Risk Factors of Mesothelioma: Radiation
While
asbestos exposure is far and away the most common cause of most forms of mesothelioma cancer, there have been other substances that have also been linked conclusively as a cause of the deadly disease. In fact, a substance that was used in the presence of doctors throughout half of the 1900s has since been taken out of use after it was found to be a deadly carcinogen.
For much of the first half of the 20th century, thorotrast - or thorium dioxide – was a radioactive substance that was commonly used for to provide a contrast when undergoing an x-ray. However, by the 1950s, enough medical studies had been published that established a firm link between the substance and cancer, especially malignant mesothelioma. As a result, use of the substance was discontinued.
However, because of the long latency period of 50+ years, some individuals who may have been exposed to the radioactive substance may still only be developing the first symptoms of malignant mesothelioma now.
According to Scorecard.com, an online resource that provides information about toxic chemicals and pollution information, thorium dioxide has been recognized as a carcinogen in P65 – which is a list of chemicals that have been found to cause cancer according to California’s Proposition 65. Additionally, a number of studies have also led to suspicion that it is also a gastrointestinal or liver intoxicant.
In most cases, thorotrast has been found to cause peritoneal mesothelioma, or a cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen that supports the organs in the abdominal cavity and lets them move against each other smoothly. In other cases, the radioactive substance has also been linked as a cause of liver cancer as well.
For those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, determining the cause of the illness may open the door for a lawsuit. While exposure to thorotrast may not provide many legal options, a diagnosis that is linked to
asbestos exposure caused by a former employer may lead to a large
mesothelioma settlement in some cases. Contact a
mesothelioma attorney if you or a loved one have any legal questions regarding what steps should be taken to pursue a lawsuit and monetary settlement.