How is anthrax linked to old buildings or workplaces?

Anthrax is linked to older buildings because animal products like horsehair and wool were commonly used in construction up to the early 20th century. Horsehair plaster, for example, was a popular material, and if sourced from animals infected with anthrax, the spores could remain dormant in the material for over a century. Workplaces like tanneries or mills, which historically handled hides, wool, or bone, may also carry risks. The connection is less about modern use and more about the legacy of old materials that have stood the test of time.