What is Mesothelioma?

A mineral with fibrous crystalline structures that has been mined and used by humans for thousands of years for its pliability, strength and insulative qualities. Often referred to as the ‘Hidden Killer’, asbestos fibres are 200 times thinner than human hair and have no taste or smell.

Asbestos was nationally banned in Australia in 2003. Australia has one of the highest incidence rates of mesothelioma in the world, with 642 new cases reported to the Australian Mesothelioma Registry in 2020. This is an unfortunate consequence of the booming asbestos mining industry and widespread use of asbestos-containing products in the last century.^2,3

Occupational exposure primarily happens in a workplace setting. People who worked with the raw material or with asbestos-containing products are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, therefore people who are exposed to the natural dust in the ground, live near old asbestos mines or exposed at home are at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Household members of people working with asbestos containing products can be exposed. This includes the partners, children and siblings who for example washed the dust covered clothing of workers or cleaned workspaces that has resulted in exposure to asbestos/dust fibres and have developed mesothelioma.

There is a growing body of evidence that more people are being diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of non-occupational exposure to asbestos fibres and dust during DIY home renovations and demolitions. Most homes built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos products. This applies also to farm and rural properties.