What increases the chances that a person will get mesothelioma?

Asbestos is often found in ship yards, manufacturing facilities, railway facilities and construction sites. Blue collar workers, who work in these asbestos related industries, are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure. The occupations most widely affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders, gas mask manufacturers and construction workers - especially those who install asbestos containing insulation. Family members related to the workers also become at risk for mesothelioma due to second hand exposure to asbestos from the dust and fibers that are brought home by the workers.