Mesothelioma and Work Exposure Mesothelioma is more prevalent in people who work with asbestos. Firefighters, construction workers and military veterans are at a higher risk. The lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma), or abdomen, is the primary site of mesothelioma. In rare instances, it may cause damage to the testicles or heart. https://vimeo.com/704936933