According to acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak, the risks of asbestos exposure still remain a problem because of the dangers it poses to a person’s health. Americans still need to be aware of the dangers associated with asbestos because, when it comes to asbestos exposure, there really isn’t a level of asbestos that is safe to be around.

Lushniak released a statement about asbestos risks during National Asbestos Awareness Week, which took place the first week of April.

“There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure and precautions should be taken to protect your health,” Lushniak said.

Asbestos has been linked to the development of a cancer called mesothelioma. It can take decades for mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer to manifest, and the risk is significantly affected by tobacco usage. Many of the cases in which individuals were exposed to asbestos included those who made piping, fire-proof doors, worked in car part factories and other situations where insulation was used.

The acting surgeon general wrote that the regulations have tightened significantly in the past 30 years, and most materials made today contain no more than one percent of asbestos. That leaves a number of products that can still put people at risk for diseases like mesothelioma. In cars, clutches and brake pads still contain asbestos. For construction workers, the concerns should come from roof shingles, insulation and corrugated sheeting, among others. Employees in these sectors should consider consulting with state or federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration regulations.

Mesothelioma class action lawsuits note that asbestos lung cancer comes from people who work on older structures and vehicles. While there are numerous regulations regarding abatement of buildings that include asbestos insulation, restorationists may not be aware of all of them and as a result risk exposure to a known carcinogen.