If you have a parent who developed mesothelioma in New Orleans, you may have a genetic predisposition to the disease, but more than almost any other cancer, mesothelioma has a specific cause.
Your father most likely worked at a job site or in an industry where asbestos was heavily used, exposing him to extremely small fibers over many years, which were breathed in or swallowed. This exposure caused his mesothelioma, and whether there’s a genetic component or not, your risk level is much smaller because of the highly regulated nature of asbestos today.
There have been cases where family members of an asbestos-exposed worker ultimately developed mesothelioma, likely from exposure to fine asbestos fibers carried into the home on clothing, hair, and skin. These second hand mesothelioma cases are extremely rare. For perspective, there are about 3,000 mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States each year, and around three quarters of those cases are related to workplace exposure decades before.
Your risk of developing mesothelioma is very, very small. Talk to your doctor about possible second hand asbestos exposure and your concerns. If you are experiencing any symptoms that cause you alarm, ask that they be fully investigated.
Take care of your health, especially avoiding habits like smoking, since any genetic basis for mesothelioma may speak more widely to a predisposition to lung disease.
If you or a family member do develop mesothelioma from second hand exposure, there is help.
At The Gertler Law Firm, we make sure Louisiana families have every resource available to them, and that families are protected even if a loved one dies of mesothelioma. Call us today at (504) 527-8767 for a free consultation with an experienced New Orleans mesothelioma attorney.
