Could I have been exposed to asbestos in my home?

At some time during your life you have probably been exposed to low levels of asbestos.  Asbestos is present in the air, water and soil.  However, most people do not become ill from their exposure as the levels are minimal.  People in jobs who work directly with the material and are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are those at the greatest risk of asbestos-related disease.

The dangers of asbestos exposure in the home and the risks of developing mesothelioma generally occur due to renovation or repair work or contact with individuals working with asbestos.  Asbestos fibers are so toxic that industrial and trade workers' families may be exposed to mesothelioma through particles that cling to workers' clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as para-occupational exposure.

Workers handling asbestos today change clothes prior to leaving the workplace, but this was not always the case. Workers with asbestos dust on boots and clothing carried the fibers home, exposing wives and children to asbestos. While mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in those with first-hand exposure, there have been reported incidents where family members with second-hand asbestos exposure have developed mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure in the home could have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos; however, many products manufactured prior to 1970 do carry exposure risks. If during renovation asbestos fibers were disturbed and released into the air you would be at risk for inhaling the fibers. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma, even 15-50 years later.