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11 November 2006 - Third Generation Victims
of Asbestos Cancer
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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
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