When the latency period for asbestos disease is factored in cases of mesothelioma will continue to be diagnosed for years to come. In the environmental protection agency banned all new use of asbestos but uses established prior to that time were still allowed. See our page on mesothelioma risk factors. Although it is suggested that the number of mesothelioma cases in the u. Nevertheless cases of mesothelioma have been documented as the result of lesser exposure affecting family members of workers who came into contact with asbestos and brought it home on their clothing skin or hair or affecting those who lived in close proximity to asbestos manufacturing facilities. Most of us however do not become ill as a result of our exposure.