What is mesothelioma?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Asbestos exposure is by far the leading cause of malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). In 1999, 2,485 deaths were recorded with malignant mesothelioma listed as an underlying or contributing cause. Of these, 1,773 deaths were classified as unspecified. The highest malignant mesothelioma mortality rates occurred in Alaska and Maine. Men accounted for 80.3 percent of the deaths from malignant mesothelioma, and white U.S. residents accounted for 94.8 percent of these deaths. Industrial and miscellaneous chemicals had the highest proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) for malignant mesothelioma among the industries. Occupations with the PMRs were plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters; electricians; and elementary school teachers."

What is asbestos?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "'Asbestos' is a generic name given to a fibrous variety of six naturally occurring minerals that have been used for decades in thousands of commercial products. The term "asbestos" is not a mineralogical definition but a commercial name given to a group of minerals that possess high tensile strength, flexibility, resistance to chemical and thermal degradation, and electrical resistance. These minerals have been used in many products, including insulation and fireproofing materials, automotive brakes and textile products, and cement and wallboard materials.

"The asbestos minerals have a tendency to separate into microscopic-size particles that can remain in the air and are easily inhaled. Persons occupationally exposed to asbestos have developed several types of life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer. Although the use of asbestos and asbestos products has dramatically decreased, they are still found in many residential and commercial settings and continue to pose a health risk to workers and others."