Six types of minerals that are naturally-occurring make up what is known as asbestos, a tough, fibrous product that was prolifically used in construction materials, mechanical parts, and consumer goods for most of the twentieth century.

Asbestos ─ the cause of mesothelioma cancer ─ is still present in many older buildings, part and parcel of the insulation and other construction products once used in erecting them.

Although great strides have been made in removing asbestos from existing buildings and most consumer products including materials for new construction, mesothelioma cancer will likely continue to be diagnosed for some time.

This is because of the difficulty in determining the presence of asbestos and the latency period between exposure and the development of the disease which can span up to five decades.

According to www.pleuralmesothelioma.com, the presence of asbestos cannot be detected easily. The fibers can’t be seen without the aid of a laboratory microscope, and they have no noticeable smell or taste.

The down side of this fact is that breathable fibers may be present in some of the buildings we still do business in, if an asbestos abatement process has not been specifically undertaken.

Secondly, mesothelioma cancer can take years to develop after initial exposure. According to www.asbestos.com, swelling, tissue and genetic damage from fibers lodged in the mesothelium ─ the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen ─ can take between 15 and 50 years to trigger the development of a malignant tumor or mesothelioma cancer. This is known as a latency period.

Serpentine Asbestos and Mesothelioma Cancer

Serpentine asbestos fibers when examined under a microscope are long and curly. This is made up of one mineral, chrysotile.

This type of asbestos is the most flexible and thus was the most used in products worldwide during the height of asbestos usage. It was this type of asbestos that has led to more instances of mesothelioma cancer.

According to www.pleuralmesothelioma.com, the other type of asbestos fibers are known as amphibole fibers which resemble rods or needles under a microscope. Amphibole fibers are made up of the other five minerals in the group of six: amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite.

Exposure to this type of asbestos is rare and more than likely from natural earthly deposits. Theoretically, because of their needle-like nature, they would be more dangerous if this type of asbestos had been used commercially.

The Types of Mesothelioma Cancer

According to www.asbestos.com, there are three types of mesothelium tissues that are likely sites for the development of mesothelioma cancer: pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial.

The mesothelium is an epithelial lining and it exists around the lungs or pleura, the organs of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum, and the heart or pericardial.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, we encourage you to consult one of our expert mesothelioma lawyers to determine the best course of action. You may be able to get compensation to help you pay medical bills, replace lost income, and help secure your and your family’s future.