There are two ways that one can get diseases related to asbestos fibers - one is by inhaling the fibers at work or if there is asbestos present where you live, the other is handling the clothes or tools of people who have been exposed to these fibers. When you inhale the asbestos fibers, this fibrous substance can be the cause of deadly diseases and lung disorders. A lot of houses that were built between the 50s and the 70s will be found to contain a lot of asbestos material in their construction.