While asbestos exposure among children and teenagers is rare, mesotheliomas can have serious effects on young people as they grow. Most children exposed to the toxic mineral experienced secondary exposure from a parent, environmental exposure (usually in their home or school), or direct exposure from an asbestos-containing toy. Symptoms of potential mesotheliomas can include trouble breathing, chest pain, and unexpected weight loss. Testing is required to diagnose any health problems.
Mesothelioma can take years, or even decades, to develop. In most cases, mesothelioma occurs more often in adults and seniors. However, around five percent of mesothelioma cases involve children or teenagers.
When an adult develops mesothelioma, it’s usually due to asbestos exposure in the workplace. For children, the cause is more difficult to pinpoint. Generally, children don’t have a history of asbestos exposure. Researchers have been looking for other potential causes of the disease in relation to children and young adults, but it’s a complex subject to investigate.
One possible way a child may develop mesothelioma is through indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. Secondary exposure can be just as dangerous as direct exposure. While first-hand exposure usually occurs in the workplace or surrounding environment, secondhand exposure happens when a close family member or friend comes into contact with someone with the fibers on their hair, skin, or clothes. Asbestos tends to cling to materials and surfaces, making it easily transferable.
The toxic mineral is now more widely dispersed in the environment due to human use. It’s also found in deposits underground. If these environments are disturbed and asbestos fibers are released, the toxin can affect people nearby. For example, people who live or work near an active construction site have a higher chance of exposure.
| Asbestos Source | Location in the Environment |
|---|---|
| Airborne fibers from the disruption of building materials | Indoor air |
| Construction, deterioration, and disposal of asbestos products and materials | Outdoor air and settled dust |
| Release of fibers from brake linings or crushed asbestos-filled rock used in road construction | Street dust |
| Cast-off mine and mill tailings, asbestos cement pipe, the disintegration of other asbestos-containing materials moved by rainwater, erosion of natural land sources | Drinking water |
| Weathering of asbestos-filled rock, the release of fibers from a disruption in mining and milling | Outdoor air and settled dust |
EWG Action Fund discovered traces of asbestos in children’s crayons and toy crime lab kits. In 2017, national retail chains Claire’s and Justice, which sell jewelry, makeup, and other items marketed towards young girls, recalled several make-up products found to contain the mineral.
Talcum powder may also contain trace amounts of asbestos, according to geologists. This mineral is mined underground and is often located near rock deposits, which can contaminate pure talc. It’s typically used in cosmetics, crayons, food products, vitamins, and some prescription pills.
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Structures built between 1930 and 1980 will likely contain asbestos in some capacity. The carcinogenic material was used in thousands of products that were also used in building construction across the country. Asbestos is still found in some buildings, including schools, but AHERA prohibits this due to its harmful effects on children’s health. Other contaminated products could include:
Mesothelioma symptoms in children or young adults are similar to those in adults. Signs include trouble breathing, pain under the rib cage, and unexpected weight loss. However, other health conditions may also cause these symptoms, so it’s important to take your child to the doctor for a definitive diagnosis.
Children must undergo similar processes for testing and diagnosing mesothelioma. Testing to diagnose and stage the disease may include:
Once a child or young adult is diagnosed with mesothelioma, a parent or guardian must consider the prognosis and treatment opportunities. Children and teenagers generally have a similar prognosis to adults, between one and five years, depending on the stage of the disease and surrounding health factors. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
If you or a family member is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s likely a result of corporate negligence. Your loved one may be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills and lost wages. Complete our free case evaluation form to connect with a qualified attorney.
Jennifer Verta thrives as a digital content writer at Mesothelioma Hub. She has been producing content for clients since before she graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Minor in English Writing. Jen’s mission is to help promote awareness of mesothelioma to as many people as possible by providing only the most up-to-date and accurate content available. When she isn’t cranking the gears at work, Jen can be found snowboarding, hiking, catching live music, or socializing with friends.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2016). Asbestos Toxicity – Where Is Asbestos Found? Retrieved on August 5, 2019, from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/asbestos/where_is_asbestos_found.html
eMedicineHealth. (2019). Mesothelioma in Children. Retrieved on August 5, 2019, from https://www.emedicinehealth.com/mesothelioma_in_children/article_em.htm#what_is_mesothelioma_in_children
Formuzis, A. (2017). Asbestos-Laced Makeup Latest Example of Children’s Products Contaminated with Deadly Fiber. Retrieved on August 5, 2019, https://www.ewg.org/release/asbestos-laced-makeup-latest-example-children-s-products-contaminated-deadly-fiber
Fraire A. E., et al. (1988). Mesothelioma of Childhood. Retrieved on August 5, 2019, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/1097-0142%2819880815%2962%3A4%3C838%3A%3AAID-CNCR2820620433%3E3.0.CO%3B2-9
Lucas, L. (2015). Group finds asbestos in children’s crayons, toy crime lab kits. Retrieved on August 5, 2019, from https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/08/health/crayons-toys-asbestos-report/
Oncotarget. (2015). Distinctive clinical characteristics of malignant mesothelioma in young patients. Retrieved on August 5, 2019, from http://www.oncotarget.com/index.php?journal=oncotarget&page=article&op=view&path[]=4414
Scharf, Gordon, and Consolato. (2015). Malignant pleural mesothelioma in a child. Retrieved on August 5, 2019, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221357661500113X