A 67-year-old woman in England died in August 2025 from an aggressive form of cancer and investigations finalized in February 2026 have determined the illness stemmed from asbestos exposure during her childhood. The case highlights the long-term health risks associated with asbestos, even from indirect contact.
Elaine Ellery passed away at a hospice after being diagnosed with cancer in 2024. A coroner’s court in Norfolk concluded on February 16, 2026, that her death was due to a “work-related illness in the form of mesothelioma,” caused by asbestos fibers she encountered throughout her childhood, reports indicate.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that begins in the mesothelium, a protective lining covering many internal organs. According to the Mayo Clinic, it most commonly affects the tissue around the lungs, but can likewise occur in the abdomen, around the heart, or in the testicles.
The exposure occurred through contact with her father’s work clothes. She repeatedly hugged her father, unknowingly bringing herself into contact with asbestos fibers clinging to his clothing. This prolonged, indirect exposure ultimately led to the development of the disease decades later.
Asbestos can enter the body through inhalation and accumulate in lung and other tissues, potentially causing cancer years or even decades after exposure, as explained by the German Cancer Research Center. Individuals who have been professionally exposed to asbestos may be eligible for recognition of their cancer as an occupational disease.
Whereas asbestos has been banned in Germany since 1993 and EU-wide since 2005, it remains present in older buildings and equipment, posing a risk to those who encounter it during renovations or other activities. The case serves as a reminder that exposure to asbestos, even in the past, can have devastating health consequences.
Similar cases have been reported, with a woman in the UK also dying at 67 after asbestos exposure from hugging her father, according to reports. This underscores the importance of awareness and caution regarding asbestos exposure, even in seemingly innocuous situations.
