Second-Hand Asbestos Exposure

The dangers of asbestos exposure are not limited to those who worked directly with or around the carcinogenic material. Family members of those exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are also at risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer via second-hand asbestos exposure.

If you or a loved one suffers from mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, a New York asbestos lawyer can be reached from The Williams Law Firm, P.C. We are here to fight for fair compensation and help you through this challenging experience. We’ve recovered millions in relief for our clients and are ready to assess your legal options.

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THOSE AT RISK FOR SECOND-HAND ASBESTOS EXPOSURE

Second-hand asbestos exposure—also referred to as passive asbestos exposure, secondary asbestos exposure, and take-home asbestos exposure—most often affects spouses and children of those who worked in occupations with high asbestos exposure risk.

Families of individuals who worked in the following industries between the 1940s and the 1980s may be especially vulnerable to second-hand asbestos exposure:

• AEROSPACE
• AUTOMOTIVE
• CONSTRUCTION
• ENERGY/OIL AND GAS
• MILITARY, ESPECIALLY THE U.S. NAVY
• PLUMBING
• RAILROAD/SUBWAY
• SHIPBUILDING/SHIPPING
• TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

Those who resided near sites where asbestos was mined, used for industrial purposes, or utilized in the manufacture of certain products also face a risk for second-hand asbestos exposure.

HOW SECOND-HAND ASBESTOS EXPOSURE OCCURS

When asbestos is broken apart, it releases tiny fibrous particles that can cling to hair and clothing. These asbestos fibers are easily transferred to others and it is these particulates that can accumulate in the lungs, where they lead to scarring and the cellular mutations that cause mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Because workers were often unaware of the dangers of asbestos, or even that they were working with asbestos, their family members were likewise exposed without the knowledge that by simply handling a spouse’s laundry or hugging a parent on a regular basis they were at risk for developing mesothelioma or lung cancer. These asbestos-related cancers have latency periods of decades, sometimes upward of 40 or 50 years, which makes life-saving treatment essentially impossible.

If you’re a family member of someone who worked with asbestos and you experience lung cancer or mesothelioma symptoms, it’s advisable to schedule a medical evaluation as soon as possible and alert your physician to the possibility of second-hand asbestos exposure.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS, THEN THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW. CALL OUR AWARD-WINNING NEW YORK ASBESTOS ATTORNEY AT (855) 575-6376 TODAY TO START EXPLORING YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS.