Since mesothelioma primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, the best way to prevent mesotheliomas is to avoid or limit your exposure to asbestos in homes, in public buildings, and at work. People who may be exposed to asbestos include renovators, trades people, miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers, railroad workers, ship builders, gas mask manufacturers, and construction workers, particularly those involved with insulation. If there is a possibility of on-the-job exposure, such as renovating old buildings, then you should use all protective equipment, work practices, and safety procedures designed for working around asbestos.

If you live in an older home, there may be asbestos-containing insulation or other materials. An expert can check your home to determine if there is any asbestos and if it poses any risk of exposure. It is often more dangerous to remove the materials containing asbestos than to leave them alone. You may then decide to have the asbestos removed from your home. You should hire a qualified contractor to perform this job, to avoid contaminating your home further or causing any exposure to the workers. You should not attempt to remove asbestos-containing material yourself.

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.