Mesothelioma - A Type of Cancer

Mesothelioma Facts Found on eMedicine

2009-12-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

Included within the Carcinomas of the Lung and Other Intrathoracic Carcinomas section on eMedicine from WebMD, Winston W Tan, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Mayo Medical School, authors detailed information on mesothelioma. Tan provides overview information on mesothelioma as well as differential diagnoses and workup, treatment and medication, and followup.

Laboratory Studies, Imaging Studies, Procedures, and Staging are covered in detail when explaining the workup a patient will undergo during the diagnostic process of mesothelioma. When identifying the treatments and medications available to mesothelioma patients, the documentation provides regimen information for chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin and pemetrexed plus gemcitabine.

Along with the detailed mesothelioma information, links are provided to associated articles for asbestos-related diseases including asbestosis, and other occupational respiratory conditions. Articles published in Medscape, on WebMD, and through other medical journals may be provided as well as slide shows and videos from presentations and other venues.

MesotheliomaHelp.Net

Mesothelioma Prevention: Asbestos Regulations Strengthened in New York City

2009-12-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

Recent legislation passed in New York City will significantly improve the health and safety concerns of workers during large demolition and reconstruction projects.

mesothelioma treatment | mesothelioma symptoms

The new legislation is included in a 12-part series of bills intended to change regulations regarding asbestos, construction and demolition. The underlying motive of the bills is to reduce asbestos exposure through several new safety practices.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious health conditions, including lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma. All three of these conditions can be life-threatening as they are usually diagnosed in the advanced stages of development.

One important section of the legislation will prevent demolition and asbestos abatement projects from being performed at the same time, thus reducing the amount of people exposed to asbestos. Before these regulations, demolition crews were able to walk around without masks or respirators while asbestos abatement was being conducted.

Other pieces of the legislation will require contractors to take tougher exams before being issued asbestos abatement licenses. Exams will cover new practices, safer handling procedures and proper disposal methods.

Additional regulations will prohibit all uses of matches, cigarette lighters and smoking on the same floor where asbestos abatement is taking place to ensure all protective gear is being worn.

Discussions on the proper handling of asbestos materials and educating contractors on how to prevent exposure can better prepare those that encounter asbestos. Even professional asbestos abatement companies can improperly remove asbestos and fail to use protective equipment.

Council Speaker Christine Quinn said, “Taken together, these 12 measures represent a significant overhaul of the City’s demolition and asbestos abatement procedures.”

Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

http://www.asbestos.com

Mesothelioma Patients Can Turn to Yoga for Mind/Body Therapy

2009-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

Yoga Bear, a non-profit organization started in 2006, supports the belief that "cancer patients and survivors can benefit from yoga as a complementary treatment in cancer recovery." The MD Anderson Cancer Center, known for their mesothelioma treatment center, also agrees with this approach offering yoga classes for patients in their cancer center.

Mesothelioma, an unusual form of cancer which can take up to five decades to be properly diagnosed, is responsible for approximately 3,000 new cases each year in the United States. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, it can be treated with varying degrees of success through the use of surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation, accompanied by holistic therapy.

Holistic therapy and yoga offers students a mind/body approach to coping with mesothelioma and other cancers. One study conducted by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that yoga offers beneficial effects on social functioning among breast cancer survivors. Also, yoga appears to enhance emotional well-being and mood.

The team at Yoga Bear is dedicated to offering both patients and survivors with opportunities for wellness and healing and matches them with free local yoga classes. Yoga Bear also provides on-site yoga classes in hospitals across the country including George Washington University Hospital, Kaiser, Maimonides, and Mt. Sinai, cancer centers, and through support groups such as The American Cancer Society and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Yoga is the primary activity that can "massage" all internal glands, organs and joints of the body that rarely, or never, get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime. This stimulation and massage benefits the health of mesothelioma patients by improving flexibility and mobility.

Before undertaking yoga, or any exercise regimen, check with your physician.

MesotheliomaHelp.Net

Privacy Policy

2009-12-29T09:17:00.000-08:00

If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at andrewjhonsonus@gmail.com.

At think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ and how it is used.

Log Files

Like many other Web sites, think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

Cookies and Web Beacons

think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ does use cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information on which pages the user access or visit, customize Web page content based on visitors browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.

DoubleClick DART Cookie

.:: Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/.

.:: Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to your users based on their visit to think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ and other sites on the Internet.

.:: Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL - http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html

Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include .......
Google Adsense

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.

You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/'s privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites. If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is accumulated from various sources including blogs/forums/sites. All actions are under your responsibility. So please take care while reading.

Medical disclaimer: Posts on this blogsite are provided for medical information only, and is not meant to alternate for the advice of your own medical doctor or other health care professional.

Twenty Brits Die Every Year From Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Diseases

2009-12-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

London, England—As part of its recent asbestos-awareness campaign, the British Health and Safety Executive recently announced that 20 United Kingdom residents each year die from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma and similar diseases.

The campaign, called, “Asbestos: the Hidden Killer,” is meant to educate the occupational groups most at risk for asbestos exposure—joiners, plumbers, electricians, boilermakers and others—about the dangers of this toxic building material, which can lead to the rare cancer mesothelioma. Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers, which are microscopic, sharp and needle-like, enter the body through inhalation or ingestion. They penetrate the individual cells of the mesothelium, a membrane lining the chest cavity, and wreak havoc on the DNA therein. This causes the cells to replicate erratically, leading to the formation of a malignant tumor.

According to a recent report released in conjunction with the awareness campaign, approximately 4,000 people each year die from asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. This averages out to 20 people per week, which is higher than the number of British people who die in car accidents each year.Although the use of asbestos was tightly regulated in the United Kingdom beginning in the early 1980s, the substance remains in a number of buildings, both homes and non-domestic structures. Experts generally agree that when it is in place and undisturbed, asbestos is not harmful. Yet whenever the building products or other items containing asbestos are disturbed, cut, broken, damaged or destroyed, the asbestos becomes “friable,” meaning that it can easily release its fibers into the surrounding air.

Last year, the government gave out 100,000 informational packets, which led to an increase in the sales of protective gear by tradesmen. Unfortunately, the number of deaths from asbestos exposure and its resultant diseases is expected to peak around 2020 in Britain.

