People are affected by asbestos when they breath the micro fibers. These fibers can have long term affects to your health. There have been many cases of people coming down with Mesothelioma 20 and 30 years after being exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos is not a thing of the past. It's still used in many manufacturing processes and well as in building components. The following is a list of the top occupations that are putting people at risk. If you work in one of these occupations, or have in the past, it's wise to get regular screenings.

• Any job that includes the manufacturing of asbestos, for example insulation, plumbing supplies, roofing components or other building materials.
• Mechanics are at risk due to asbestos in the brake and clutch linings.
• Tile contractors are at risk due to the dust from cutting some types of tile.
• Oil refinery workers, rail yard and power plant workers can be at risk from various sources.
• Shipyard and/or ship builders are at risk due to the asbestos in pipe insulation and other sources.
• Steel mill workers can come into contact with Asbestos from a variety of insulation and clothing. Asbestos is a great insulator and is used widely in jobs that require a person to be around high temperatures.
• Navy veterans can also be at risk as can Maritime workers.
• Construction workers can be at risk, especially those who do demolition of older buildings.

Who else should be concerned?

Brick layers, plumbers, sand blasters, sheet metal workers, millwrights, welders, painters, Longshoremen, merchant marines, grinders, electricians, drywall contractors, miners, drillers, building inspectors and maintenance personnel are a few more people who are at risk.

Remember, it doesn't take a lot of exposure to affect your life years down the road.

You may also be putting your family at risk. There have been cases where workers family members came down with Mesothelioma even though they were nowhere near the job sites. Evidence suggests that the family members were affected by the Asbestos fibers that came in on the workers clothing, hair and/or shoes.

Get routine screenings if you're in one of these high-risk professions and take every precaution (such as respirators and special clothing) to protect yourself and your family.