September 9th, 2010 - More mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed based on claims of second-hand asbestos exposure by family members of people who worked in environments that contained asbestos, then brought the hazardous mineral home on their clothes, according to the Belleville News-Democrat in Illinois.Circuit Judge Daniel Stack, who handles the docket of asbestos lawsuits in Madison County, Illinois, told the newspaper that second-hand exposure is a major reason why mesothelioma lawsuits are increasing. The county handles about one-fourth of the nation's mesothelioma lawsuits.
The paper reported that in the early 2000s, there were more than 800 such cases filed annually in Madison County. Although the number went down in following years, it is now on the rise. In 2009, there were 814 asbestos-related cases, and based on filings to date, as many as 840 asbestos lawsuits could be filed in Madison County by the end of the year.
Also called "take home" or "off-site" exposure, the effect is the same as for those who work in proximity to asbestos, which is linked to diseases that include mesothelioma and lung cancer. The dust and fibers from work clothes may remain in the air for an extended period of time and are inhaled by family members.
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