How to Determine Your Family's Mesothelioma Risk

When determining mesothelioma risk, it is necessary to go far back in your family history. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take anywhere from 20-50 years after initial exposure to asbestos to become apparent.

Things You Will Need

• Paper
• pen or pencil

Step 1 Write down a list of every person you have ever lived with. Individuals who have lived with anyone exposed to asbestos have a higher mesothelioma risk.
Step 2 Write down the jobs the individuals had. Place a check mark next to their names if they ever held a job installing or uninstalling insulation, worked as an electrician, worked in construction, automotive industry, railroad industry, built ships, were in the Navy or handled fire retardant. They could have carried asbestos home on their work clothes, exposing everyone in the home and increasing everyone's mesothelioma risk.
Step 3 Make a list of every home you have ever lived in or older commercial and public building you ever spent time in. Buildings that were constructed before the mid 1980s should be check marked. Even though the use of asbestos in manufacturing building supplies was outlawed in 1978, contractors were allowed to use up their inventories of asbestos containing supplies. If there was any type of remodeling done or insulation exposed in any way, make another special note of this fact as it will increase mesothelioma risk.