Mesothelioma Exposure

Asbestos was known in the old days but it wasn't mined and widely used
commercially until the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during
World War II and since the early 1940s, millions of American workers
have been exposed to asbestos dust. An increased risk of developing
mesothelioma was found amoung shipyard workers, people who worked in
asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in
the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. At
first the risks that were associated with asbestos exsposure was not
publicly known.

Today however, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) sets limits on acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the
workplace. They have also created guidelines for engineering controls
and respirtors, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene
facilities and practices, warning signs, labeling, recordkeeping, and
medical exams.

Family members and others who live with asbestos workers also have and
increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possible other asbestos
related diseases. This risk is believed to be the result of exposure
to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos
workers. With that being said, to reduce the chance of exposing others
to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower
and change their clothes before leaving the workplace.

Many public and domestic buildings that were built prior to the
banning of asbestos containing materials may still contain asbestos
within them. Those performing renovation works or do-it-yourself
projects may expose themselves to asbestos dust.