To know more Log on to the website: http://www.asbestos.net

Health Care Reform Bill Addresses Libby, Montana Mesothelioma Victims

2009-12-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

Libby, Montana is home to a vermiculite mine that is blamed for widespread contamination from asbestos exposure. Libby has a high incidence of asbestos-related disease, prompting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to declare a public health emergency in the town and the surrounding area earlier this year. Asbestos contamination in the Libby area has been blamed for the deaths of more than 200 people and the illnesses of more than 1,000 more to date. Many have died from mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Close to 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with the cancer yearly. There is no known cure for the disease.
The hard work of Senator Max Baucus, Democrat of Montana, has paid off again by including a passage within the Health Care Reform Bill to expand Medicare to cover certain victims of “environmental health hazards.” Baucus who has been fighting for years to bring some relief to the Libby residents, is also responsible for the declaration of the health emergency requiring the federal government to offer screenings and health care for Libby residents as well as authorizing cleanup work in homes and other structures.

As quoted in a New York Times article Mr. Baucus said “the people of Libby were poisoned and have been dying for more than a decade. We need this type of mechanism to help people when they need it most.”

To know more log on to MesotheliomaHelp.Net

Quick Information To The Fact Behind Mesothelioma Cancer

2009-06-18T03:43:00.000-07:00

Mesothelium refers to the outer surfaces of the heart and lungs. This includes the inside of the chest wall and the inside of the bag around the heart called pericardium. In the lung is pleural mesothelium of the pericardium is the heart, and in the abdominal cavity, the name of the peritoneum.

Its main task is to protect these organs by a lubricating fluid, for motion. While mesothelioma can affect the mesothelial tissue in the body that is best in the pleural or peritoneal mesothelium. Unfortunately, many patients are not diagnosed with mesothelioma symptoms are present, and are usually no symptoms until the cancer in its advanced stage.

To understand a little better, let us make clear that the mesothelium is a membrane, for the majority and protects the internal organs of the body. It consists of two layers of cells: One layer immediately around the organ, the other forms a pocket around. It (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium, the abnormal and divide without control and order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) occurs when the cells of the mesothelium are abnormal and divide without control or order. Nearby tissues and organs may be affected and the cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body.

What is asbestos? Now, asbestos fibers cause injury and scarring in the mesothelium, ultimately leads to the formation of tumors. The damaged cells secrete large quantities of a clear liquid to the lungs and other organs, causing serious inconvenience. The tissue cells, which mesothelium.There are three types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatoid and mixed. The epithelial type is the most common. Mesothelioma is a terrible disease, which in a certain cell type (the mesothelium) divide without control. This division of the cells can cause mesothelioma.

Well, not everything is bad news. Benign mesothelioma can occur if there mesothelium. It is localized and not to surrounding tissue. Cancer, in the mesothelium tissue is mesothelioma. Malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective layer that most of the internal organs of the body. The most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), mesothelioma, but can also occur in the peritoneum or pericardium.

One of the current problems, but this solution is that mesothelioma cancer can take years before it begins to show. In some cases, this period is more than 40 years. The mesothelium is moisture between the two layers that lubricates the movement of the body protects. Indeed, develops in the mesothelium, a thin, double-layer protective sheath around vital organs and body cavities.

The mesothelium to protect the chest and lungs, the pleura and the mesothelium around the abdomen is the peritoneum.

YogaInstructionTherapy

mesothelioma attorneys - How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer ?

2009-06-18T03:38:00.000-07:00

First off, you should understand how mesothelioma attacks the body. The main cause of mesothelioma cancer is certain materials called “Asbestos”, these materials have very dangerous effects on the body. Asbestos were used in the past in many manufacturing company. The main cause of mesothelioma cancer was discovered, they are the asbestos, and the asbestos materials are material that was used in the past in some manufacturing fields such as the cement and textile manufacturing fields. Asbestos are the main cause of mesothelioma cancer.

When the Asbestos enter the body, they settle on the wall of lungs cause inflammations, those inflammations can cause malignant tumors after many years, it takes very long time for mesothelioma symptoms to appear and this is why the diagnosis process for mesothelioma is very hard. The main problem with diagnosis process is the very long time for symptoms to appear, they takes about 45 years to appear. After they appear, they will be very similar to other disease that makes the diagnosis process harder.

For mesothelioma litigation and compensation, the mesothelioma victim can make a litigation to have a suitable compensation from the manufacturing company that let him/her to deal with Asbestos. The mesothelioma settlement can reach millions of dollars.

If you or one of your loved ones have/has diagnosed as a mesothelioma cancer case, you can find a good mesothelioma lawyer to start a litigation to get a suitable compensation which can reach millions of dollars. To make good mesothelioma litigation, you should collect any important paper such as any contract between the mesothelioma victim and the manufacturing company.

By Husseiny Ahmed, if you’d like to learn more about mesothelioma please visit Mesothelioma Cancer website, and Mesothelioma Treatment options.

By Shane Shahin
Published: 3/13/2008

Inoperable Colon Cancer Responds to New Treatment

2009-06-18T03:16:00.001-07:00

Individuals from 26 U.S. states and four other countries have been among the first to use NeoPlas Innovation's new protocol.

Nashville, Tenn. (Vocus) June 16, 2009 -- With an extensive, inoperable colon cancer and few options available, a Tennessee patient is seeing his cancer steadily regressing on a new outpatient treatment. Individuals from 26 U.S. states and four other countries have been among the first to use NeoPlas Innovation's new protocol. The Tennessee patient's early results mirror their successes in battling colon cancer and other very aggressive malignancies.

The most recent colon cancer patient is a man in his late fifties who had an extensive cancer of the lower colon diagnosed in early 2008. Initially his doctors recommended surgical resection in an operation that would have removed all the organs of his lower abdomen and pelvis; however, it was determined that he would be unlikely to survive the procedure. Chemotherapy was tried, but was ineffective. He visited NeoPlas Innovation's Nashville clinic in the spring of 2009 and began the new outpatient treatment.
Two months later, CT scans have shown that the cancer has regressed dramatically. The patient's symptoms are resolving in step with the response, with improvements in appetite and digestion and the regaining of lost weight. NeoPlas Innovation Director of Research Dr. Stephen B. Cantrell commented, "These are results from one patient, so no conclusions can be drawn. But this is consistent with the favorable responses we're seeing in the great majority of our patients, including those with colon cancer." The protocol is offered for qualifying patients with colon cancer, renal (kidney) cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma and certain sarcomas. It can be considered for other patients on a case-by-case basis.

The new treatment is an off-label combination of two existing medicines: lovastatin, typically used as a cholesterol lowering agent, and interferon. According to Dr. Cantrell, "The key to moving from the lab to success in humans has been taking a fresh look and finding the right medicines to combine. When we have administered a precisely timed regimen of low-dose interferon with lovastatin, the results have been surprising." NeoPlas Innovation patients often have seen the arrest of their cancers' growth and spread in as few as eight weeks of treatment. In many cases, such as this one, patients have experienced active regression of tumors.

