title: Pleural mesothelioma and household asbestos exposure.
abstract: This article discusses the development of asbestos-induced malignant mesotheliomas after non-occupational environmental exposure to asbestos through contact with occupationally exposed household members. In our policlinic, we have seen six fatal pleural mesothelioma cases (five wives and one son of asbestos-industry workers) with no history of occupational asbestos exposure. In five women, a causal relation was established between the fatal disease and inhalation of asbestos fibers while cleaning the contaminated work-clothes and shoes of their husbands at home. The son had also been exposed to asbestos throughout his childhood during daily visits with his father at the workplace.
authors.affiliation: Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-und Sozialmedizin der Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Deutschland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schneider
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Straif
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Woitowitz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006796:Household Work; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos