There are two types of asbestos exposure — primary and secondary exposure. Primary asbestos exposure, also called occupational exposure, occurs when someone who works with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials suffers exposure at work. Occupations at great risk of asbestos exposure include construction, firefighting, power plant, shipyard, mining, factory, and boiler work. Secondary exposure, which is also called second-hand exposure, is when someone who does not directly work with asbestos or asbestos-contaminated materials suffers asbestos exposure. Most people know about primary asbestos exposure, but some people do not know about secondary exposure. Some people do not know that secondary asbestos exposure can lead to asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Below, we share some crucial things you need to know about secondary asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Fibers are Not Confined to a Work Space
Asbestos fibers are not confined to a work environment. These tiny fibers can find their way out of a work environment. Asbestos fibers can get stuck on, for example, a construction worker’s clothes, hair, or skin. The worker can then unknowingly carry the asbestos fibers home. This may then lead to the people living with the construction workers suffering asbestos exposure. For example, the worker’s spouse may suffer asbestos exposure when cleaning asbestos-contaminated clothes. This is how secondary asbestos exposure occurs.
Also, spouses or other people in a household can suffer asbestos exposure when someone who works with asbestos or asbestos-contaminated products brings home asbestos fibers, and the fibers get into the air. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers is what causes asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
Secondary Asbestos Exposure is Just as Dangerous as Primary Asbestos Exposure
It is crucial to note that secondary asbestos exposure is just as dangerous as primary asbestos exposure. A person who suffers secondary asbestos exposure is equally at risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses as someone who suffers direct asbestos exposure, and even one instance of secondary asbestos exposure is enough to cause an asbestos-related disease. In other words, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
Additionally, there is no cure for mesothelioma regardless of how a person suffered asbestos exposure. However, there are several mesothelioma treatment options.
Legal Rights of Mesothelioma Victims
Regarding legal rights, it is vital to note that those who develop asbestos-related illnesses due to secondary asbestos exposure have the same rights as those who develop asbestos-related diseases due to primary asbestos exposure. For example, a person who develops mesothelioma due to secondary asbestos exposure has the same right to file a compensation claim against the party or parties responsible for their asbestos exposure as someone who develops mesothelioma due to primary asbestos exposure. However, a secondary asbestos exposure case may be more complicated than a case involving primary asbestos exposure. After a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is best to retain an attorney.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.