An MD PhD plaintiff argues that he has become the victim of malignant mesothelioma and claims that this condition was caused by asbestos inside gloves and burner pads created and produced by Fisher Scientific Company.

The plaintiff states that he used these burner pads and allegedly contaminated gloves throughout his time in graduate school and college, and also while working as a medical technologist during his summer breaks. The defendant attempted to have the asbestos lawsuit case dismissed based on the plaintiff’s lack of detail about specific dates in which the gloves were used. However, that motion for summary judgment was dismissed and therefore the asbestos gloves case will proceed.

The plaintiff in the case was formally diagnosed in May 2018.

He filed his lawsuit against Fisher Scientific arguing that the company knew about the gloves containing asbestos and stating that the company failed to notify the medical community or the public.

He also states in his legal claim that the way the gloves were manufactured forced them to break down and fray easily, making the asbestos fibers contained inside that much more dangerous.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos fibers based on continuous exposure could lead to significant medical problems for someone who has breathed them in or brought them home on clothing.

One report included with the lawsuit states that dropping the gloves on a lab bench was enough to release asbestos fibers into the atmosphere at a level to put people at risk and that the gloves were indeed capable of causing significant exposure levels.

Many different products over the course of history have contained asbestos.

In many cases, when the asbestos is not disturbed, it is relatively harmless to humans. However, given that asbestos can be found inside items such as siding on houses, vinyl tiles, insulation and shingles, the disruption of these asbestos fibers can lead to significant inhalation or exposure issues.

While there’s been very little research about the level of asbestos risk from wearing gloves, the plaintiff believes the manufacturer should have foreseen this problem and taken steps to warn the public.

Most cases of asbestos-related medical conditions develop after multiple instances of exposure. Exposure in the workplace is one of the most common ways that a patient could eventually be diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition. Many of the lawsuits surrounding asbestos-caused conditions are filed by shipyard and construction workers who were introduced to the fibers on a regular basis over the course of decades.

Breathing in these fibers over long periods of time can increase a patient’s risk for diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Doctors often perform CT scans, biopsies or pulmonary functions tests to determine how much air a patient’s lung can currently hold.

An early warning sign of serious medical conditions tied to asbestos exposure is buildup of fluid around the lungs, but other symptoms can include difficulty breathing, a cough, pain around the ribcage, constipation, fatigue or pain and a lump in the belly. If you or someone you know might have been exposed to asbestos, consider a consultation with a lawyer.