Mesothelioma Risk for Family Members in New Jersey: The Hidden Dangers of Secondary Asbestos Exposure

Introduction

For decades, New Jersey’s industrial economy powered the nation — from shipyards in Hoboken and Kearny to chemical plants in Linden and refineries along the Delaware River. But with progress came a silent danger: asbestos. While workers faced direct exposure, their loved ones at home were often placed at risk through secondary asbestos exposure. Today, families across New Jersey are still grappling with mesothelioma diagnoses linked to asbestos fibers unknowingly carried home.

This article explains how secondary asbestos exposure happens, New Jersey’s industrial history of asbestos use, legal rights for family members, and how victims can pursue justice.

What Is Secondary Asbestos Exposure?

Secondary exposure, sometimes called “take-home” asbestos exposure, occurs when asbestos fibers leave the workplace and enter the home. Families in New Jersey were commonly exposed when:

• Workers returned home in dusty overalls.

• Spouses shook out and laundered asbestos-contaminated clothing.

• Children hugged their parents after work or played in family vehicles.

Invisible and nearly indestructible, asbestos fibers could linger in homes for years, making even short-term exposure dangerous.

Why New Jersey Families Are at Higher Risk

1. Industrial History of Asbestos in New Jersey

New Jersey’s economy once depended on industries where asbestos use was widespread:

• Shipbuilding: Hoboken Shipyards, New York Shipbuilding in Camden, and Federal Shipbuilding in Kearny relied heavily on asbestos insulation.

• Manufacturing: Plants in Newark and Paterson used asbestos in textiles, brake linings, and machinery.

• Refineries & Chemical Plants: Facilities in Bayonne and Linden used asbestos for heat resistance.

• Construction & Demolition: Asbestos was in homes, schools, and offices across the state.

2. Community Hotspots

Entire communities near asbestos plants were at risk. For example:

• Paterson: Asbestos-textile factories exposed both workers and surrounding families.

• Camden: Shipyard workers returned to homes in tight-knit neighborhoods, spreading fibers through households.

3. Case Law in New Jersey

New Jersey has been a leader in recognizing secondary exposure claims. In Olivo v. Owens-Illinois, Inc. (2006), the NJ Supreme Court allowed a mesothelioma claim for a wife who was exposed by washing her husband’s asbestos-covered clothes. This ruling paved the way for families statewide to seek justice.

Health Risks and Symptoms for Families

Secondary asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer decades after exposure. Families should be alert to:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest or abdominal pain

• Persistent cough

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

Given mesothelioma’s latency of 20–50 years, spouses and children exposed in the 1960s–1980s may only now face diagnoses.

Legal Rights for New Jersey Families

Families in New Jersey can pursue compensation through:

• Personal Injury Lawsuits against asbestos companies.

• Wrongful Death Claims for families who lost loved ones.

• Asbestos Trust Funds set up by bankrupt companies.

New Jersey courts, including Middlesex and Essex Counties, frequently hear asbestos cases, and state law strongly supports victims of household exposure.

Why Legal Action Matters

Treatment for mesothelioma can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Compensation helps families:

• Cover medical bills and lost wages.

• Secure funds for spouses and children.

• Hold negligent corporations accountable.

Call to Action for New Jersey Families

If your family has been affected by mesothelioma due to secondary asbestos exposure in New Jersey, Cohen, Placitella & Roth can help. With offices in Red Bank and decades of experience litigating asbestos cases, we understand both the law and the emotional toll.

📞 Contact us today for a free case evaluation..”

FAQs (New Jersey Specific)

Can New Jersey spouses and children sue for mesothelioma caused by asbestos dust at home?

Yes. Courts in NJ have repeatedly allowed such claims, including the landmark Olivo case.

Which industries in New Jersey posed the greatest family risks?

Shipbuilding, chemical plants, oil refineries, manufacturing, and construction.

Where are asbestos cases heard in New Jersey?

Middlesex County (New Brunswick) is the hub for asbestos litigation in NJ.

Conclusion

In New Jersey, the story of asbestos isn’t just about workers — it’s about families. From Hoboken shipyards to Camden factories, thousands of spouses and children were exposed without warning. Today, justice is available. By pursuing legal action, families can gain financial relief and hold companies accountable for decades of negligence.