Environmental Mesothelioma Risks Beyond the Workplace

People often associate mesothelioma with job sites like factories or shipyards, but the danger isn’t limited to workers. Environmental mesothelioma risks beyond the workplace remain a serious concern in older neighborhoods, schools, and apartment buildings where asbestos may still be present in ceilings and insulation. Renovations or gradual decay can release hazardous fibers into the air and put nearby residents at risk.

Understanding Environmental Exposure

The majority of mesothelioma cases stem from job-related exposure to asbestos. These often include industrial environments. Exposure can occur outside of workplaces in certain cases. In 2023, a published report estimated that roughly two percent of new cases were caused by contact with asbestos in non-occupational settings.

These environments would include areas with contaminated soil or nearby industrial activity. Any building that was constructed with asbestos can lead to exposure during renovations or even routine maintenance. Another percentage of cases involved indirect exposure. This typically resulted from household contact through washing clothes that someone who was exposed to asbestos brought home.

People exposed decades ago in schools, neighborhoods, or through secondhand contact are just now developing symptoms. Each year, approximately 3,000 new cases are diagnosed nationwide. The average age of someone diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is 72. Many of these victims never worked in industries known for asbestos use.

Libby, Montana: A Warning Sign of Environmental Exposure Risks

The picturesque town of Libby, Montana, offers a well-documented example of how asbestos exposure can devastate an entire community. Residents were unknowingly exposed to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite for decades. The material was mined nearby before being processed and shipped off via train routes.

In 2023, new legal action targeted BNSF Railway for allegedly contributing to ongoing contamination by transporting tainted material across town lines. Plaintiffs argued that dust from rail shipments continued to affect homes, schools, and businesses. The Libby story is a reminder of the need for stronger controls on how hazardous materials are handled outside traditional job sites.

Federal Ban Offers New Protections Against Environmental Contamination

In March 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency took needed steps to ban any use of chrysotile asbestos. This was the only form of asbestos still legally imported into the United States. It was primarily used to fabricate brake pads, gaskets, and other industrial products.

One shortcoming of the shift in policy is that there are no rules ordering the removal of existing asbestos from buildings or land, but it does eliminate the last legal source of asbestos from entering the market.

Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Environmental Exposure to Asbestos

Preventing exposure to asbestos outside of your home requires being mindful of where asbestos is commonly found and how it can potentially be brought into your home. If your house was built before the 1980s, be careful with old ceiling tiles, insulation, or floor materials.

If you’re planning a renovation, bring in a licensed pro to test for asbestos before you start knocking down walls. If you live near an industrial site that may use asbestos, confirm whether they use the dangerous material by contacting the company or researching their industrial process.

Asbestos has also been found in some cosmetics made with talc, so double-check labels and research if the company has a history of litigation involving asbestos cases. If someone in your home works in an environment where contamination is possible, ensure that their employer is following OSHA and EPA guidelines and practices for preventing contamination.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Environmental Causes of Mesothelioma?

A: The environmental causes of mesothelioma include exposure to asbestos fibers in contaminated soil, old building materials, and areas near asbestos mines or factories. Communities located close to former industrial sites or shipyards may face increased risk. Asbestos can remain in the air or settle on surfaces. Even without workplace contact, residents may unknowingly inhale or ingest these fibers over time.

Q: How Can I Reduce My Risk of Asbestos Exposure?

A: You can reduce your risk of asbestos exposure by being aware of where asbestos may be present. Older homes may contain it in tiles or insulation. Test before renovating. Research nearby industrial sites and check talc-based cosmetics for contamination risks. If someone in your home works around asbestos, confirm that their employer follows safety standards to prevent asbestos from being carried into your home.

Q: How Much Exposure Does It Take to Get Mesothelioma?

A: The amount of exposure it takes to get mesothelioma is not precisely known, but even low levels can be dangerous. There is no established safe amount of asbestos exposure. Some individuals develop mesothelioma after limited contact, especially if exposure occurs over many years. Repeated inhalation of airborne fibers increases the risk, especially in older buildings, renovation sites, or industrial neighborhoods.

Q: Can You Get Mesothelioma Without Asbestos Exposure?

A: Mesothelioma without asbestos exposure is extremely rare. The vast majority of diagnosed cases are linked to direct or indirect contact with asbestos fibers. Some reports suggest possible alternative causes, but these are uncommon and not well-established. Most people who develop mesothelioma have known or traceable exposure, including environmental exposure in contaminated buildings, soil, or household materials.

Q: What Is the Biggest Risk Factor for Mesothelioma?

A: The biggest risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. This includes occupational exposure, environmental contact, or secondhand exposure from contaminated clothing. Inhaled fibers embed in the lining of the lungs, which can lead to disease decades later. Individuals living near asbestos processing plants or buildings constructed before safety regulations were in place face a higher risk, even without direct workplace exposure.

You Deserve Protection. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. Today

Asbestos exposure doesn’t just happen in factories or shipyards. In 2025, more families are learning that contaminated soil, old building materials, and environmental demolition can release toxic asbestos fibers into neighborhoods and homes. These risks often go unrecognized until serious illnesses like mesothelioma emerge.

At Wallace & Graham, P.A., we represent individuals harmed by environmental asbestos exposure beyond the workplace. Our legal team has the experience and resources to investigate the source of exposure and hold negligent parties accountable. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A. today for a consultation and find out how we can fight for you.