Can You Get Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer From Husband's Clothes?

Mesothelioma, otherwise known as asbestos cancer is a disease commonly found in people who have worked in shipyards and other environments such as brake repair shops where one could have come into contact with asbestos fibers. Asbestos is now banned in almost all products and manufacturing processes but is still present in many environments where it has not been reported to the government. Unauthorized demolition and disposal of construction waste are areas where workers still come into contact with asbestos fibers and potentially could contract mesothelioma. If your spouse has worked in any of these industries in the past you could have come into contact with asbestos yourself, even if you never visited his work. Asbestos fibers cling fast to clothes, hats and boots. By coming into contact with clothes dirty with asbestos dust you could contract mesothelioma. The best solution of course is to stop working in an environment where asbestos fibers may be present and to report your employer if they are refusing to follow the law about proper demolition and waste disposal. Contact OSHA at once and ask to speak to an investigator. If you have come into contact with work clothes that may have been dirty with asbestos dust you should visit your doctor and have a full checkup. There are many symptoms of mesothelioma including weight loss, loss of appetite, upset stomach and blood in the stool. However, there may be no apparent symptoms at all. Early detection and treatment offer the best chance of survival. It is possible that a spouse may contract mesothelioma even if the one spending the most time in the contaminated environment has not. Each persons immune system is different. Contact your health care provider if you suspect you have been exposed to asbestos fibers either at the workplace or by coming into contact with contaminated clothes.