Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when individuals indirectly contact asbestos fibers, typically through a family member who works with asbestos.
This type of secondhand exposure can have serious implications for health, including an increased likelihood of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
How Does Secondary Asbestos Exposure Occur?
Contaminated clothing is the primary culprit when it comes to exposure. Workers may unintentionally bring fibers home on clothes, shoes, or from personal items. Following their handling or laundry, these items release asbestos particles into the air, putting at risk everyone at home.
For Instance, John, a construction worker, unknowingly exposed his family to asbestos by hugging his children before changing out of work clothes. His wife, Jane, further spread fibers while washing his clothes. Years later, Jane was diagnosed with mesothelioma due to this secondary exposure.
Household items can also become contaminated. Asbestos fibers settle on furniture, carpets, and surfaces, later disturbed by everyday activities like vacuuming or walking.
Sarah, a young girl, developed respiratory issues after years of playing on a carpet where her father, an asbestos worker, removed his work boots, unknowingly depositing fibers.
Health Risks of Secondary Asbestos Exposure
Secondary exposure poses considerable health hazards, comparable to direct occupational exposure:
Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer impacting the membranes lining the lungs or abdomen.
Research indicates that living with an asbestos-exposed individual markedly elevates mesothelioma risk.
Lung Cancer: Secondary exposure also heightens lung cancer probability. Studies show a higher prevalence of lung abnormalities among family members of asbestos workers.
Asbestosis: A persistent lung disease inducing scarring of lung tissue. It can develop after prolonged exposure, even at lower levels typical of secondary exposure.
Dr. Jane Smith, a pulmonologist specializing in asbestos-related illnesses, asserts, “Secondary exposure is often overlooked but can be just as deadly as direct exposure. Raising awareness about these dangers is crucial.”
Statistics and Case Studies
Historical analyses uncovered a disturbing pattern linking secondhand asbestos exposures to adverse medical outcomes. A 1999 Italian study pinpointed 99 mesothelioma diagnoses where 5% stemmed from home exposures through laundering asbestos-tainted work clothes.
Meanwhile, a lengthy American evaluation revealed that men cohabiting with an occupationally exposed partner faced a 12.1-fold higher risk of pleural mesothelioma compared to 1.4 for women.
A meta-review amalgamated data signifying living with a potentially exposed worker before age 30 doubled mesothelioma risk for females and marginally increased it for males.
Real-life examples highlight the human impact:
Mary established pleural mesothelioma at 65 after decades of laundering her husband’s asbestos-laden workwear. Meanwhile, peritoneal mesothelioma afflicted Emily at 45 likely due to embracing her father on his return from insulating work laden with asbestos dust.
Legal Rights and Compensation
Legal precedents for secondary exposure victims have evolved, with courts increasingly recognizing these claims. Landmark cases like Rutherford v. Owens-Illinois, Inc. have set important precedents.
Proving secondary exposure cases can be challenging due to their indirect nature. Plaintiffs must demonstrate that asbestos fibers were brought home and led to their illness, often requiring detailed historical evidence and expert testimony.
Victims can seek compensation through:
- Workers’ compensation
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Asbestos trust funds
Successful cases include Bostic v. Georgia-Pacific Corp. and Anderson v. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., where significant damages were awarded for secondary exposure.
Protecting Families
To minimize secondary exposure risks:
- Workers should change clothes before leaving work sites and shower if facilities are available.
- Store contaminated clothing in sealed bags until properly laundered.
- Wash contaminated clothing separately using high-temperature cycles.
- Clean homes regularly with damp cloths and HEPA filter vacuums.
- Ensure good ventilation and use air purifiers.
Regulations and Workplace Safety
OSHA has established guidelines to protect workers from asbestos exposure, including:
- Assessing exposure levels
- Implementing engineering controls
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Mandating regular training
Employers must prevent secondary exposure by:
- Providing facilities for workers to change and shower
- Offering on-site laundry services
- Ensuring proper handling of contaminated clothing
Current regulations, such as OSHA’s Asbestos Standards, have been effective in reducing workplace exposure, but challenges remain in ensuring compliance across all industries.
FAQ: Secondary Asbestos Exposure
Listed below are some of the most common questions and answers we receive to help you better understand the risks, symptoms, and legal rights associated with secondary exposure.
Yes, even minimal indirect exposure can lead to mesothelioma.
Shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, and fatigue.
Symptoms can take 20 to 60 years to appear after initial exposure.
While challenging to prevent entirely, precautionary measures can significantly reduce risk.
Seek medical advice immediately and inform your healthcare provider about potential exposure.
Yes, due to their developing respiratory systems and longer expected lifespan.
Contaminated work clothes, shoes, tools, and older homes with deteriorating asbestos-containing materials.
By understanding the risks and implementing preventive measures, we can better protect workers and their families from the dangers of secondary asbestos exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness we’re here to support you anytime day or night, please reach out to us on our mesothelioma support page or submit a case request submission and an asbestos attorney will be dispatched to connect with you immediately.
