Pleural mesothelioma and household asbestos exposure.

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.