In a landmark case, it has been suggested that Mesothelioma, the deadly workplace asbestos cancer, has now reared it's ugly head to third generation Grandchildren of workers who's career entailed working with the deadly substance.
The case reveals that asbestos is capable of praying victim to the families of older relatives who worked with asbestos, transmitted via their work clothes.
One case was of a Grandfather, employed as a fitter's assistant, working on board a ship where asbestos insulation was being installed, who upon his return home visited his Granddaughter's home to enjoy some playtime fun. The Granddaughter recalled his dusty overalls and cap as he sat her on his knee.
In December 2005, the Granddaughter experienced symptoms of shortness of breath and consulted her Doctor. Following chest x-rays CT scan and biopsies, she was told in January 2006 that she had developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure.
The Granddaughter explains by saying:
“Since I was diagnosed with mesothelioma, I have been in complete shock and denial. At first, I couldn’t recall being exposed to asbestos. Only then did it dawn on me that I could have caught it from my granddad.
"His daily visits to our home started when I was baby and continued until I was 14 which is when he stopped working at the shipyards in 1975.
"I’m devastated, as is my husband Paul; we have a young family and now the future is very uncertain.”
Solicitor for the Granddaughter, Mr. Tony Hood, Thompsons Solicitors said of the case:
"Michelle’s case illustrates the tragedy of asbestos – and yet again the negligence of employers – that has now extended further and is causing the deaths of a third generation of innocent people.
"This legacy from the past shows no signs of abating; in contrast, it looks certain that more innocent young victims like Michelle will be affected in the future.”
Further information on Asbestos in the workplace can be accessed from the HSE website by clicking the following:
Asbestos health and safety in the workplace
Article by Alexandra Johnston
