Take Home Asbestos Exposure

You should be aware of the dangers of take home asbestos exposure. Individuals who work in job settings where direct asbestos exposure is a factor are at risk for diseases such as mesothelioma. Most people know this. What you may not realize, however, is that the family members of workers exposed to asbestos on the job may also be at risk. This is called take home exposure, or bystander / secondary exposure.

Understanding Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a human carcinogen, as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health & Human Services. Asbestos fibers can cause cancer in those exposed, with symptoms appearing as many as 50 years after initial exposure.

These fibers lodge in the lining around the abdomen, heart, and / or lungs, creating irritation and causing cancer over time. Unfortunately, while asbestos has been in use in a variety of products for many years, the link between asbestos exposure and cancer was not confirmed until fairly recently. In 1979, asbestos was finally banned from use in manufacturing. Until that time, the substance was used in many different industries. People from industrial backgrounds, construction backgrounds, military backgrounds, and many other fields have been exposed to this dangerous substance for decades—and their loved ones are at risk, too.

Family members are at risk because asbestos fibers can be taken home via workers:

• Skin
• Shoes
• Socks
• Clothing
• Equipment
• Protective clothing
• Gloves
• Hair

Receive Strong Legal Advocacy from Our National Trial Attorneys

Speak with BCH if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by take home or bystander exposure to asbestos. Our firm can help you answer your pressing questions and discover what your legal rights and options may be. Call BCH at (713) 425-7100 for a free review of your case.