When the latency period for asbestos disease is factored in cases of mesothelioma will continue to be diagnosed for years to come. This number however does not take into consideration events such as the world trade center disaster on september when millions of new yorkers were potentially exposed to air filled with carcinogenic asbestos particles. 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. In the environmental protection agency banned all new use of asbestos but uses established prior to that time were still allowed. S. Most of us however do not become ill as a result of our exposure.