Anyone that has worked or been in contact with asbestos is at risk of mesothelioma cancer but because cases have shown that often the cancer has taken upwards of fifty years to develop it is often extremely hard to find out where the exposure took place to give you a short mesothelioma definition. Asbestos is normally found in industry but it is possible to be infected just by handling the clothing of someone who has worked with the substance which has happened on many occasions and compensation has been paid to these people.