Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used throughout most of the 20th century to make construction materials, such as insulation, tiles, and roofing.

Although many people associate asbestos exposure with industrial workers, the reality is that anyone who comes into contact with asbestos can be at risk. 

Alarmingly, secondary asbestos exposure can easily occur when family members handle a loved one’s contaminated clothing and other items after they return home from work. Studies into asbestos-related diseases have uncovered that a staggering 1 in 5 diagnoses is attributed to household exposure. 

What is Secondary Asbestos Exposure?

Secondary asbestos exposure, also known as take-home exposure or para-occupational exposure, occurs when individuals who are not directly exposed to asbestos come into contact with asbestos fibers brought home on clothing, equipment, or other personal items. Consequently, family members of workers who handle asbestos-containing materials are at a significant risk of secondary asbestos exposure.

Effects of Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Once asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become embedded in the tissues of the body and cause severe damage over time. Asbestos exposure can lead to a variety of chronic and life-threatening health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma (a rare, aggressive form of cancer). The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can be as much as 50 years, with people who were exposed to asbestos as children sadly now testing positive for lung damage and cancers.

Domestic Asbestos Exposure: How Long Does Asbestos Stay on Clothing?

Asbestos fibers can stay on clothing and other personal items for long periods of time, and surprisingly, even after they have been washed. The length of time that asbestos can stay on clothing depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of asbestos exposure, the type of clothing, and the washing methods applied. When the clothing is handled, these asbestos fibers can be released into the air, causing exposure to anyone nearby.

Several simulation studies examining air concentrations during the handling of asbestos-contaminated garments suggest that potential exposures to domestic contacts are potentially as low as 1% of occupational exposures. That said, there are no known studies that estimate airborne exposure concentrations for laundry handling in occupations with high exposure. Interestingly, in one study, the asbestos fiber burden in the lung tissue of para-occupationally exposed women with mesothelioma was found to be comparable to that of men with the same diagnosis who had worked in moderate occupational exposure industries, such as construction.

Can You Wash Clothes That Have Been Exposed to Asbestos?

Washing clothes that have been exposed to asbestos can help to remove some of the asbestos fibers, but it is not always effective, and there’s certainly no guarantee that it will all be removed. In fact, one study shows that someone laundering asbestos work clothes can be exposed to as much as 50% of the asbestos exposure originally suffered at the worksite it was worn at. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can become embedded in the fabric of clothing, making it difficult to remove them completely.

Preventing Secondary Asbestos Exposure

If you live with someone who works with asbestos, there are several steps you can take to minimize your risk of secondary asbestos exposure. Encouraging your loved one to change out of their work clothes before coming into the home, washing work clothes separately from other laundry, and using disposable or washable shoe covers can help to prevent the tracking of asbestos fibers into the home. Ensuring that they shower and wash their hair before coming into the home can also help to reduce the risk of secondary asbestos exposure.

If you suspect that your home may contain asbestos, you must have it tested by a licensed professional. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed generally don’t pose a health risk. However, should the need arise to remove or repair asbestos-containing materials, it’s crucial that you hire a professional trained in asbestos abatement for optimal safety. 

In recent years, there have been many cases of people developing asbestos-related diseases as a result of secondary asbestos exposure. In some cases, these individuals were never directly exposed to asbestos, but were instead exposed only through contact with work-exposed family members. Nevertheless, many of these cases have led to these victims seeking compensation through legal action, to help with medical expenses and lost wages.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease as a result of secondary asbestos exposure, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced asbestos attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can help you navigate the complex legal process of seeking compensation for your injuries.

Second-Hand Exposure IS Exposure

From a health perspective, it makes no difference where and how you were exposed to asbestos; whether you worked around it, washed your spouse’s asbestos-work clothes, or played every day in the laundry room, exposure is exposure no matter the circumstances. Once the asbestos fibers are in your body, they embed and start doing damage. 

Seek the Compensation You Deserve

Asbestos can cause serious injuries, both at home and at work, and victims may be eligible for substantial compensation.

Every American citizen and business must act in a way that does not cause needless harm to others, as required by law, and referred to as a ‘duty of care.’  A person entrusted with a duty of care must issue a warning about any known risks associated with a given location or item.

Negligence may exist when someone breaches the duty of care by endangering workers and their loved ones. A company that causes harm through negligence may be held financially responsible in civil court.

For decades, those working in the asbestos sector were aware of the link between the mineral substance and cancers like mesothelioma. Instead of warning their workers and the general public, however,  the asbestos industry suppressed scientific research and buried the results to protect profits.

Many civil claims have been filed against asbestos companies in recent decades, with hundreds of millions of dollars being awarded in compensation; vital funds that have been used to cover medical expenses, replace lost income, and cover funeral costs.