FAQ: Can asbestos cause Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Lymphoma is frequently associated with the military service of veterans, primarily due to the widespread use of asbestos as a heat-resistant material in shipbuilding during the 1970s. This posed a significant health risk to all individuals on board, as asbestos fibers could persist in the body for many years, compromising the body’s natural defense mechanisms, fostering genetic mutations, and ultimately leading to cancer.

Even today, researchers continue to uncover the profound impact of asbestos exposure on the body because there is no safe level of exposure to this hazardous substance. Consequently, lymphoma remains a prevalent form of cancer among veterans, with many developing cancers of the lymphatic system, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as a result of their prolonged exposure to asbestos due to its toxic nature.