See our page on mesothelioma risk factors. 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. When the latency period for asbestos disease is factored in cases of mesothelioma will continue to be diagnosed for years to come. Although it is suggested that the number of mesothelioma cases in the u. Finally in the late s the consumer products safety commission banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and artificial ash for gas fireplaces because the fiber could easily be released during use. Although awareness of the dangers of asbestos and public concern over the issue have led to a decline in domestic consumption over the years a total ban on asbestos has not come to fruition.