Asbestos fibers are microscopic, lightweight, and incredibly durable. When asbestos materials are disturbed, the asbestos fibers become airborne and can settle virtually anywhere, be it on clothes, hair, skin, or furniture. Workers in jobs where they handle asbestos are at a high risk of unknowingly bringing the dangerous asbestos back home. This puts their families at risk of secondary exposure, which can lead to severe complications later. If you suspect your clothing has been contaminated with asbestos, you may wonder if washing can remove the hazardous fibers. Read on to find out more about this.
Can Washing Remove Asbestos From Contaminated Clothes?
The short answer is no unless professional cleaners do it. If you take up washing the clothes to remove the fibers, that may all be futile. Washing clothes contaminated with asbestos does not entirely remove the fibers. In fact, attempting to launder these clothes at home can spread the contamination further. Here is why this is the case:
● Asbestos is resistant to heat, water, and chemicals, making it difficult to remove entirely from fabric
● Placing contaminated clothing in a washing machine can transfer asbestos fibers to other clothes in the same load
● Some fibers may remain inside the washer, leading to continued exposure when laundering other clothes
● Handling or shaking asbestos-contaminated clothing can release fibers into the air. These fibers may linger for hours or even days, and since they are invisible, you may end up breathing them in.
Given these risks, attempting to decontaminate asbestos-exposed clothing at home is highly dangerous. The safest option is to hire professional cleaners to help decontaminate the clothes or properly dispose of the contaminated items.
How Long Can Asbestos Stay on Clothing?
Asbestos fibers can remain on clothing for years or even decades. Studies have shown that asbestos brought home by workers remains in household environments long after exposure stops. This prolonged presence increases the likelihood of secondary exposure for family members who come into contact with contaminated fabrics.
What are the Symptoms of Asbestos Exposure?
Exposure to asbestos, even in small amounts, can cause life-threatening diseases, including mesothelioma. For instance, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take decades to appear after you are exposed. If you suspect you or your loved one has been exposed to asbestos, here are some warning signs to look out for:
● Persistent cough
● Shortness of breath
● Chest pain or tightness
● Difficulty breathing
● Hoarseness
● Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
● Abdominal swelling
Given the severe medical conditions associated with asbestos exposure, you must seek medical attention immediately. Also, inform your doctor about the possible asbestos exposure so that they can advise you on the best way to proceed.
How to Properly Handle Asbestos-Contaminated Clothing
If you have clothing suspected of asbestos contamination, here's what you should do:
● Avoid shaking or handling the clothes excessively to prevent the fibers from becoming airborne.
● Place the clothes in a sealed and labeled container to reduce further risk of exposure.
● Seek assistance from an asbestos removal specialist or a facility equipped to handle contaminated textiles safely.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment and to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
