When and where does Asbestos exposure occur?

Frequently Asked Mesothelioma Questions

When and where does Asbestos exposure occur?

Most people exposed to low levels of asbestos during their lifetime. Asbestos can be found in the air at very low quantities. Places with the highest levels of asbestos are urban and industrial areas. Asbestos is only dangerous when people are exposed to large quantities of it, or for an extended period of time.

Asbestos fibers are let loose into the air during remodeling, demolition work or any activity where asbestos-containing material is disturbed. It was also used frequently in construction and machinery until its dangers were recognized and it was outlawed. Nevertheless, it may be present in building and products made before the ban, or imported from countries with lax or nonexistent asbestos legislation. Asbestos can also be found in tap water that passes through asbestos-containing cement pipes.

The greatest asbestos exposure occurred in the mining, ship building and heating product manufacturers that used asbestos before 1989.