Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos? Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. It can cause damage to the lung linings, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics, and minerals similar to asbestos such as silica and