For decades, secondhand exposure from asbestos has harmed spouses and children of industrial workers. While the worker may have clocked out and gone home, the deadly asbestos fibers on their clothes, boots, and hair didn’t stay behind at the jobsite. They came home with them — into kitchens, laundry rooms, and bedrooms — putting entire families at risk.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease and never worked directly with asbestos, your exposure may have come secondhand.
Understanding Secondhand Asbestos Exposure at Home
Secondhand asbestos exposure, also known as take-home exposure, occurs when a worker brings home toxic fibers on their clothing, tools, or body. Family members — especially those handling laundry or giving hugs — are unknowingly exposed over time. This can lead to deadly diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis decades later.
Jobs that frequently resulted in secondhand exposure include:
- Steelworkers
- Pipefitters and boilermakers
- Power plant and chemical facility workers
- Millwrights and machinists
Secondhand Asbestos Exposure in West Virginia and Pennsylvania
Industrial regions like Weirton, Natrium, Parkersburg, Pittsburgh, and Moundsville were hotspots for occupational asbestos exposure. Workers from places like DuPont Washington Works, PPG Industries, and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel often returned home with contaminated uniforms, unknowingly exposing their families.
Today, family members are being diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses caused entirely by this take-home exposure from asbestos — years, or even decades, later.
Secondhand Exposure Claims Don’t Require Employment Proof
The law recognizes that take-home is real. Courts have held companies accountable for failing to warn workers or provide safe handling procedures. In many cases, you may still be eligible to file a claim even if you never worked at the plant or jobsite yourself.
If your exposure was from a loved one’s job, you deserve answers, accountability, and compensation.
Quiet Justice for Secondhand Asbestos Exposure
You don’t need to go public. We handle these cases with discretion and respect. Free consultations and home visits are available throughout West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.
Learn More About Take-Home Exposure
👉 What Is Take-Home Exposure to Asbestos?
A detailed guide to how exposure happens — and how victims can get justice.
Legal Help for Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Victims
At the Law Offices of Lee W. Davis, we’ve represented victims for more than 35 years. You won’t be passed off to an assistant or a call center. You’ll speak directly with an experienced lawyer who knows the names, the plants, and the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue if I was exposed to asbestos from a family member’s job?
Yes. Secondhand or take-home asbestos exposure is a recognized cause of mesothelioma and qualifies for legal claims in many jurisdictions.
How do I know if secondhand exposure caused my illness?
If you lived with someone who worked in an industry known for asbestos and you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos disease, secondhand exposure is likely.
What if the company is bankrupt?
Bankrupt companies often established asbestos trust funds, which allow victims of secondhand exposure to file claims without going to court.
📍 Serving Clients Throughout West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania
We represent clients exposed in Weirton, Pittsburgh, Natrium, Charleston, Moundsville, and beyond. Whether the exposure was decades ago or more recent, you may still have a claim.
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