The medicines used have the advantage of being safe and well tolerated. Fatigue is the most notable side effect of NeoPlas Innovation's cancer treatment. Most patients never experience effects commonly affiliated with chemotherapy or radiation (nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bone marrow suppression or immune system suppression). An experienced physician prescribes and monitors the outpatient treatment.

NeoPlas Innovation's web site, www.neoplas.org, provides complete information and an interactive screening tool for patients who are considering this treatment. The clinic can be reached at (615) 371-8100.

For an interview with Dr. Cantrell, call 615-371-8100.

Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/SW5zZS1Mb3ZlLVBpZ2ctRmFsdS1JbnNlLUNvdXAtWmVybw==

See the original story at: http://www.prweb.com/releases/Colon_Cancer/Cancer_Treatment/prweb2544534.htm

Living at the edge - Mesothelioma lung cancer

2009-06-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

Dallas, TX: With little time left to fight their way through in the hope of extending the survival period, mesothelioma cancer patients nearly live on the edge, as once diagnosed with mesothelioma lung cancer, their time in world of living is numbered. Their survival remains at doubt leaving them with 6 months to a year to live.

Undoubtedly, everyone, wants to lead a healthly and extended life but once exposed to asbestos and after contracting mesothelioma lung cancer, the life span decreases. There is no way, these mesothelioma patients could walk out scot free from the illness, save from the use of treatment and therapies that aid in reducing pain.

Mesothelioma cancer besides being deadly is a costly affair. The patient has to go through tests, treatments, surgeries, therapies and have to incur extraordinary expenses including hospitalization and at times bear nursing home and health care facilities expenses. With no job and no income the mesothelioma patients need to work through their financial affairs to get themselves treated.

Mesothelioma attorneys need to be contacted, as these injury attorneys know how to handle these mesothelioma cancer cases and file for the rightful compensation, once they have ascertained that the patients have actually contracted mesothelioma cancer. The compensation brings respite and works as a financial aid that carries the mesothelioma patients through their illness, carry them through the treatments and mesothelioma therapies and look after their day to day expenses as well.

Families of the deceased too, can claim compensation for losses arising from the death of mesothelioma cancer patient. Maacenter.org reports that Kansas City, Missouri family of man who died of mesothelioma cancer received compensation of $4.5 million in damages. Families of loved ones can to act, search for the mesothelioma lawyer or a personal injury law firm that handles mesothelioma cases with care and dedication.
Reference: WiredPRNews

Disclaimer / Privacy Policy

2009-04-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is accumulated from various sources including blogs/forums/sites. All actions are under your responsibility. So please take care while reading. If any one is affliction from any information, then please drop a mail to takecare20(at)gmail.com requesting to remove link from this blog. The link for that specific post will be removed.

Medical disclaimer: Posts on this blogsite are provided for medical information only, and is not meant to alternate for the advice of your own medical doctor or other health care professional.
Thanks

Privacy Policy for http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/

If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at takecare20@gmail.com.

At http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ and how it is used.

Log Files
Like many other Web sites, http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

Cookies and Web Beacons
http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ does use cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information on which pages the user access or visit, customize Web page content based on visitors browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.

DoubleClick DART Cookie
.:: Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/.
.:: Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to users based on their visit to http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ and other sites on the Internet.
.:: Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL - http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html

Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners include ....
Google Adsense

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies ( such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons ) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and / or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/ has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.

You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. http://think-about-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/'s privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

Asbestos Victims Advocate Dies

2009-03-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

(WiredPRNews.com - Law, News)

A campaigner for victims of asbestos illnesses dies at 89.

Wired PR News.com – An outspoken campaigner for victims of asbestos related diseases has passed away. As reported by Rochdale Online, Nancy Tait, who is recognized for her pioneering efforts and role in a known asbestos cancer cover up, died recently at the age of 89.

University of Southampton professor Nick Wikeley is quoted in the report as stating of Tait in an obituary, “Nobody achieved more than Nancy Tait, who has died at aged 89, in raising awareness about the hazards associated with asbestos exposure… Driven by her own search for justice she campaigned for victims of asbestos diseases and helped more than 3,000 families pick their way through a legal and scientific labyrinth.”

Tait whose husband died of mesothelioma in 1968, first became active in campaigns all across the globe to help victims of asbestos diseases decades ago.

Reasons to Hire a Mesothelioma Lawyer

2009-03-01T01:15:00.000-08:00

You’ve lately been identified with Mesothelioma or lost a loved one to the infection, and you’re wholeheartedly devastated. You’re opposite economic difficulties, and you may not desire to take on the added total cost of chartering a Mesothelioma lawyer
.You may be functioning under the misguided conviction that you won’t be adept to verify the business was to accuse for your position or that it’s been far too long since you were initially exposed. Unfortunately, by conceiving this way you could be giving up your privileges to reimbursement should be approaching to you. In detail, chartering a solicitor to help you with your case if likely the best likely thing for you to do.

As you likely currently understand, business negligence has been a difficulty for a long time. Too numerous businesses put earnings before everything additional, encompassing worker wellbeing, and this should not ever have been permitted to happen. Because of these poor business conclusions, hundreds of workers have become victims of their employers’ greed. As a general direct, a Mesothelioma solicitor will search punitive damages as well as well as economic compensation. These damages assist as a penalty for the negligence of the business and furthermore alert other ones in business America that we aren’t going to put up with this kind of demeanour any longer.

If you’re the enduring family constituent of somebody who got Mesothelioma as a outcome of exposure to asbestos in the workplace, you need to charter a Mesothelioma solicitor to document a wrongful death lawsuit on your loved one’s behalf. You may well still be battling to pay health accounts this individual acquired or labouring due to the decrease of the person’s salaries in supplement to the emotional pain you’ve gone through, and your solicitor will help get you the reimbursement you need so badly.

You aren’t to accuse for having bound Mesothelioma. What you are is the casualty of negligence initiated by the business you worked for falling short to suggest you about the dangers you were taking. It isn’t because they didn’t understand, either. Information was accessible clear back in the 1920s telling them about hazards affiliated with employees who were in environments where asbestos was present. By the 1940s they were even getting warnings telling them to eradicate asbestos from their workplace. Many of them chose to turn a deafness ear to these admonitions, though, because to obey would signify lesser profits. Therefore, they chose to forfeit your wellbeing to put more cash in their pouches, and now you’re pain because of it. Hiring a Mesothelioma solicitor will help put the accuse where it belongs.

