When most people hear the word “asbestos,” they immediately think of old buildings, construction sites, or scary news stories about mesothelioma. Unfortunately, there’s something even sneakier that is not always discussed: secondary exposure.
This occurs when family members are exposed. And sometimes, it can lead to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Exposure can happen when someone they love brings tiny, dangerous fibers home on clothes, shoes, or tools. This is a real risk in many homes. Here is what family members need to know about secondary exposure to asbestos.
How Does This Happen?
Your spouse or partner may work in construction, a shipyard, or in an auto shop in Philadelphia. In these industries, their job requires them to be around asbestos-containing materials all day. They come home, hug you, sit on the couch, or drop their jacket in the laundry basket. Unfortunately, those invisible fibers can hitch a ride into your home, your lungs, and onto your kids’ clothes. That is secondary exposure in your home.
Kids are vulnerable. Since their lungs are still developing and their immune systems are not yet resilient, brief contact with asbestos dust brought home by a loved one can increase health risks later in life.
However, adults are not off the hook either. Spouses of asbestos-exposed workers have developed mesothelioma decades after exposure, without ever setting foot on a construction site.
Who Could Be at Risk?
Not every family faces the same level of risk. Often, it depends on the type of work your loved one does. Jobs that often involve asbestos include:
- Construction and demolition work
- Shipbuilding or shipyard jobs
- Insulation installation
- Plumbing or pipefitting
- Auto repair, especially brakes and clutches
- Manufacturing in facilities that historically used asbestos
If someone in your household has one of these jobs, you should assume that some level of risk exists and take precautions at home. Anything like dusty work clothes, debris in laundry, or old building materials could contain asbestos, and you need to take steps to keep everyone safe.
Secondary Exposure and Disease
Even small amounts of asbestos brought into the home can have serious long-term effects. Diseases linked to asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen. Secondary exposure has been linked to cases in spouses and children.
- Lung cancer: Inhaled asbestos fibers can damage lung tissue over time, increasing cancer risk, especially in combination with smoking.
- Asbestosis: Scarring of lung tissue caused by asbestos, leading to difficulty breathing and long-term respiratory issues.
These illnesses do not appear until decades after exposure. For this reason, vigilance is key. Knowing the history of exposure, even at home, can be lifesaving for early detection and medical intervention.
Keeping Your Family Safe
Fortunately, secondary exposure can be minimized with some steps, such as:
- Keep work clothes separate: Ideally, clothes that may contain asbestos should be kept at work. However, if that’s not possible, store them in a sealed bag and wash them separately from the rest of the laundry.
- Shower before coming into contact: Your loved one may want to shower and change after work. This makes a huge difference in keeping fibers out of your home.
- Store work equipment safely: Gloves, boots, and tools that may carry fibers should be kept out of shared living areas. Keep them in the garage, shed, or a designated work closet.
- Keep the home dust-free: Regular cleaning with a HEPA-filter vacuum and damp cloths can prevent fibers from lingering in the air. You want to avoid dry dusting or sweeping, as this can actually release fibers into the air.
Watching for Health Issues
Asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to appear, so being proactive is important. You may want to keep a record of your exposure history, including who worked where, for how long, and how often. You can share it with a doctor if any symptoms develop.
Regular checkups and lung monitoring can help detect problems early. While there is no standard screening for people without symptoms, detailed exposure information is valuable for both medical care and potential legal claims.
Legal Considerations
In some cases, families affected by secondary exposure may have legal options. Employers and manufacturers have been held accountable for failing to protect workers. Sometimes, that extends to family members harmed by take-home asbestos.
If you have any concerns, consulting a lawyer experienced in asbestos or mesothelioma cases can help clarify your rights and options.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
Secondary exposure to asbestos is sneaky but preventable. Families of workers in high-risk jobs need to know how asbestos travels home, how to reduce the risk, and how to keep an eye on long-term health.
A few simple steps, such as separating clothes, showering, storing items safely, and performing regular cleaning, can go a long way. Taking action today can protect your loved ones for years to come.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at home and later develops a related illness, like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, legal options may be available. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we can help you pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other impacts on your life.
Even if it’s been years since the initial exposure, taking action now could help secure compensation and provide peace of mind for you and your family.