Estimates are that 90% of all cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos. Research by the Mayo Clinic identified the cause of mesothelioma to be genetic mutation that causes the cells to become cancerous. Asbestos appears to have the capability of initiating this mutation.
Other causes of mesothelioma suggest that the Simian virus (SV40) is one cause of the disease. The SV40 virus was discovered when polio vaccines were being developed during the mid-1950s to early 1960. Some of the vaccines were contaminated with the SV40 virus.
Other cases are associated with patients who were injected with thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), once used in some x-ray tests. Thorium dioxide appears to increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.
But the majority of cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure in asbestos industry workplace, direct contact with people who worked there while they still had the fiber dust on their clothes, bodies or hair, or direct contact with their clothes as with people who did the worker’s laundry.
If you believe you have an asbestos-related claim, please contact Brown | Kiely, LLP, serving Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. to arrange an initial consultation.
