A distinction can be made between asbestos exposure that happens on the job (known as occupational exposure) and exposure that occurs in the environment. It stands to reason that levels of asbestos particles in the air are significantly higher near places where asbestos is used in industry, such as asbestos factories or mines, or near the demolition of buildings. Research supports this. Inside buildings, asbestos levels may be higher if building materials (such as insulation or floor/ceiling tiles) containing asbestos are present. If the materials are in good condition, the levels are likely to be lower. However, if they are in disrepair and crumbling, there is a higher risk of the fibers being released into the air.
Asbestos poses a potential health risk any time it is inhaled, as fibers may become trapped in the lungs and cause scarring. There is generally a latency period of several decades between exposure to asbestos and the onset of disease. Long periods of exposure to asbestos at lower levels can be as dangerous as shorter exposure at higher concentrations.
As always, you should follow guidelines set in place by government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect yourself from known asbestos exposure at work and in the environment.
source: cooneyconway.com
