Mesothelioma’s Effect on Families
Though not directly exposed to asbestos in high concentrations, family and friends of workers who are heavily
exposed are at some risk, as evidence shows. This contamination can come from the clothing of a someone who works
with asbestos, living near an asbestos mine, plant or other location, breathing the air in those locations where
asbestos exists is large quantities, drinking liquids that have been exposed to asbestos, eating foods grown in
dirt or otherwise ingesting dirt that has been exposed to asbestos. Ultimately, exposing your family and friends
to asbestos might cause one or more of them to develop mesothelioma many years later.
Exposure of Children
Asbestos fibers can be found in dirt and water supplies near workplaces that mine asbestos or use it
extensively in industry. Children are known to drink more fluid per body size, and eat more dirt than adults.
Children may ingest dirt by eating it directly, eating foods with dirty hands, or eating food that was dropped on
the ground. Children’s lung structure is different than adults, and their fragile respiratory and digestive
systems may be more susceptible to inhaled or ingested asbestos particles than an adult’s. Since mesothelioma
does not show up until many years after the first exposure, 20 to 50 years by most estimates, it is difficult to
estimate whether children are at greater risk than adults, though it is reasonable to consider this
possibility.
, Income and Health Care Benefits
If you become unable to work before reaching retirement age, you and your family will suffer the loss of your
income and health benefits. Treatment for
mesothelioma is expensive, so, even
if you qualify for social security disability (SSD) and Medicare coverage, you will go many months, possibly years
without income or Medicare coverage before your social security disability is approved, and another 25 months
before you are eligible for Medicare.
If your social security disability application is approved, your income will be less than half what you are
accustomed to earning, and Medicare does not cover all costs. You will have to pay insurance premiums for Medicare
part A, B, (or C) and D, further reducing your usable income.
If you have not worked 40 quarters by the time you become disabled, you will not qualify for social security
disability, but might qualify for supplemental security disability insurance (SSDI), and state Medicaid. SSDI is a
significantly smaller income than SSD, and Medicaid is usually more limited medical coverage than Medicare, though
there is no premium.
Quality of Life and Relationships
In addition to exposing family and friends to contamination from which they might later suffer health
consequences, their lives, as well as these relationships, will be affected by your illness.
• If your wife was not formerly employed, she may need to go to work
• She will not be as available to care for you
• If your wife was already working, your income will be reduced to what she can bring in
• You are likely to have medical expenses that are not covered, even by Medicare
• You may need additional help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, fixing meals, taking
medications, picking up prescriptions, traveling to the doctor, and more
• You may not be able to play with your children or grandchildren, or enjoy the company of friends and
family as others your age might do
• You may find that fewer of them visit for social reasons
• Many friends, as well as some family members, will drift away, not knowing how to relate to you
anymore
If you are fortunate enough to have good friends, they will likely be willing to help you, but your
relationships will change along with your activities. Mesothelioma will cause your life will change in every way
possible.