Mesothelioma is a particularly rare, aggressive, and deadly form of cancer that is typically found in individuals who have experienced an environmental exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous silicate mineral that can be found in several forms, including chrysotile and tremolite asbestos, though, all varieties of the material are currently listed as known carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) by the U.S. government.

Researchers have shown that microscopic, airborne asbestos fibers, once inhaled, become permanently embedded in the lining of the lungs where they can be the single contributing cause of malignant diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis (severe scarring of the lungs leading to serious respiratory problems), and lung cancer.