Second-Hand Asbestos Exposure Threatens Family Members

Many people who were directly exposed to asbestos have developed debilitating diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma, but there appears to be a risk for those who experience second-hand contact as well.

This is demonstrated in the instance of a 78-year old woman who recently passed away due to mesothelioma. Having breathed in the fibers of second-hand asbestos through the daily washing of her husband’s work clothes, the woman developed mesothelioma in a way that needs to be brought to the public’s attention. Where it was once assumed that developing debilitating diseases like mesothelioma was only possible by working directly with asbestos, there is evidence that proves the fibers can be transferred outside the workplace and brought home to family members.

In addition to those who come in contact with the asbestos fibers through washing a worker’s clothing, other family members are at risk, too. Those who might also be at risk for second-hand asbestos exposure include children who were quick to greet their fathers or grandfathers who might have been wearing work clothes that contained asbestos fibers. This is important information for family members to have and know.

Know the Signs of Mesothelioma

There are symptoms associated with mesothelioma that family members should be on the lookout for. The most common mesothelioma side effects include:

• Coughing
• Chest pains
• Shortness of Breath
• Lessened chest capacity
• Wheezing
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis

Mesothelioma Lawsuits Continue to Be Filed

Despite the fact that asbestos has been banned for quite some time, there are new and developing mesothelioma lawsuits being filed each month. One such lawsuit is that of Arthur Benjamin, Jr.

Benjamin worked as a laborer from 1968 through 2001 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2012. Along with his wife, Benjamin is suing 57 different companies for being responsible for his diagnosis. While some of the defendants are his employers, he is also suing some premise owners for the presence of asbestos where he worked on certain jobs. Among the companies are 3M, Clark Equipment Company, and Amdura Corporation.

There is Legal Help Available

Suffering from mesothelioma can be difficult and even fatal in some instances. Thankfully, there are routes that you can explore to get more information on your legal options.

For more information on how to contact attorneys who are actively pursuing mesothelioma investigations and lawsuits, visit our Mesothelioma Asbestos Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page. Here you can submit your information to qualified attorneys actively involved in litigation against companies. They will review your information for free and contact you if you have a case for compensation. Potential charges could include negligence, pain and suffering, reimbursement for current and past medical expenses, misrepresentation and wrongful death.