Hairdresser’s Mesothelioma Death Blamed on Asbestos In Hair Dryers

It’s widely understood that malignant mesothelioma has been caused by asbestos in insulation, by asbestos contamination in construction materials, and by asbestos in vinyl tiles, ceiling tiles, and other industrial equipment, applications and materials. But the carcinogenic material has been used in settings that have not received the same level of attention, and which may be surprising to many. One example of this can be seen in the case of a hairdresser who died of mesothelioma. The man’s widow recently sought workers’ compensation benefits, blaming his death on his exposure to asbestos in the hair dryers he used throughout his career.

Widow Seeking Compensation from Former Employers

The Missouri mesothelioma lawsuit was filed against Marc Hayden’s previous employer by his widow Joan, who sought workers’ compensation benefits following his mesothelioma death. Her case asserted that he had developed the asbestos-related disease from hair dryers that he’d used throughout his years of working as a hairdresser. 

The original claim had been filed in 2015 by Mr. Hayden himself, and when he succumbed to mesothelioma in 2016 his widow continued the case. Her claim was denied by the Administrative Law Judge, and that decision was then confirmed by the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. This led her to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals of Missouri.

Handheld Hairdryers Contained Asbestos Insulation Linings

In his original workers’ compensation claim, Mr. Hayden presented evidence that asbestos in the hairdryers he’d used during his 47-year career had contained asbestos insulation, and testimony presented by expert witnesses supported his assertion. In addition to his medical records and documentation of his illness, his attorneys submitted a 1978 article reviewing National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health testing which spoke directly to “the excess release of asbestos fibers from hair dryers.” 

Though the original Administrative Law Judge denied the workers’ compensation claim based on testimony from the hair salon’s expert witness, the Appeals Court felt that the very same witness’ testimony actually supported the mesothelioma claim. The court overturned the decision and the widow will be provided the workers’ compensation that she was seeking.

If you or someone you love has been sickened following exposure to asbestos, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help you in many ways. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

Learn more about and contact Terri