Who Is at Risk for Contracting Malignant Mesothelioma?
A. Malignant mesothelioma has been linked solely to asbestos exposure. Today, construction workers are the most at risk for coming into contact with asbestos, because they are constantly demolishing / remodeling / renovating older buildings that are potentially full of asbestos insulation. When construction workers have asbestos jobs, they should be advised to take extra precautions such as wearing a facemask capable of filtering out the potentially life-threatening airborne asbestos fibers. Asbestos jobs can also lead to diseases aside from mesothelioma such as asbestosis and lung cancer. Mechanics also face a higher risk of asbestos exposure because asbestos has long been an integral component of the automobile industry. For example, asbestos brake lining and clutch materials pose a threat to mechanics. Over time, asbestos brake lining and clutch materials wear down, releasing potentially dangerous micro-fibers into the surrounding air.
