Fibers: Secondary Exposure to Asbestos

Spouses and family members can be exposed through asbestos dust and fibers on workers' skin and work clothing. Such secondary exposure occurs when fibers released to the air are inhaled by persons not directly handling asbestos.

Asbestos-related diseases have occurred in family members whose only contact was dust from an exposed worker's clothing. In some circumstances, exposures in household members might approach occupational levels. Similar diseases were also found in persons who grew up within one-half mile of an asbestos factory.

The truth about asbestos

Despite the fatal health consequences associated with asbestos exposure, asbestos is still imported and used in the United States for its insulation properties. The United States imported and used an estimated 1,820 tons of asbestos in 2007, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people nationwide will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. This disease is most often the result of industrial workplace exposure to asbestos – and usually contracted through employers’ blatant disregard for the health and safety of their workers. That’s why people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their family members have strong cases in court.

Time to seek justice

Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of workers for 25 years – longer than most law firms in the nation. And in that time the firm's mesothelioma lawyers have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for clients.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, and seek FREE legal guidance and answers to your concerns, please notify us through the communication form below. We will pursue your claim with vigilance to help you pay for medical bills, future and past lost wages, and damages. There is no cost to you until we win a settlement or a verdict.