July 1st, 2005

We have known about the dangers of passive smoking and cancer for many years, but the latest concern is regarding passive asbestos inhalation and cancer. Researchers are concerned about the strong link between those that breathe in asbestos from the clothes or skin of others. Although their exposure is secondary, experts are concerned about the level of damage and the degree of risk that it can pose.

The American Journal of Industrial Medicine published a recent study that showed there was a significant rate of asbestos related cancer within families that had been exposed to this substance on a second hand basis. Those shown to be most at risk from this secondary exposure were the wives and daughters of asbestos workers. There were also some cases where sons and other relatives had been affected.

Over thirty cases of mesothelioma in families since 1990 have been linked to secondary exposure through the clothes of the worker, as this is one of the most common ways in which asbestos dust particles and fibers can be transported home. Although most men with mesothelioma contract the disease through direct exposure, in women it is thought that many cases are through this secondary exposure.

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer and can take several decades to manifest from initial exposure to asbestos. Over recent years, this disease has really hit the headlines, with many people now being diagnosed with it, and many lawsuits having been filed against the companies responsible for the asbestos exposure.