Are There Any Other Causes of Mesothelioma?

Cancer doctors and research scientists have not been able to directly prove any other causes of mesothelioma other than asbestos exposure. They do know, however, that smoking can aggravate a less serious asbestos-related disease, such as asbestosis, and prompt the formation of tumors and the onset of mesothelioma. Additionally, asbestos exposure and smoking has a synergistic affect that can increase a person's risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 84 times or more. For this reason, those who have been exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are highly advised not to smoke.

Sources:

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2. Castleman, B. Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects. Aspen Publishers: New York. 2005.
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4. Robinson, Bruce W. S.; Musk, Arthur W.; Lake, Richard A.. Lancet, 7/30/2005, Vol. 366 Issue 9483, p397-408.
5. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PUB/DOCS/SECTION28/89.pdf