3. What is asbestos and who is at risk for asbestos exposure?

Asbestos is a material made of mineral fibers that has been used by the construction and building industry for many years. Since asbestos is not affected by heat or chemicals and does not conduct electricity it was often used as insulation.

Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during his or her life. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure.

People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material and who inhale fibers that are in the air.

The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases varies with the type of industry in which the exposure occurred, the kind and size of fibers, and with the amount of exposure.