Asbestos abatement workers are routinely exposed to high levels of carcinogenic fibers in the course of their work. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration mandates a two step defense against the possibility that these fibers will be carried off the job site by the workers, endangering those around them. First, protective clothing is worn to minimize contamination of skin, hair and underclothing. Secondly, workers are required to take decontamination showers and all underclothing is laundered in a specified manner. This study, which evaluated the effectiveness of these decontamination procedures, indicates that these procedures may not be completely effective in asbestos removal.