Mesothelioma is a disease caused by asbestos exposure. It is a type of cancer that typically develops in the abdomen or chest cavity, near the lungs. It is known for being aggressive, having a high fatality rate and having a long latency period.
But what if you were exposed to asbestos just one time? For instance, perhaps a building in your area was being demolished, and workers discovered asbestos insulation around the pipes. You and others in the neighborhood were exposed during the demolition. Or maybe you were doing home renovations yourself and uncovered asbestos in old building materials. Could you develop mesothelioma after just one incident?
Your risk will always be higher
Yes, any exposure to asbestos could theoretically lead to mesothelioma because there is no safe level of exposure. The disease develops when asbestos particles are inhaled or ingested, and these microscopic fibers become trapped in your tissues. Over decades, even a single asbestos particle lodged in your lungs could lead to mesothelioma. From there, the cancer can spread throughout your body.
That said, researchers point out that prolonged exposure is more dangerous than a single incident. This is why workers who were regularly exposed to asbestos before its dangers were widely understood are at the highest risk. For instance, those who worked in shipyards or on construction crews often handled asbestos-containing materials daily, sometimes for years or even decades.
However, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and these microscopic particles always pose an invisible threat. If you have developed mesothelioma or related diseases, make sure you understand all the legal options available to you.