When many people of the association of asbestos and cancer they think only those who have had some form of direct contact are at risk. This line of thinking was thought to be true even by top researchers up until a few years ago.

Researchers now know that the deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure called Mesothelioma can occur in others than just those who have worked in high asbestos exposure jobs. Now it is known that those who have lived in certain area are also at risk of developing this cancer.

Older Homes and Construction

People who live in older homes are warned of the dangers of asbestos exposure. This is because asbestos was commonly used in older homes as a form of insulation. People who may have had construction work done or have done do-it-yourself home improvement projects in these

homes can be at risk.

The reason the risk is high for those who have had some form of construction done in their home is higher is because asbestos is generally not harmful when it is in walls or around pipes undisturbed. Once the asbestos has been moved, the fibers are then released in the air and the particles then have a chance of possibly being inhaled by those inside the home.

Home Location

People who have lived near areas where there are factories or other types of facilities where asbestos was used on a daily basis area also at risk of developing Mesothelioma. This is because the fibers can be carried in the wind to other surrounding locations one the fibers have been released into the air. These fibers can then be inhaled by those who live in the surrounding areas.

High Risk with Dust

It has been found that the finer the asbestos particles are, the higher the risk is for them being transferred to other locations by the wind. For example, the surrounding areas around factories or worksites which grind the asbestos into dust have the highest risk of this type of secondary exposure.

Who you live with

People who have lived with individuals who worked in high asbestos exposure areas are also at risk of the development of Mesothelioma. This is because research has found that a person can repeatedly inhale the fibers by continuously coming into contact with someone who has the fibers on them. The fibers can also be inhaled through the handling or laundering of clothes which have the asbestos fibers on them.

There have even been cases of Mesothelioma risk found in those who have worked in jobs where they continuously did the laundry of individuals who worked in high asbestos exposure areas. The continual handling of the clothing belonging to several individuals how have had asbestos exposure made their risk higher than those who just lived with one person who was exposed to asbestos. This high risk level has also been determined for those who may have done janitorial or cleaning work in areas where several asbestos exposed workers may have been.