I was exposed asbestos dust for a few months during a home demolition. i spent a few hrs there per week. am i at risk to getting a disease?

First, there is no: safe level of exposure. The biggest problem is breathing asbestos fibers into your lungs; even a few can cause damage or lead to mesothelioma/cancer. There is clearly a dose response: the more you are exposed, as well as the fiber type, are important factors. A chest x-ray can detect if you have lung effects; it can't detect fibers themselves. Avoid all future exposure!!

Avoid the stuff: In the old days, the exposures were very heavy and these are the people who are getting sick now. If the EPA folks had really believed that even tiny exposures must be avoided, then all of Manhattan wood have been evacuated after 9/11. Stay away from it from now on and plan on living a healthy, happy life.

Yes: Exposure to asbestos for just a few days has caused mesothelioma . If you were working in an area with asbestos dust and you were not wearing a special fitted respirator you are at risk. In the U.S. levels of asbestos exposure are strictly regulated. See> http://bit.ly/1Kmjxoz and http://1.usa.gov/1RWiJcu