably fatal. New treatments are in the offing which do show some promise, so someday there may be a treatment for this particular form of cancer. Mesothelioma prevention however, is quite simple in theory: do not inhale asbestos.

Most victims of mesothelioma were exposed on the job; at one time the material was used in a variety of industries, most notable the ventilation and automotive manufacturing industries. The process of manufacturing would often involve asbestos being cut, which led to particles of asbestos dust in the air. These particles were then inhaled by the workers, and to a lesser extent their families who would be exposed to the asbestos dust on their family member’s clothing. Asbestos was also heavily used in construction up to the 1970, when it was used as insulation.