“Bystander” asbestos exposure is a form of indirect asbestos exposure. Bystander exposure to asbestos usually refers to people who work in jobs that expose them to asbestos even though they do not personally work with the disease-causing mineral. Consider, for example, an auto repair shop manager. Although the manager may not have performed repair work, he might have suffered bystander exposure from his presence in the shop where the brake or clutch repairs were performed.

Exposure to asbestos as a bystander can cause the same diseases suffered by those who are exposed directly: asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

We’re Asked: What Is Bystander Asbestos Exposure?

The term “asbestos” actually refers to six naturally occurring minerals. What’s different about asbestos is that its dust is so small—so tiny—that people breathing it in have no idea they’re being exposed.

Asbestos fibers do not degrade easily. They remain in the environment for some time, allowing persons other than a directly exposed worker to inhale or ingest them. The closer a bystander is to the asbestos work, the higher the risk of inhalation. Working in an enclosed space where asbestos work has been done increases the risk. Living in close proximity to certain asbestos worksites may also increase the risk of dangerous asbestos-related diseases.

From the 1940s through the 1970s, bystander asbestos exposure was more likely due to the widespread use of asbestos. By the late 1970s, however, concerns were developing for those who actually used asbestos materials, such as roofers and auto mechanics.

Since the implementation of EPA rules for air quality and OSHA workplace standards for safety, the risk for asbestos exposure has been reduced in the workplace, but it has not been eliminated.  The National Cancer Institute says research findings indicate there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

Sometimes, the health implications of bystander exposure to asbestos take longer to appear because of the cumulative effect, or the slow build-up, of asbestos. Other times, a person may experience an intense exposure to asbestos as a bystander although not over a long period of time. Either way, a bystander is still at risk for dangerous asbestos-related illnesses.

An example of intense bystander exposure would be the personnel responding to the World Trade Center attack on 9/11. The American Journal of Industrial Medicine reported that air sample collections by one union showed that a full 60 percent “of asbestos air samples collected at the WTC site . . . indicated concentrations in excess of” a particular clearance level.

What is Your History as a Bystander?

If you worked near or in areas where asbestos was handled and suffer from lung diseases, you need to tell your doctor about your bystander exposure. Worse yet, if you are experiencing the symptoms of an asbestos-related illness and have suffered from bystander exposure, tell your healthcare provider and your attorney the following information:

• What was the nature of work that brought you close to dangerous asbestos fibers?
• Did you share workspace where asbestos was handled?
• What was the intensity and frequency of your exposure?
• Have you been exposed to asbestos in more than one place or at different times?
• Did you experience a short-term exposure to asbestos that was very intense?
• Were you exposed to asbestos as a child?
• Do you or have you lived near sites where asbestos-containing products are manufactured?

Legal Help for Your Bystander Asbestos Exposure

The issues surrounding bystander asbestos exposure are handled differently by states and by courts. If you have an asbestos-related diagnosis because of bystander asbestos exposure, you will need help in recovering compensation for your injury. An experienced asbestos law firm will be able to evaluate your case and provide an honest assessment

The attorneys with Nemeroff Law are national experts in working with asbestos-related cases, claims, and settlements.

If you or someone close to you is suffering lung disease due to asbestos bystander exposure, Nemeroff Law can help. Our asbestos attorneys are well-respected trial lawyers with decades of experience in asbestos cases, and we’re passionate about what we do. Contact us at 866-342-1929 or by email. We know the toll asbestos diseases take on victims and their families, and we’re here to help.