It is probably true that every one of us has some trace of asbestos sitting in our lungs through inhalation. This is especially true of those over the age of 50 as government's in western countries have ordered the removal of asbestos materials in most public buildings and materials in recent decades. Up to the 1980's asbestos was the favoured choice of builders and architects when providing fire protection and insulation to homes, offices and other municipal buildings. Asbestos only becomes hazard forming when it is loose and is then breathed into the lungs.
Asbestos particles are so small that they cannot even be seen under most normal microscopes. They lodge into the pleural membrane where they are not exhaled. Mesothelioma cancer can be the result up to 50 years later. The question as to why some people develop mesothelioma and others equally exposed do not is still being researched today but there is some consensus that the amount of exposure plays the largest part in later life.
There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on 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.
