Asbestos lung cancer is medically referred to as mesothelioma, which is a form of lung cancer brought about by frequent unprotected exposure to the asbestos mineral. To date, there is no specific treatment for mesothelioma and current treatments have had poor results in clinical tests and studies.

The occurrence of asbestos lung cancer is more prevalent in male senior citizens who in their younger years worked in asbestos-related industries. In earlier years, asbestos was used extensively in various trades such as shipbuilding, construction, mining and the automotive industry. At the same time, there are thousands of products that contain asbestos such as floor tiles, textile products and paper products.

But due to the risk posed by exposure to asbestos, the United States has banned the use of the asbestos mineral in the production of various materials. The risk of contracting asbestos lung cancer depends on the extent of exposure and the kind of industry to which the individual works in. In some cases, only a small number of workers may develop mesothelioma.

Even finished products wherein asbestos has been bonded into like pipes, walls and tiles pose no risk to people provided that these are not smashed up or damaged by means of drilling or sawing. Once the material has been disturbed it releases asbestos fibers into the air that can easily be inhaled or swallowed by people. Asbestos fibers attack the respiratory tract and sometimes the digestive tract of the body that in time will develop into asbestos lung cancer.