If you’ve glimpsed your life savings dissolve away and lost other assets, for example your dwelling, or been decreased to scraping by on little or no income
due to having Mesothelioma, filing a lawsuit may be your way of getting your head back overhead water again. Hiring a Mesothelioma solicitor isn’t going to cost you any thing except he’s adept to win you a town, so you have everything to gain and not anything to misplace by doing so.

Big asbestos case in Libby, Mont., goes to trial - Salt Lake Tribune

2009-03-01T01:14:00.000-08:00

Big asbestos case in Libby, Mont., goes to trial - Salt Lake Tribune
MISSOULA, Mont. After years of delays, the people of Libby, Mont., will finally get to face in court a chemical company that is accused of poisoning the town with asbestos. Opening statements are scheduled for Monday in the case of U.S. vs. W.R
Source: www.sltrib.com

Type rest of the post here

Consult a California Mesothelioma Lawyer

2009-03-01T01:04:00.000-08:00

Consult a California Mesothelioma Lawyer About Mesothelioma Lawsuits Due To Asbestos Exposure

Despite the fact that the dangers of asbestos exposure have been known since the 1920s, this fire resistant, lung incinerating material is still used in production and construction today. Granted, the government came forward in 1980 and placed a few new rules and regulations in place to help minimize the effects of too much asbestos exposure, but Mesothelioma victims will tell you that it was simply a case of a little too little and a little too late.

Public awareness of Mesothelioma has risen ten fold over the past ten to fifteen years, making it even more detrimental that companies today are still utilizing this material. There is very little payoff which would entice anyone with the necessary education into working in conditions that are likely to cause Mesothelioma.

The only likely answer? Even those companies which are in coherence with United States government regulations are not voluntarily admitting to their employees that they are working in asbestos contaminated areas. Most people who are diagnosed with Mesothelioma are genuinely surprised, unless of course their company or former company has been sued a few times by former or current employees in a Mesothelioma lawsuit.

I recently read a review of a company which had been sued four times for Mesothelioma claims and asbestos exposure and the majority of the company’s retired employees discovered the health risks were present for the initial stage of the hearings. He was excused when he admitted being a former employee, and once released from his responsibilities as a juror, he informed as many retirees as he could find. Seven of the retired employees were subsequently tested and diagnosed with Mesothelioma.

Obviously, situations as such are very rare. Yet the point remains that people do not have the information they need regarding asbestos exposure and the threat that Mesothelioma presents in their life. Withholding such information leaves people at a serious disadvantage when it comes to making educated decisions about their health as it pertains to the work environment. It is fair to say that people do not typically willingly expose themselves to high levels of asbestos knowing the threat of Mesothelioma is very real and very ugly.

Mesothelioma settlements reflect the company’s acknowledgement as to their culpability in these cases. While there is the perpetual excuse that companies tend to settle a Mesothelioma lawsuit to avoid negative press, there is much more truth to the notion that a company is much more willing to shell out to a Mesothelioma victim they are readily convinced contracted the disease while working for their company than they are to give hand outs to people they believe did not get sick working for them. A fight is only worth fighting when you believe you can win.

Not every case of Mesothelioma is one that will end up in settlement or a Mesothelioma lawsuit. A competent California mesothelioma lawyer will honestly tell you that not every case of Mesothelioma is able to make it to court or settlement. There are some determining factors that play into whether or not a Mesothelioma case will make it past the first meeting with a California mesothelioma lawyer.

Only a qualified California mesothelioma lawyer can tell you whether or not the specifics of your case qualify, but a few factors that determine a solid Mesothelioma case include the use of the asbestos, the quality of the lawyer, the laws during the time of both construction and employment, current legislation, and the time period which the building was constructed.

Fighting a Mesothelioma lawsuit is time consuming. So is treating the symptoms of Mesothelioma. Some people that start a Mesothelioma lawsuit are unable to finish their lawsuit due to health reasons. This does lay the groundwork for families to continue the Mesothelioma lawsuit in the event that the unfortunate but often inevitable conclusion to Mesothelioma.

Families often file a wrongful death Mesothelioma lawsuit after the victim has passed away. Most California mesothelioma lawyers will advise at least allowing them to gather direct information from the client even if the client has no intention of filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit. This allows the Mesothelioma attorney a chance to gather pertinent information that the family members of the victim may not be able to adequately answer.

No Mesothelioma victim should ever feel pressured to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. Regardless of everything else, the decision to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit can only come from the victim.
Article Source:

Houston Mesothelioma Attorneys

2009-03-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

Have you been identified with Mesothelioma, a devastating and uncommon cancerous infection initiated solely by recurring exposure to asbestos? What do you do now? How will you contend with the economic charges in healing this illness? Are you in agony or having problem breathing? Do you need help from a expert to help you contend with this illness?

If any of these inquiries request to you, the first thing to do after you are identified is to search an skilled mesothelioma advocate who focuses in situations of asbestos-related cancers like Mesothelioma. You may be deserving to a monetary accolade from your previous boss to cover your health accounts, agony and pain, and punitive damages if your boss was blatantly negligent in falling short to supply you with shielding measures. You will need a mesothelioma advocate to aid you in conveying a municipal court activity against your previous employer.

Since mesothelioma is a very grave cancerous infection, if you should pass away of this sickness, your family can work with your mesothelioma advocate in a wrongful death activity, retaining accountable the boss who may have negligently initiated your death. Again, an skilled mesothelioma advocate will aid your family in getting a equitable town or court judgment.

Mesothelioma lawyers who are exceptionally accomplished in this locality of regulation are tough to find. You do not desire a novice who has not ever endeavoured a case like this before! These situations need comprehensive health information and the proficiency to search out data that will help you win your case. Thus, when looking for a mesothelioma advocate, be certain to inquire inquiries about how numerous of these situations the advocate has managed, and what is his/her “win” record.

It’s no mystery that mesothelioma is a critical pattern of cancerous infection with a poor prognosis. You should hold your mesothelioma advocate suggested of how your health status is either advancing or deteriorating. You will furthermore need to signal a issue of data in order that your mesothelioma advocate can talk with your doctor and mental wellbeing provider about your condition.

Your doctor can mention you to an skilled Houston mesothelioma attorney. Houston is a large metropolis with numerous lawyers. Instead of easily picking one at random from the telephone publication, get a referral! Mesothelioma support assemblies and numerous psychotherapists can help you find the very best Houston mesothelioma attorney. This is not a issue to depart to possibility or take lightly. While you are undergoing remedy, your mesothelioma advocate in Houston, Texas will currently be employed on your case to find out how you bound mesothelioma and if or not your boss supplied you with mandatory correct gear to defend yourself against asbestos exposure. You will work as a team. Together you will arrive to an equitable settlement.

