Other Possible Risk Factors
Radiation
There are some reports of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma occurring after exposure to thorium dioxide (Thorotrast). Thorium dioxide was used by medical practitioners for some x-ray examinations. Thorotrast was found to cause cancers and so has not been in use for years.
Zeolite
Zeolite is a silicate mineral that is chemically connected to asbestos and can be found commonally in the ground in Anatol, Turkey. The higher than expected incidence of mesothelioma there and so Zeolite is being examined as a potential cause.
Simian Virus 40 (SV40)
Researchers have spotted Simian Virus 40 in mesothelioma cells which, when placed in animals, has induced mesothelioma. Simian Virus 40 has shown up in Polio vaccines given out during 1955 - 1961. Additional research is needed to identify the reason for the link.
Tobacco
Smoking is not directly linked with mesothelioma but asbestos workers who smoke have been found to have 50-90 times higher risk of lung cancer.
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