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Return to Asbestos Blog| Second-hand asbestos exposure is asbestos exposure. Asbestos diseases aren’t contagious. But many industrial workers brought asbestos home, exposing their families. |
Asbestos exposure is a well-known cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen. While primary asbestos exposure occurs when individuals come into direct contact with asbestos fibers, secondary or indirect exposure is less understood.
Because of this lack of understanding or awareness, second-hand exposure (aka secondary asbestos exposure) can be even more harmful. Individuals may believe they’re safe as long as they do not come into direct contact and, thus, fail to take precautions to better protect themselves.
That’s why today, we’re exploring the concept of secondary asbestos exposure and its link to mesothelioma.
 | If you may have been exposed to asbestos, speak with your healthcare provider about tests and screening to help detect the presence of asbestos fibers and asbestos-related diseases. |
 | Asbestos diseases can take 20 to 50 years to appear. Asbestos fibers have no taste or smell. |
What is Secondary Asbestos Exposure?
Secondary asbestos exposure, also known as domestic asbestos exposure, household asbestos exposure, or para-occupational exposure, occurs when someone is exposed to asbestos fibers indirectly.
When someone works in or around asbestos and inadvertently brings home the microscopic fibers, they are endangering their family members without knowing it unless they’re extra cautious. This means, unless an individual is removing all work clothing prior to returning home, thoroughly cleaning all work gear, and showering immediately, they may be transferring asbestos to others.
Moreover, the fibers may remain unseen in their vehicle, exposing passengers. It is very difficult to rid one’s things entirely of asbestos contamination, particularly if a person is around it day in and day out.
Second-hand mesothelioma exposure is a concern for anyone in the home who comes into regular contact with contaminated items. But a lot of this can feel pretty abstract. Let’s take an even closer look at the types of domestic asbestos exposure.
Types of Domestic Asbestos Exposure
There are several ways individuals can be exposed to asbestos within the home. These ways include:
- Garages and vehicles: Asbestos-contaminated tools or equipment stored in garages over many years or transported in family vehicles can release asbestos fibers into the air. Most often, this occurs when items have been stored for a great length of time and are then disturbed.
- Asbestos-containing materials in the home: Asbestos was once commonly used in building materials, such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. Home renovations or DIY projects can disturb these materials, releasing asbestos fibers into the air and putting an entire family at risk.
Most often, however, the risk of secondary asbestos exposure comes from bringing materials into the home from external sources.
Types of Take-Home Exposure to Asbestos
Take-home exposure describes asbestos exposure that comes from a workplace. Again, this can take many forms, such as:
- Contaminated clothing and tools: If a person actively works directly with asbestos-containing materials, clothing and tools can become contaminated with the fibers. If these items are brought home, family members may be exposed.
- Dust from the workplace: If an individual works with asbestos-containing materials and brings home dust on their clothes, hair, or in their vehicles, family members can be exposed.
- Tracking: Asbestos particles can become attached to the shoes or clothes of someone who works around asbestos and be tracked into the home, contaminating carpets and other surfaces.
- Personal contact: Hugging or touching a person with asbestos-contaminated clothing, hair, or skin can lead to secondary asbestos exposure.
Second-hand asbestos exposure is very real and can be a serious threat to the safety of anyone living in an asbestos-contaminated environment. That’s why it’s so important to take steps to limit exposure as much as possible. More on that in a moment.
Do You Qualify For Compensation?
Quickly and easily find out how you were exposed by searching W.A.R.D., the largest asbestos database on the planet.
FREE SEARCH >Can You Get Mesothelioma from Second-hand Exposure?
This is the real question at hand, and unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Mesothelioma from Second-hand exposure is possible. While the risk is generally lower than for those who experience primary asbestos exposure, the dangers are still significant. No matter how a person is exposed to asbestos, these fibers can cause serious damage in the body over time.
Asbestos-related issues typically have an extended period of latency which ranges from 20 to 50 years, or even longer. Those who were children when they encountered with this material may not discover health problems until much later in life.
The data has been in for a while: second-hand asbestos exposure is real.
One in five cases of asbestos disease is from second-hand exposure.
