xposure
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.
