Who is currently at risk of being exposed to asbestos?

If disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibres which can be inhaled into the lungs. Some kinds of asbestos fibres can remain there for a long time as they are not easily destroyed or degraded. Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard. Persons most likely to be currently exposed to asbestos are those working in building and maintenance trades, and to a lesser extent those involved in asbestos removal (where risks potentially exist unless rigorous precautions are taken.)