Find the Right Texas Mesothelioma Lawyers

2009-03-01T00:28:00.000-08:00

Stand for affirmative to acquisition Texas Mesothelioma solicitors who are permitted to perform inside the state. And don ' t personify on for demonstration to dispute these lawyers what they comprehend, they administration execute for you. Understanding the factual advocate engages following these suggestions.

Texas Mesothelioma solicitors problem guidance you! Mesothelioma is a grave disorder and you will eagerly devoir all the avail you charge. If you get been identified book this brio - intimidating ailment, you will without go incorrect should a focused advocate to recommendations you stifle your rights. If you don ' t comprehend what mesothelioma is, rightful is a cancerous infection that is initiated by being hugely revealed to asbestos fibers.

These fibers got into your lungs and now they will not embody eradicated by the body bona fide finally determinants cancerous infection units to widen. Texas mesothelioma solicitors blame succor you as constructing businesses contain identified about the hazards of asbestos for enhanced than 60 caducity. In that they knew and didn ' t function one-by-one about undeniable, they are in administration for your disorder.

How breeze up you brag the lawful mesothelioma attorneys? Due to a mesothelioma casualty, you will extremity to display comprised by an prominent advocate who care amuse you due to much beans over possible. To find a honorable advocate you urgency to stop the following.

Why function you desire a Texas mesothelioma advocate? Heartfelt doesn ' t issue what locality of the state you reside importance. Whence, if you should a Beaumont mesothelioma advocate or a technical string Brownsville, you obligation to own somebody articulate you lawfully, unbroken if you don ' t right the wherewithal. You desire to befriend mesothelioma perception and hit the reimbursement you deserve. We don ' t inordinately yearning to pierce heavier mesothelioma turkey in addition to and that is why you should cross out a mesothelioma event.

Due to a mesothelioma searched you necessity to inquire for an advocate ' s credentials, and don ' t torment an advocate that has comprehensive worldliness will exact replicate fiery to put over the match, and broadcast you what he has organised to procure for other victims. You shouldn ' t exact replicate worried ditch what he will be assured of you for demand about his requirements, a solicitor who is skilled will deal for gratifying of his achievements and will proposition them to and directly chatter to you about how exceedingly he has been yielding to dispose now changed clients. Gaze on the Internet, crackerjack are plentiful high Texas mesothelioma solicitors who help on the Internet, afresh why drag off you envisage they hype? A first-class nook to discovering for a thriving mesothelioma advocate is by looking on the lacework, understand stuff are umpteen colorful Texas mesothelioma solicitors that own their own Internet sites.

Mesothelioma widow and asbestos campaigner Nancy Tait dies at 89

2009-03-01T00:21:00.000-08:00

Some very successful activists have been compelled to act by personal tragedy and a need for justice. Nancy Tait was just such an activist: she knew a lot about asbestos and industry attempts to cover up the risks associated with it.

After her husband died of mesothelioma in 1968, Ms. Tait, a Churchill research fellow, investigated a number of Turner & Newall (T&N) sites and uncovered the company’s efforts to conceal the cancer risk that the company exposed its workers and customers to everyday.

Ms. Tait has been credited with raising awareness about the risks of asbestos exposure as much as anyone in the U.K.

For the full story, go to Rochdale Online.

Coroner Verdict: UK Man Died from Asbestos Disease

2009-03-01T00:17:00.000-08:00

A coroner in the UK has verified that a man who worked as a previous adviser trimmer past away from an asbestos associated infection after being revealed to the possibly dangerous carcinogenic on a normal cornerstone for round forty years.

The man, Eric Luther from Eastleigh in the UK, past away last year at the age of seventy at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. He was identified as having mesothelioma, which is a pattern of cancerous infection that is exactly attributed to normal and high grade exposure to asbestos.

His job engaged putting simultaneously the levels of train advisers, and the inquest was notified how this would have directed to him being revealed to asbestos dirt on a normal basis. He had worked as a British Rail adviser trimmer from 1954 to 1995 as asserted by records.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma was evidently only made one week before Mr Luther past away, and the tumour evolved in his right lung as asserted by the coroner’s report. A decision of death from developed infection was recorded.

Wife of man who died from mesothelioma secures £250k payout

2009-01-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

A woman who lost her husband to the industrial disease mesothelioma has secured a payout of more than £250,000.

According to reports in Spalding Today, Jayne Beesley was awarded the money during a recent hearing.

Caused by previous exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is diagnosed in around 2,100 people in Britain each year, figures cited by Cancer Research UK suggest.
The condition was first detected in John Lambie in June 2006 and he died five months later.

He had been exposed to asbestos while working for the New Century Group, which was sued by Ms Beesley.

In a new development, Mr Justice Hamblen awarded her £72,000 in damages for the suffering endured by her late husband.

He also awarded £1,790 for funeral expenses, £3,000 for a holiday that had to be cancelled, £2,000 for the "intangible benefits" she lost when her husband passed away and £70,000 for future loss of earnings.

For more information: rjw.co.uk/News

40 billion reasons why asbestos litigation will grow

2009-01-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

Forty billion dollars of designated funds currently available in court-established trust funds is providing abundant incentive to already rich attorneys with asbestos-settling know-how.

That could help explain why Madison County's asbestos docket is surging after some years of decline.

Dr. Charles Bates and Dr. Charles Mullin, in their report "State of the Asbestos Litigation Environment-October 2008," surveyed information obtained from roughly 40 asbestos personal injury bankruptcy trusts. The authors state the trusts have a combined value of $33 to $40 billion in liquid assets, not including insurance.

If you need further more info please log on to: stclairrecord.com

Man with mesothelioma tries to find workmates

2009-01-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

TIME is running out for a man fighting for justice. Billy Lavender, 63, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a deadly disease caused by exposure to asbestos, earlier this year.

He believes the exposure occurred while he was working as a fitter’s mate at the Rank Flour Mill – now the Baltic art gallery – during the 1960s and 70s.

Now the search is on to find former workmates who should be able to help him make a claim against his ex-employers.

And his solicitors, industrial illness specialists Irwin Mitchell, have released some photographs in a bid to jog some memories.

Mr Lavender, from Gateshead, had left shortly before the picture was taken in 1982, but many of his former colleagues will be in the snap.

Roger Maddocks, from the law firm, said: “It is a long time since the mill was closed and since this photograph was taken, but we hope this photo will jog some fading memories.

