Cause 9: Tobacco Smoking
It’s no secret that tobacco smoking is linked to a plethora of health conditions. The toxins released with every puff attack the body, paving the way for numerous ailments. While smoking itself isn’t a direct cause of mesothelioma, it significantly amplifies the risk, especially in individuals exposed to other risk factors.
Smoking on its own doesn’t cause mesothelioma. However, for those exposed to asbestos, smoking can dramatically increase the risk. Why? Well, asbestos fibers trapped in the lungs can cause significant irritation and damage. Add to this the damaging effects of smoking, and you’re looking at an environment ripe for malignant transformation.
Cilia are tiny hair-like structures lining our respiratory tract, playing a pivotal role in keeping it clean. Tobacco smoke weakens and paralyzes these cilia. This impairment means that asbestos fibers and other irritants aren’t efficiently expelled, increasing the duration of their harmful presence in the lungs.
While the dangers of smoking, especially in conjunction with asbestos exposure, are clear, there’s a silver lining. Studies suggest that quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases, even after asbestos exposure. The human body’s resilience is remarkable, and it begins repairing itself almost immediately after one quits smoking. (9)
