People who work with asbestos are at risk with each shift they work. They can take all the safety rules seriously at work, but there’s a chance they may bring those tiny fibers home with them.
Understanding second-hand asbestos exposure may help these workers keep their loved ones safer.
Second-hand exposure to asbestos
Asbestos is a harmful material that was once used in many buildings and products. It can make people very sick if they breathe in tiny fibers that come off it. Sometimes, people who work with asbestos can accidentally bring these fibers home on their clothes, skin, or tools. This is called second-hand asbestos exposure. It means family members can be exposed to asbestos without ever being near it at a job site.
How family members can be exposed
When someone works with asbestos, the fibers can stick to their clothes, hair and things they carry, like lunch boxes or backpacks. When they come home, these fibers can come off in the house. Family members can breathe in these fibers without knowing. This can happen when hugging, doing laundry or being around items that have asbestos fibers on them.
Ways to reduce the risks
People who work with asbestos can do a few things to help keep their families safe. Here are some simple steps:
- Change clothes: It’s good to change out of work clothes before coming home. Some workplaces have showers and changing areas. Use these if you can. This way, you leave the fibers at work and don’t bring them home.
- Bag your work clothes: Put your work clothes in a bag after changing. This helps keep the fibers in one place. Wash these clothes by themselves.
- Keep work gear separate: Keep your work tools, boots, and other items away from living areas. Having a special spot outside the house or in a separate area can help.
- Clean up well: Washing your hands and face well before coming home can also reduce the risk. This helps take off any fibers that might have landed on your skin.
By doing these things, people who work with asbestos can help protect their families from second-hand exposure. If anyone in the home is diagnosed with mesothelioma, a legal claim might be possible.
