Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk: Who Is Vulnerable?

Exposure to asbestos can cause several types of cancer, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Once thought to only pose a risk to certain professions, it is now known that people from all walks of life are at risk for developing a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Occupational Exposure

• People exposed to asbestos over the course of many years during the course of their work-related duties may develop cancers like mesothelioma. These might include careers as a mechanic, electrician, plumber, textile worker, railroad worker or worker in the construction trades.

Geographic Proximity

• As has been shown in communities like Libby, Montana, living close to asbestos mines or processing facilities can cause whole towns to become ill from airborne asbestos particles.

Family Ties

• There are several ways that a person's family may affect the development of asbestos-related cancers. For example, asbestos brought home on a father's work clothes can be inhaled by family members. Also, do-it-yourself home repairs sometimes expose asbestos insulation in the walls of an older home.

Veterans and Mesothelioma

• Veterans who served prior to 1970 may have been exposed to asbestos, which was used in the construction of ships and ship boilers and vehicle parts such as brake pads.

9/11

• Those who assisted or observed the cleanup and emergency responder efforts at the World Trade Center were exposed to asbestos from the pulverized buildings.