Final answer:
Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. This association became clear when high rates of the disease were found in regions where asbestos mining and processing occurred. Besides mesothelioma, asbestos exposure can also lead to lung cancer and asbestosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary risk factor associated with mesothelioma is b) Exposure to asbestos. This finding is rooted in observational data that showed a clear correlation between regions with industries involved in mining and processing asbestos and higher rates of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers pose a significant health risk when they are released into the air, particularly during the disturbance of asbestos-containing materials. Prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to several health issues, but mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the thin lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and heart, is one of the most serious associated risks. Other health effects from asbestos exposure include lung cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease.
Although there are many risk factors for cancer, including an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, genetic predispositions, and various environmental exposures, asbestos exposure remains the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. This risk is further heightened by additional factors, such as smoking tobacco, which can synergistically increase the chance of developing lung cancer when combined with asbestos exposure.