Mesothelioma in household members of asbestos-exposed workers: 32 United States cases since 1990

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Abstract
Background Mesothelioma is significant as an indicator of asbestos exposure, as a continuing major cause of death in those exposed, and as a risk following lesser exposures. One such exposure is living in the household of an asbestos worker, and coming into contact with fibers brought home on his/her body, clothing, etc. Methods Law firms throughout the US known for their pursuit of asbestos claims were polled for mesothelioma claims brought on behalf of family members of identifiable asbestos‐exposed workers. Cases with any occupational, environmental, or other possible exposure were not included. Results This study reports 32 household‐exposure mesothelioma cases, diagnosed since 1990. Relationships were wife (15), daughter (11), son (3), sister‐in law (1), niece (1), and boarder (1). Occupations of the workers included shipyard (13), insulator (7), and other (12). Of the 27 pleural cases, 13 were epithelial, 5 fibrous, 3 biphasic, and 6 not specified; of the 5 peritoneal cases, 4 were epithelial and 1 fibrous. Latency was greater than 40 years in 27 cases; 6 cases were 40–49 years of age and 17 were 60 or older. Conclusions Records from law firms were a useful source of information. Mesothelioma resulting from household exposure is a continuing problem. It is more likely to present in the elderly, after latencies of >40 years. Am. J. Ind. Med. 47:458–462, 2005.

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