Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil and rock in some areas of the United States.
Asbestos fibers are found in different sizes and shapes. Inhalation of asbestos fibers is the method of exposure that is most likely to cause adverse health effects for people. Workers in industries that use asbestos or asbestos-containing products, such as building materials, likely inhale the fibers and may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, where family members would come into contact with asbestos by inhaling the fibers. Also, people who live or work near asbestos- related operations may inhale asbestos fibers that enter the air because of releases of materials into the environment. Generally, asbestos fibers are long, thin and so small they cannot be seen and, as they float in the air, they can easily be inhaled.