{"id":353396,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:56","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/who-is-at-risk-for-asbestos-related-illnesses.html"},"modified":"2025-09-16T14:10:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T19:10:00","slug":"who-is-at-risk-for-asbestos-related-illnesses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/who-is-at-risk-for-asbestos-related-illnesses.html","title":{"rendered":"Asbestos Exposure Risks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Asbestos Exposure Risks<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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You may be exposed to asbestos at work, through contaminated clothing, or simply by living near an asbestos-containing site. Some consumer products and household items may also contain asbestos. Even brief exposure can lead to serious health issues like mesothelioma<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The risks of developing mesothelioma<\/span> or other\u00a0asbestos-related diseases<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are much higher for those who service in the military or handle building materials<\/span> containing asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos workers\u2019 family members<\/span> and roommates may also be at risk for asbestos-related illnesses. Anybody working in an industry where the use of asbestos is common is at a heightened risk of <\/span>lung cancer<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Asbestos exposure<\/span> is a severe threat to public health<\/span>. If you\u2019ve been exposed to this toxic material and developed an illness as a result, you have rights. A personal injury attorney<\/a> near you can review your case and explain your legal options. If you pursue legal action, your attorney will be your fiercest advocate throughout the process.<\/p>\n

How Does Asbestos Exposure<\/span> Occur?<\/h2>\n

Because asbestos fibers<\/span> are thin and light, they can remain in the air for long periods of time without detection. Many individuals who experienced continuous exposure to these fibers\u00a0developed serious health complications<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The following are the three most common forms of <\/span>asbestos<\/span> exposure<\/span>:<\/p>\n