Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Increased use during the Second World War. Since early 1940, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people working in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other retailers. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to reduce their risk of exposure.
The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. Furthermore, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.
There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought into the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.from:www.cancer.gov
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