“Everyone who was in the photo was likely to have been given a copy, so maybe it will ring a bell with somebody.

“There will be those who worked in the mill itself who may have seen Mr Lavender working on pipework. There will be others who have seen him at work in the fitting shop or boilerhouse.

“Even the smallest piece of information might prove to be an essential piece in the jigsaw.

“Those who have provided witness statements to date remember Mr Lavender as being a quiet employee who could be seen working away in a variety of locations throughout the mill wearing his blue cap and overalls.

“Tragically we are fighting against the clock to secure compensation for a gentleman who has become an innocent victim of a terrible illness which could and should have been prevented.

“Mr Lavender’s case is yet another example of how devastating mesothelioma can be. It may lie dormant for decades but once it takes effect it is fast-acting and painful.”

Mr Lavender, also known as William, has picked out a joiner and two fitters he definitely worked with, though he cannot remember their names.

Source for more info:

Loneliness as a Way of Life

2009-01-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

Are we always either lonely or not lonely? Or does loneliness ebb and flow, increasing sharply at times like this - at least for the bereaved - just before Christmas?

It's confusing how we use the word and its cognates.

"One man alone" can suggest something positive - intrepid independence, an Ayn Rand hero. "Loner" can go either way, depending on whether it describes a beguilingly romantic rock star or a neighborhood creep.

"Lonesome" makes you feel like comforting the unfortunate party. "Solitude" sounds inviting, but "solitary" - especially when you add a capital "S" - does not.

To be sure, loneliness is worth thinking about at holiday time. For Thomas Dumm, who teaches politics at Amherst College, it's no abstraction. A widower, he lost both his wife and mother in recent years, and his daughter has moved out. He seems an ideal guide to the topic.

Yet Loneliness as a Way of Life arrives as a bizarre, fascinating book, more a document than a coherent study. In its inadvertent portrait of its tortured-soul author, an angry writer imprisoned in the hot air of academic discourse, it makes the point Dumm thinks he's making overtly: that our greatest loneliness is a failure to connect to our true selves.

At the outset of Loneliness, Dumm declares himself most interested in the "political dimension" of loneliness. For the first two-thirds of the book he operates as a typical expositor of high-toned cultural material. He expatiates on King Lear. He ponders Hannah Arendt's claim that totalitarianism seeks loneliness among citizens as a way of controlling them. He interminably annotates Death of a Salesman, Moby Dick, and the film Paris, Texas - not much of that commentary illuminates loneliness.

Meanwhile, an unacademic anger shoots from the book's pages at odd points: blunt contempt for salesmen in general and their "complete insubstantiality," vituperative hatred for George W. Bush, "his sovereign madness, his stupidity."

Only on Page 95, when Dumm surprisingly leaps into discussion of his marital wars with his wife, Brenda, before lung cancer struck her down, does the book come almost frighteningly alive as Dumm's bland, theoretical vocabulary disappears. Indeed, he plunges us into his upbringing with a speed that induces vertigo. The seventh of nine children of - yes - an insurance salesman, Dumm admits to having been "a difficult child, prone to screaming fits, angry, bored, sharp-tongued, sometimes mean." He writes that his mother, "who could not love me and whom I learned not to love in return," would lock him away "in a cubbyhole closet under the staircase in the dining room." From his mother, writes Dumm, "I first gained my sense of loneliness as a way of life."

For the full review, go to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Asbestos - The Silent Killer

2008-11-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

(mesothelioma-central.com) Asbestos is the single biggest work place killer today. People who have worked with the material are at serious risk from developing lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, fatal respiratory illnesses that debilitate their victims. Evidence of asbestos’ deadly effect on those who breathe its fibres is likely to multiply in the decades to come.

Asbestos was once heralded as the greatest building material available to those in the construction industries. Its high tensile strength, durability and flexibility, as well as heat insulation and fire retardant properties meant that it could save lives, make buildings strong and make industries rich. It was first used by the Greeks some 2000 years ago. They were aware of the health hazards it posed but believed that its magical ability to withstand fire far outweighed this danger.

The dangers to health were all but ‘forgotten’ until at the turn of the twentieth century when medical researchers noticed a large number of deaths and lung problems occurring in asbestos mining towns. In 1917 and 1918, several United States studies discovered that asbestos workers were dying unnaturally young.

Asbestosis was first diagnosed in a 33 year old woman in 1924, this lead to studies being carried out on asbestos workers in the UK. Examinations on the workers showed that thirty percent had asbestos-related lung disease. UK laws were introduced in 1931 to increase ventilation and to make asbestosis an identifiable work related illness.

Despite the established link between asbestos and lung diseases the industry continued to grow well into the last century. At the peak of its usage asbestos was produced in 24 countries worldwide; it was also manufactured in over 100. World production climaxed at over 5 million tonnes. The building, shipping, insulation and demolition companies whose workers came into contact with asbestos were often aware that their staff were at risk. They did not take sufficient steps to protect their workforce from personal injury.

Sadly the effects of asbestos take many years to manifest themselves. People who worked in the construction industries some 20 to 40 years ago may still be awaiting their fate. Asbestos causes several diseases, two of which occur only in those who have had contact with asbestos, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Lung cancer and emphysema are more commonly associated with smoking but frequently occur in non smokers with a history of asbestos contact.

It is thought that the worst is yet to come. The peak of asbestos usage was in the 60’s and 70’s so many people may develop lung diseases in the near future.

Due to the latency of asbestos diseases it is thought that we will be seeing many more incidences of mesothelioma in the next 25 years. Hugh Robertson, head of health and safety at the British TUC says: “A realistic estimate is that within the EU alone 500,000 will die in the next 35 years, half from mesothelioma and half from lung cancer. In Japan, an estimated 100,000 will die. If you add the Australian, Canadian and US figures then even a million is an under estimation - and that is only for the developed countries.”

People affected by asbestos are entitled to compensation from the companies who knowingly exposed them many years ago.

People affected by asbestos related illness should speak to a personal injury solicitor who has experience in asbestos cases.

For free legal advice visit www.youclaim.co.uk to learn more about asbestos and to make a claim, or alternatively you can call us on 0800 10 757 95.

YouClaims’ solicitors have many years experience of handling asbestos related claims. They help people rebuild their future following exposure to the deadly effects of asbestos.

Editorial notes: YouClaim provides full accident litigation compensation services. Helps people to claim compensation for all types of injury from whiplash to head injuries.

