Asbestos was used widely as an insulating and fire protection material and many workers were in direct contact with it, unaware of the risks. There is a long latent period - sometimes 30 - 50 years following exposure - before the disease manifests.
It is not surprising therefore that in recent years there have been high number of mesothelioma cases reported in shipyard workers, plumbers, carpenters and joiners. In total over 2000 cases of the disease are reported annually.