Mesothelioma has been linked to exposure to asbestos. Hence, in theory, anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can be at risk for the disease. One can assume that theoretically, the greater one’s frequency and magnitude of exposure to asbestos, the greater the risk of developing pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma.

Who’s been exposed to asbestos frequently? Because asbestos was used extensively throughout the 20th century for insulation and fireproofing, many of those installing that insulation will have come into contact with large quantities of the asbestos dust that is linked to mesothelioma.

Those who worked as custodians in public buildings (namely schools) may also be at risk for the disease. Asbestos was a very popular insulating material in public school buildings, and because of the high traffic in a school, day in and day out, insulation wore down and needed maintenance and/or repair. Often, this job fell to custodians, who were directly exposed to asbestos dust

In 1986, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (commonly referred to as AHERA) was signed into law. AHERA requires public and private non-profit primary and secondary schools to inspect their buildings for asbestos-containing building materials.