Asbestos was once a prized mineral and prevalently used because of its fire-retardant properties. People, who worked with the asbestos, are often covered in a fine dust and carry it home on their clothing, unknowingly exposing their families this toxic material.
There have been reports of spouses and children contracting various lung diseases including mesothelioma. Such is the story of a family in England where 8 children of Kora Leah, a foreman at Cape Asbestos in Hebben Bridge, Yorkshire contracted different lung diseases after their father carried asbestos home on his clothing. He would also take his children to work with him some weekend days.
The exposure occurred in the late 40s before people were aware of how hazardous asbestos can be. The surviving children are nearing 80 now, but are feeling the effects of second-hand exposure to asbestos.
The lung conditions contracted by the Leah children include mesothelioma and emphysema. Some of the children have scarring on their lungs which can lead to mesothelioma.
The story of the Leah family was highlighted in the Jan. 17th edition of the Yorkshire Post.
In some instances,
mesothelioma attorneys have been able to attain damages for victims of second-hand asbestos exposure. Anyone who suspects that they have been exposed to asbestos should consult with a
mesothelioma attorney to see if they are eligible for compensation.
In the 80s, the material was banned for use in some industries and heavily regulated in others. The industries that still use asbestos or people hired to remove the material from buildings are required to inform and protect their workers. But they often fail to and
mesothelioma lawyers can hold them accountable.
