https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZNPn_7vKjg Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the protective lining of organs. It affects the pleura (the lining of the lungs) as well as the peritoneum and the pericardium. Mesothelioma is mostly caused by asbestos exposure. It typically takes decades to develop after exposure, especially when exposure was prolonged. People exposed to asbestos may have carried asbestos fibres home on their clothes. Risk Factors Asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. It is a cancer of the mesothelium that covers and protects the organs within the body. Mesothelioma is linked to a variety of risk factors, such as the type of occupation, location and family history. Mesothelioma symptoms typically manifest decades after exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos causes changes in the DNA of a person. The cells begin to become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. The mutated cell can then expand to other parts of the body. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in the lungs and chest wall. However, it can also be found in the testicles, heart abdomen, and other organs. There are many types of asbestos. Different types have distinct risk levels. For example, chrysotile asbestos is generally less harmful than amphibole asbestos. Even even if asbestos is less harmful however, mesothelioma risk is still higher for those who are exposed. Some people develop mesothelioma after just a few minutes of exposure to asbestos or with no direct contact. This is called indirect or secondary exposure. Examples include having someone with whom you worked expose you to asbestos through their clothing or other materials, working in a structure constructed with asbestos and then leaving the building, and inhaling asbestos fibers in the air. Certain industries are the most at risk of developing mesothelioma. These include construction, shipbuilding and the energy sector. Workers could be exposed to asbestos during the manu