How Were Family Members At Risk of Secondary Asbestos Exposure?

The widespread use of asbestos throughout the 20th century put thousands of workers’ lives in danger on a daily basis. Unfortunately, their families at home were equally at risk for being exposed to this toxic substance. 

People who worked with or near asbestos unknowingly brought home these fibers on their clothing, in their hair, on tools and in the car. As a result, family members and friends who interacted with them were vulnerable to this cancerous material.

Exposure to asbestos whether its first or second hand can lead to a rare and aggressive cancer known as mesothelioma. Many workers were unaware of the dangers of asbestos and that they were exposing the people closest to them.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to secondary asbestos exposure, the lawyers at BCBH Law are ready to fight your case. Contact us today to see how we can get you and your family the compensation you deserve.

How Does Secondary Exposure Occur?

The term secondary exposure refers to asbestos exposure occurring outside of a typical work setting. There are a variety of names for this type of exposure such as:

• Household asbestos exposure
• Domestic asbestos exposure
• Take-home asbestos exposure
• Non-occupational asbestos exposure

Asbestos is a naturally forming mineral that was abundantly used in construction, insulation and electrical jobs. Secondary exposure has also been known to cause mesothelioma in family members of high risk workers in other blue collar occupations such as:

• Shipyard employees
• Pipe fitters
• Mechanics
• Plumbers 
• Refinery workers

Oftentimes, these workers would come home after a shift with asbestos embedded in their clothing or hair. Spouses, children and anyone living in the home would be at an increased risk of developing an asbestos related illness years later. According to a study in Translational Oncology, 87.5% of non-occupational mesothelioma cases are women.

Until the 1980s, the general public knew very little about the consequences of inhaling or ingesting toxic asbestos particles. Since these fibers are microscopic and undetectable to the human eye, workers were unaware of what they were bringing home to family members. 

The simple tasks of doing laundry, hugging a loved one, sitting on furniture or even hand washing clothes are prime examples of secondary asbestos exposure. 

At BCBH Law, we have experienced attorneys waiting to help you get justice for your cancer diagnosis. Our lawyers have the resources needed to find the source of your asbestos exposure and recover compensation that is rightfully yours. Fill out our free case evaluation form to see what financial options are available for you and your family today.