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