Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos? Asbestos is the sole reason for mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics and asbestos-like minerals like silica and iron
