When people think of asbestos-related diseases, they often associate them with workers in shipyards, construction sites, power plants, and manufacturing industries—places where asbestos was widely used. However, asbestos exposure wasn’t limited to those working directly with the material. Secondary asbestos exposure, also known as para-occupational exposure, has affected many individuals, particularly family members of those who unknowingly brought asbestos dust home on their clothing.
If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related illness despite never working with asbestos directly, you may still have the right to claim compensation. In this guide, MMC Legal explain what secondary asbestos exposure is, who is at risk, and how to pursue a legal claim in Northern Ireland.
What is Secondary Asbestos Exposure?
Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when individuals inhale asbestos fibres through indirect contact rather than working directly with the material. This often happens when asbestos fibres become airborne and are carried into non-industrial environments, such as homes.
Common Ways Secondary Exposure Occurred
- Washing Contaminated Work Clothes
- Many wives and family members of workers regularly washed their loved one’s asbestos-covered clothing, unknowingly inhaling the deadly fibres.
- Handling dusty overalls, shaking them before washing, or scrubbing them by hand increased the risk of exposure.
- Physical Contact with an Exposed Worker
- Children and spouses who greeted their loved ones after work—hugging them or sitting on their laps—could have unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibres.
- Dust in the Family Home
- Asbestos fibres could settle on furniture, carpets, and bedding, leading to prolonged household exposure.
- Even if the worker showered or changed after work, traces of asbestos dust could still remain in the home.
What Illnesses Are Caused by Secondary Asbestos Exposure?
Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses, often decades after initial contact. The most common diseases linked to secondary exposure include:
Mesothelioma
- A rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
- There is no cure, and it is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.
- Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and weight loss.
Asbestosis
- A chronic lung disease caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres.
- Leads to lung scarring, breathing difficulties, and an increased risk of lung infections.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
- Similar to smoking-related lung cancer but caused by asbestos exposure.
- Can develop decades after initial contact with asbestos fibres.
4. Pleural Plaques and Pleural Thickening
- Non-cancerous conditions affecting the lining of the lungs, which can cause breathlessness and chest pain.
Can You Claim Compensation for Secondary Asbestos Exposure?
Yes. Even if you were not directly exposed to asbestos at work, you may still be entitled to compensation if you developed an asbestos-related illness due to secondary exposure. Successful claims have been made by:
- Wives who regularly washed their husband’s asbestos-contaminated work clothes.
- Children who were exposed to asbestos dust at home.
However, these cases can be legally complex, requiring expert investigation to prove how and when the exposure occurred.
What Do You Need to Prove for a Secondary Exposure Claim?
To succeed in a secondary asbestos exposure claim, you must provide evidence linking your illness to asbestos exposure. Key elements of a successful claim include:
1. Proof of Exposure
- Identifying the family member or workplace responsible for bringing asbestos fibres into the home.
- Evidence that your loved one worked in a high-risk industry, such as shipbuilding, construction, or insulation work.
2. Medical Diagnosis
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease (e.g., mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer).
- Medical reports from specialists will be required as evidence.
3. Witness Evidence
- Testimonies from former colleagues or relatives can help confirm asbestos exposure at work.
- Statements from family members about handling dusty clothes or exposure at home can support the claim.
4. Employer Liability
- The employer of the exposed worker must be shown to have failed in their duty of care by not preventing asbestos exposure.
- Even if the company no longer exists, insurers may still be held responsible.
Challenges in Making a Claim for Secondary Asbestos Exposure
Secondary exposure cases can be more difficult to prove than direct workplace exposure. Some common challenges include:
- Time Limits – Claims must be made within three years of diagnosis.
- Tracing Employers & Insurers – Many companies responsible for asbestos exposure have closed, making it harder to identify who to sue.
- Lack of Work Records – Since the affected person never worked with asbestos, tracing the link between exposure and the illness can be complex.
At MMC Legal, we specialise in asbestos-related claims and have a proven track record of securing compensation in even the most challenging cases.