Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer in the mesothelium—the protective lining on the inside of body cavities and the outside of internal organs. The predominant cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma may be associated with occupational and/or non-occupational asbestos exposure. Historically, occupational exposure usually occurred in occupations linked to asbestos mining and the manufacturing and use of asbestos-containing materials.

The following methodological factors should be considered in interpreting this data:

• For participants who received the same module for more than one job, the results presented are based on a participant’s highest exposed job in that category.
• Because many participants had different exposure probabilities and/or levels for different jobs, the exposure estimate is the maximum exposure likely in that job category for each individual.
• Because questionnaire modules are assigned only to jobs with some likelihood of exposure, the finding of exposure in so many of the jobs that respondents were questioned about is to be expected.
• Participants may be assigned different modules for different types of jobs, so the numbers presented do not equal the total number of participants (For more information, see Mesothelioma in Australia 2018: Methodology paper).