Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined plus used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines plus mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating plus construction industries, plus other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety plus Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos plus longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that relatives members plus others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, plus possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing plus hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing relatives members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower plus adapt their clothing before leaving the workplace.