A new study from BMJ Case Reports delivers possibly worrisome news about the potential link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, According to the report, asbestos exposure in any amount can put people at risk for mesothelioma.

The study indicated that people at risk for mesothelioma include people who had been exposed to asbestos only for just a small period of time, or were exposed to a small amount of the mineral, not just people who were exposed to a lot of asbestos over a long period of time are at risk.

According to BMJ, this discovery is a contrast to the previously held belief that asbestos exposure had to be higher to put a person at risk for mesothelioma. 

The study was reportedly a case study, examining the case of a patient who was only exposed to asbestos for a short amount of time. The research indicated that the patient developed pleural mesothelioma from this exposure.

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that develops in the membrane lining internal organs. In some cases, it can develop in the lining of the lungs. Such may be the case when a person is exposed to asbestos, says BMJ.

Mayo Clinic explains that when mesothelioma affects the tissue around the lungs, or the pleura, mesothelioma is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure may be linked to mesothelioma, as well as other cancers like lung cancer and cancer elsewhere in the chest cavity.

Though the BMJ study indicates that exposure to even a small amount of asbestos may lead to mesothelioma, those who are exposed to a higher amount are at a higher risk. 

People who may be at particular risk for asbestos-related mesothelioma include those people who work with or near asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in construction and building through the 20th century, and is still used in some cases today, though its use has become more limited as concern for its health risks has increased.

Asbestos is a naturally-mined mineral that was used in construction and building because its long fibers make it durable and resistant to heat. Because it was used so readily, the mineral may be present in many structures and buildings.

Happily, many asbestos-containing materials are not dangerous unless they are disturbed in some way, explains Oregon State University Environmental Health and Safety. Many building materials like asbestos tiles may not be dangerous, but if they deteriorate or are damaged, they may be more likely to release asbestos fibers. If asbestos is crumbled apart, its fibers can be released into the air and breathed in, which may be linked to health problems, says Oregon State.

After the fibers are breathed in, in some cases they may make their way to a person’s lungs, possibly putting them at risk for mesothelioma. Oregon State says that in some cases, asbestos fibers can be removed from the nose and throat when they are breathed in. In other cases, it is not possible to remove them, particularly if they are breathed into the lungs.