Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos? Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). asbestos disease mesothelioma include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics, and minerals