Mesothelioma Attorney - How to Choose an Attorney for Mesothelioma

2008-11-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

(health-centre.cn) Finding a mesothelioma attorney through directories may be helpful for initial screening. As far as choosing one is concerned, it comes to make your decisions based on hard facts of life that if you or one of your family member is the victim of mesothelioma, the attorney must have a proven track record of bringing justice to your already sullen situation; after all, an attorney is an attorney.

A mesothelioma attorney specializes in wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits connected to asbestos exposure. They do this by targeting the companies that can be held accountable for asbestos exposure, which almost certainly is the cause of mesothelioma.

Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney Choosing a mesothelioma attorney is not a small deal, especially looking at the number of failed lawsuits and the bombastic lawyers. To this end, consumer guides may help a lot. In addition to their reputations, you will need to figure out how to deal with intricate financial aspects of selecting a mesothelioma lawyer. Anyways, the crux of the matter is about choosing the most suitable mesothelioma attorney for you.

Ask Mesothelioma Attorney a Few Questions Ask a few questions to the attorney so that you can evaluate him or her more, but take care not to intimidate her or him. Here are the questions.

What is the attorney’s personal experience with regard to standing for mesothelioma patients?
Is he or she really intends to take up your case or is planning to transfer to another for a commission?
How is the lawyer intending to involve you in the process of decision making

A typical mesothelioma lawyer has more often than not succeeded in getting an award of $1 million, got 40% of this amount in fees. As if, that wasn’t enough, many a lawyer advertises on the TV, however, be advised that let a TV commercial be not the reason to hire a mesothelioma lawyer. You must keep this one fact upper most in your mind before you finally engage a lawyer’s service. So, now it is obvious why mesothelioma attorneys are very eager to take up mesothelioma cases.

Attorney Reputable mesothelioma attorneys understand that each case is ridden with unique complexities and pay personalized attention to pursue with their huge experience and knowledge of mesothelioma related issues and asbestos industry. Attorney for mesothelioma, being an advocate of long standing reputation would have handled complex cases of torts involving MTBE and TCE water and radiation contamination, and many more, upon whose experience he can draw.

Stay away from attorneys that transfer your case to another law firm and receive commission in exchange. Larger firms, by contrast, may assign a junior or a paralegal staff to handle your case. The truth beckons that you are entitled to and in need of a reputed and an experienced mesothelioma attorney having a proven track record in mesothelioma cases to represent you.

In principle, mesothelioma attorney should guarantee that there will not be any cost to you till the award of compensation and should ensure your family gets protection.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma: A Younger Generation Now at Risk

2008-11-04T04:47:00.000-08:00

(ARA) - Everyone knows the dangers of asbestos. What was once commonplace in factories and the construction industry has caused a slew of health problems to those who have been exposed. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by this exposure, and it's not just people who worked directly with asbestos who now need to be concerned.

The word "mesothelioma" comes from the "mesothelium," which is a thin lining that covers many of the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma occurs when malignant, cancerous cells develop in this lining. Mesothelioma can occur even if you've had extremely low levels of asbestos exposure.

What was once just a worry for those involved in industries where asbestos was used has now become a concern for their spouses and children. So-called "paraoccupational" mesothelioma is a risk for anyone with a family member who has worked in an asbestos-using industry. That means the daily hug from dad after he got home from work or a wife simply washing her husband's work clothes can be enough exposure to cause health problems.

The latency period of mesothelioma is typically 30 to 40 years. That means you could have breathed in asbestos fibers brought home by a friend or family member as long ago as the 1950s and 1960s and only now be experiencing symptoms.

In a major study, doctors from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City reported on the affects of asbestos exposure to the families of men who manufactured asbestos insulation. None of these family members had direct contact with asbestos, but 35 percent had asbestos-related health problems, including mesothelioma.

If you think you have been exposed to asbestos fibers directly or indirectly, your first responsibility is to your health. Symptoms include lung problems such as dry cough and shortness of breath; stomach problems such as nausea, loss of appetite and bloating; and heart problems causing chest pain. The symptoms of mesothelioma are often confused with other, less serious illnesses, so you should visit your doctor for an official diagnosis.

Your second responsibility if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma is to make sure you get the ongoing care you need. For years, manufacturers of asbestos containing products have been held legally responsible for what those substances have done to workers with prolonged exposure. Today, they are also being held to the same responsibility for the families and friends of those workers.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Asbestos man needs compensation for his family

2008-10-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

(The Bolton News) A TERMINALLY-ill grandfather who was exposed to asbestos is being denied the chance to claim compensation to support his family when he is gone.

William Armitage worked for nearly 10 years at Henry Crossley (Packings) Ltd, in Mill Hill, Deane, during the 1950s and 1960s. He claims he regularly worked with a deadly form of asbestos.

In March this year, Mr Armitage, aged 68, was told he had asbestos-related mesothelioma, a form of terminal lung cancer.

Mr Armitage, who lives in Bury, has instructed a solicitor but the legal action cannot move forward because the insurers responsible for the firm cannot be found.

Now he is appealing for help in tracking down the insurers and wants others in a similar position to come forward.

Mr Armitage said: “I’m doing this for myself and to take care of my family after I’ve gone, but I’m also doing it because I know there must be other people out there who are suffering like me and should have some compensation.”

After starting work at the firm in 1953 at the age of 15, Mr Armitage, who has two children and six grandchildren, regularly made seals for steam pipes using asbestos.

He left the firm during the 1960s and had a variety of jobs, including being a lorry driver and working for the local water company.

Mr Armitage suffered crush injuries in an accident, when he was aged 58, and he had to retire early.

Since then he has kept fit by swimming regularly, but noticed a year ago he was struggling with his daily 20 lengths of the pool.

By March he could only manage one length and visited his GP, who referred him to Fairfield Hospital, where he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mr Armitage and his wife, Elaine, have received a compensation payment from the Government of just under £14,000.

His solicitor, Dominic Hemsi, from MPH solicitors, added: “We really need to find out who the insurers are for this claim to go any further and would appeal to anyone who has any information to contact us as soon as possible.”

The Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer

2008-10-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

(Article Stars) One rare form of cancer is called Mesothelioma, a malignant tumor in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen, arising from the inhalation of asbestos. Its rarity is one of the reasons why a lot of people are not aware of this kind of fatal disease. In fact, many people die of Mesothelioma undiagnosed. Although there is now a growing awareness of the hazards of asbestos to health, still many have not heard of Mesothelioma and thus, have not understood its nature, cause, signs and treatment.

Even some physicians find it hard to detect Mesothelioma because its symptoms are akin to other diseases like lung cancer and pneumonia. Furthermore, it takes decades for a patient who was exposed to asbestos to develop Mesothelioma — fifty years, at most.

