How long or how often does a person need to be in contact with asbestos to have a high risk of developing mesothelioma?

Anyone who worked directly with asbestos products or in areas where the products were being cut, sawed, sanded, or mixed were likely exposed. In addition, renovation and demolition projects on older buildings can still put workers and homeowners at risk of asbestos exposure.

During installation, repair, replacement, or demolition, asbestos fibers can become airborne. Fibers may also be released into water through erosion of natural deposits, corrosion from asbestos pipes, or roofing materials containing asbestos that go into the sewer.