Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos fibers at some time during his or her life. Anyone who has been exposed to airborne asbestos fibers is at risk to develop asbestos related diseases. Although it is known that the risk to workers increases with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals who had only brief exposures.
Most cases of mesothelioma are found in males. This is associated with the fact that mostly males have worked in the occupations that deal with asbestos containing products.
Persons working in shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, brake repair, and a variety of other trades are likely to have exposed to asbestos. Demolition workers, drywall removers, and firefighters also may have been exposed to asbestos dust.
Workers' families may inhale asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. People who live or work near asbestos-related operations might inhale asbestos fibers that have been released into the air by the operations.
The amount of asbestos to which someone is exposed will vary, according to:
- the concentration of fibers in the air;
- the duration of exposure;
- the person's breathing rate; and,
- weather conditions
Today's workers are less likely to be at risk than workers in the past because of improved work practices, increased awareness of the potential harm of asbestos, and government regulations.
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