Who can be affected by asbestos?

Asbestos exposure affects not only an asbestos worker but also their families, users of asbestos products, and the public as they are exposed to building materials and asbestos in heating and ventilating systems.

Asbestos occurs in many settings, among them: asbestos mines, asbestos mills and factories, and shipyards that use asbestos, as well as people who manufacture and install asbestos insulation; apartment buildings; chemical and power plants. Workers who renovate buildings with asbestos in them or are in asbestos disposal may inhale airborne asbestos fibers. Workers' families are also at risk since the asbestos fibers may be released from the clothing of the worker. People who live or work near asbestos mines, plants, and shipyards may inhale asbestos fibers that have been released into the air by the operations. People may also ingest asbestos if they eat in areas where there are asbestos fibers in the air.