Can mesothelioma be prevented?

The best way to prevent this disease is to avoid contact with asbestos in homes, public buildings, and at work. People who could be exposed to asbestos at work include miners, factory workers, insulation workers, railroad workers, ship builders, makers of gas masks, and construction workers.

If there is a chance of exposure, say, in fixing up old buildings, then workers should take special measures to protect themselves. If you live in an older home, there may be asbestos in the insulation or in other materials. An expert can check your home to see if there is any danger. Even if asbestos is in the materials used to build the home, it may not pose a danger if the materials are in good condition. If you decide to have the asbestos removed, you should hire a qualified person to do this job. You should not do it yourself.