Millions of workers have been exposed to asbestos, especially during the WWII era. Asbestos dust is a very dangerous and has been a major factor for the development of mesothelioma cancer. Because of how asbestos was being used in the early 20th century, men are 5 times more likely to be inflicted with mesothelioma than women. It is expected that the rates will increase up until year 2020 and then decrease from there. More than 80 percent of mesothelioma deaths do occur in men. Unfortunately mesothelioma symptoms may occur 50 years after exposure to asbestos and diagnosis is very difficult because the symptoms are representative of many other illnesses and cancers. By the time the disease is recognized, the prognosis is very poor, however today, with treatment, many survivors are living longer than in the past.

Asbestos inhalation or exposure is the main cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer. The fibers from asbestos that are breathed in or ingested causes inflammation of the lungs, organs, and other protective linings of the body and tissues that alter the function of the body which leads to further development. Asbestos products were widely used throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. These companies continued to manufacture these products even after they have been proven to be menacing and extremely dangerous to workers and their families. That is why there is a plethora of lawyers advertising their services for this deadly cancer. Many of these products were responsible for asbestos cancer experienced by individuals who have made and used by commercial, industrial, and military sites. Renovation and construction at home and in schools and other public institutions also raised areas with high risk of exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos cancer is more prevalent in military veterans that were brandished on ships, in shipyards, and around military bases. The warships where a lot of exposure occurred included submarines, battleships, air craft carriers, destroyers, and more. Commercial and industrial complexes such as power plants, refineries, car factories, steel mills and large construction sites put many workers in danger. Some of the jobs of workers at risk are plumbers, electricians, mechanics, carpenters, boiler room attendants, machinists, and more. Also, if another person lived with or near someone who had been regularly exposed to asbestos didn't wash their clothes were in danger of the second hand exposure to asbestos. Although rare, Navy veterans are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma. Veterans that think they have been exposed to asbestos,you should inform their doctor.