Studies have shown that secondary asbestos exposure can lead to an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases. Family members of asbestos workers have been found to have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than the general population.
Mesothelioma can’t be transmitted; but asbestos fibers can.
It is important to note that mesothelioma is not contagious, but rather, the risk is associated with direct exposure to asbestos fibers. The risk of developing mesothelioma from Second-hand asbestos exposure is generally lower than primary exposure, but it can still be significant depending on the situation and the individual’s unique health factors. For this reason, it is important to know how to protect oneself.
Remember, Second-hand Exposure is Exposure.
While secondary asbestos exposure might not be as well-known as primary exposure, it is essential to recognize that it still poses a significant risk to those affected. The key takeaway is that Second-hand exposure is exposure, and precautions must be taken to protect both asbestos workers and their families.
Fortunately compensation is often available for mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases, even if it’s from second-hand exposure.
Asbestos fibers are extremely durable and can cling to skin and clothing, traveling great distances with those directly exposed. But spouses and children can also receive a share of the $30 Billion in asbestos trust compensation if they were exposed to asbestos brought into the house or family vehicle by a worker.
Duty to Warn and Second-hand Asbestos
Courts said asbestos companies should have warned their employees that taking asbestos from work into their homes and vehicles could harm their families.
Employers have a responsibility to educate their employees about the dangers of asbestos and implement safety measures to minimize the risk of exposure. Asbestos workers should change out of their work clothes before returning home and, if possible, shower and change at the workplace. Work clothing should be kept separate from other laundry, and tools or equipment should be cleaned before being brought home.
Property owners can be liable for not following state and local regulations for asbestos in buildings.
Homeowners should also be aware of the potential for asbestos exposure during renovations or DIY projects, and if asbestos-containing materials are suspected, a professional should be called to assess and handle the situation.
If you or a loved one are coping with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, it is wise to consult with an experienced mesothelioma litigation attorney who can provide legal guidance and inform you of your potential options for compensation.
Wrapping Up on Mesothelioma from Second-Hand Asbestos Exposure
Secondary asbestos exposure is a serious concern that warrants attention and caution. By understanding the risks, taking necessary precautions, and being vigilant about potential exposure sources, both asbestos workers and their families can better protect themselves from the devastating health effects of asbestos exposure.
It’s important to remember that no amount of exposure is worth the risk, and those affected by asbestos-related diseases should explore their legal options for seeking compensation.
AsbestosClaims.Law
For Justinian C. Lane, getting compensation for asbestos victims is personal.
Justinian’s grandparents and his father all worked with asbestos in their younger years and died from asbestos-related cancers in their later years.
At the time of each of their deaths, no one in Justinian’s family knew that they were eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit and to seek compensation from the asbestos trusts.
Because no one in Justinian’s family knew their options, they never received any compensation for the death of their loved ones.
If you believe that you or your family member’s injury was related to asbestos exposure, you could be entitled to significant compensation.
This is money you could use to cover the costs of asbestos removal services, pay for medical treatment, and preemptively protect your physical well-being.
There are also asbestos trusts that offer compensation much more quickly and easily (without filing a lawsuit.)
If you’d like help with filing a claim, please get in touch by email at [email protected], or call or text us at (833) 4-ASBESTOS (427-2378) or (206) 455-9190. We’ll listen to your story and explain your options. And we never charge for anything unless you receive money in your pocket.
In addition to legal claims, veterans disability, social security and employment protection like workers compensation, FELA and The Jones Act for maritime workers, there are asbestos trusts that have been set up to compensate those harmed by asbestos without having to file a lawsuit.
There is no risk or cost to speak with one of our staff about your asbestos litigation. There are no fees unless you receive money.
If you have any additional questions or concerns related to asbestos, check out our website and YouTube page for videos, infographics and answers to your questions about asbestos, including health and safety, asbestos testing, removing asbestos from your home and building, and legal information about compensation for asbestos injuries.
Introducing the largest database of asbestos information on the planet.
W.A.R.D., which stands for the Worldwide Asbestos Research Database, helps clients to narrow down when and where they may have been exposed, as well as which products may still contain asbestos. W.A.R.D. will also help indicate compensation types and how much a person may be entitled to.
