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Who Is at Risk of Getting Cancer Due to Asbestos Exposure?

Exposure to asbestos can cause several types of cancer, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Once thought to only pose a risk to certain professions, it is now known that people from all walks of life are at risk for developing a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

  1. Occupational Exposure

    • People exposed to asbestos over the course of many years during the course of their work-related duties may develop cancers like mesothelioma. These might include careers as a mechanic, electrician, plumber, textile worker, railroad worker or worker in the construction trades.

    Geographic Proximity

    • As has been shown in communities like Libby, Montana, living close to asbestos mines or processing facilities can cause whole towns to become ill from airborne asbestos particles.

    Family Ties

    • There are several ways that a person's family may affect the development of asbestos-related cancers. For example, asbestos brought home on a father's work clothes can be inhaled by family members. Also, do-it-yourself home repairs sometimes expose asbestos insulation in the walls of an older home.

    Veterans and Mesothelioma

    • Veterans who served prior to 1970 may have been exposed to asbestos, which was used in the construction of ships and ship boilers and vehicle parts such as brake pads.

    9/11

    • Those who assisted or observed the cleanup and emergency responder efforts at the World Trade Center were exposed to asbestos from the pulverized buildings.

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