It's often difficult to identify where someone might have been exposed to asbestos as it was once used everywhere, and was widely used in the UK during the 1930s through to the 1970s. It was used at home, in schools and in other public places. The majority of people who go on to develop an asbestos related illness have been exposed to asbestos many years ago when they were working as engineers, plumbers, joiners, laggers, dockyard workers etc. Exposure to asbestos dust occurs when a product containing asbestos is disturbed and asbestos fibres are released into the air. Someone exposed to asbestos may not have disturbed the asbestos dust themselves, but may have been close-by someone, or washed the clothes of someone who did. Read our page Am I at Risk for more information about where you might have come across asbestos.