Who is at risk for asbestos exposure?

Almost everyone has been exposed to asbestos at some time in their life. Higher levels of asbestos are more common near: an asbestos mine or factory a building being torn down or renovated that contains asbestos products a waste site where asbestos is not properly covered up or stored to protect it from wind erosion, or an area containing naturally occurring asbestos that has been disturbed through activities that crush asbestos-containing rock or stir up dust in soils that contain asbestos fibers.
In indoor air, the concentration of asbestos depends on whether: asbestos was used for insulation, ceiling or floor tiles, or other purposes, and whether these asbestos-containing materials are in good condition or are deteriorated and easily crumbled activities in the house, such as repairs and home improvements have disturbed asbestos-containing materials, or asbestos has been brought into the home on shoes, clothes, hair, pet fur or other objects.
Outdoor air concentrations of asbestos can also contribute to indoor air asbestos levels.