Being unaware of Mesothelioma poses higher risks since it deters diagnosis and treatment. A person undergoing treatment must know the different stages of the cancer or the extent of the disease. Chances of recovering from Mesothelioma and the kind of treatment depend on the stage of the illness. There are basically two staging systems used for Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs): TNM system and Brighan system. These staging systems are also used in other kinds of cancers; however, the first is commonly used. There is no established method in determining the stage of the Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer (abdominal) so the TNM system is used.

There are three variables in the TNM system: tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis. In the earliest stage of Mesothelioma, stage I, the malignant Mesothelioma cells
start to grow and multiply only one layer of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that encloses the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. However, there are
some instances wherein the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart) and diaphragm cover are already affected. In this case, the cancer patient is still in
stage I Mesothelioma.

In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected.

Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by
the blood and the lymph vessels so there’s a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray.

Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn’t respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV.

Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.

Now asbestos cases likely in Libby

2008-08-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

A freshly issued report undertook by medical practitioners in Libby states that more inhabitants there will evolve lung infection from exposure to asbestos in the community and its surrounding area.

Doctors Brad Black and Alan Whitehouse worked with researchers from Detroit and New York City on the study, which examined Mesothelioma in Libby, and concentrated on 11 situations that had not been described before.

None of those persons worked at the W.R. Grace vermiculite mine and the medical practitioners state they likely were revealed to reduced grades of asbestos in the village in localities close to Grace's mine or processing plants, or along trains tracks.

They furthermore state Libby can anticipate an outbreak of the lung infection over the next 20 years because of that low-level exposure.

The doctors' outcome were released on-line by the American Journal of Industrial Medicine and the journal's world broad web location shows that the report will be encompassed in the next published edition.

Got million dollars in an asbestos-related lawsuit

2008-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Marvin Penn, at the age of 71, accomplished an significant triumph on June 27 when he and wife Josephine Penn obtained a $16.25 million dollar decision in an asbestos-related lawsuit.

Penn was identified with mesothelioma as a outcome of asbestos exposure throughout the 1960s. Between 1963 and 1999, Penn worked as a posted letters carrier. However, throughout the 1960s, he advised a vocation change and came to dental technician school. While in attendance, he was revealed to asbestos while making dental castings. The task engaged making wax replicas of teeth, and a kind of dental strip which occurred to comprise asbestos.

The test, the triumph, and the dimensions of the decision were all uncommon, as it is accepted to be the first thriving asbestos-related lawsuit to title a defendant that constructed dental tape.

The committee who perceived the case attributed 20 per hundred of the liability to Kerr Corp, a dental provide company. They were the sole defendant in the trial.

Penn’s advocate said, “The committee accepted Mr. Penn and did not accept as factual Kerr’s protecting against that the merchandise it circulated did not issue hurtful asbestos dirt, and that Kerr could not have renowned at the time that it was dangerous.”

The three-week test engaged state of the art health testimony. The committee perceived about the goods constructed by Kerr Corp and another dental provide business, Dentsply (formerly Randsom & Randolf). Dentsply, although, resolved before the decision, and the committee attributed 20 per hundred of the liability in the case to that company.

The committee furthermore perceived about other asbestos exposure occurrences endured by Marvin Penn, amidst them an occurrence pertaining to spray-on asbestos coating. Penn testified that he worked at a mail agency adjacent to the previous World Trade Center, and was present while the construction was being squirted with asbestos. The committee attributed 40 per hundred of the liability in the case to the spray.

Lastly, the committee verified Todd Shipyards was 20 per hundred liable for Marvin Penn’s mesothelioma. Penn’s dad worked at the shipyard as a steamfitter, and thus Penn may have been at risk of lesser asbestos exposure.

The case shows not only how elaborate asbestos litigation can be, but furthermore the numerous ways asbestos exposure can occur. Without the aid of a mesothelioma lawyer, Penn may not have obtained reimbursement to cover the immense cost of healing mesothelioma.

$7 Million Awarded In Case Involving Asbestos Death

2008-08-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

A jury in Pennsylvania returned a $7 million verdict recently in favor of the family of a man who died of exposure to asbestos while working at a Koppers building in Ross, Pennsylvania and at two other locations. The jury found Koppers Co. Inc., which was taken over by Beazer PLC in 1988, to be responsible for 40% of the damages.

The building was owned by Koppers Holdings Inc., Downtown, which was later sold off by Beazer. Dravo Corp., (which was acquired by Belgium’s Carmeuse Group), and Fisher Scientific International Inc., (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.), were each found to be responsible for 10% of the damages. The remaining damages will be split among a litany of other defendants, mostly companies that made and sold asbestos products.

The asbestos victim worked on and off as a union contractor in the Koppers building for about seven years, beginning in 1968. He worked for Dravo and Fisher Scientific. All three job sites contained asbestos, but Koppers hid what it knew about the dangers. Even though it knew of the damages, Koppers failed to warn anybody about what it knew. The employee died at 68-years-old in 2006, about six months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma — a cancer formed by exposure to asbestos.

In 2006, as part of a separate case, an Allegheny County judge ruled that Koppers officials knew of the dangers of asbestos since 1918, when it was a member of the National Safety Council. Rick Nemeroff, a Dallas lawyer, represented the family and did a very good job.
Source: Tribune-Review

Mesothlioma Types - Pericardial Mesothelioma

2008-08-07T23:42:00.000-07:00

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare type of mesothelioma that account assertions for about 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that grows on the lining of the heart. The lining of the heart is extremely noteworthy because it performances an noteworthy role in sheltering the heart from impairment and so pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely dangerous condition. Pericardial mesothelioma becomes a terminal illness if not treated aggressively in its early stages.

Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of asbestos fine particles and fibres. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres become lodged in the lungs. From the lungs, the fibres can either pass into the lymphatic system and afterward be conveyed to the lining of the lungs or they can leisurely transfer across to the lining of the heart through a prolonged time span of time. Over a prolonged time span of time, asbestos fibres can collect on the lining of the heart and this is after pericardial mesothelioma becomes a likelihood. Due to the sighting that asbestos is immobile prevailing in many public assemblies, the likelihood of pericardial mesothelioma is a alive for all, even so for bulk, very unlikely.

Those with the highest chance of having mesothelioma are those any person who have been in constant contact with mesothelioma for a interval of time as condensed as a small proportion months. These are population like erected plan people enlisted and asbestos manufacturers. Those any person who are in contact with population any person who are repeatedly uncovered to asbestos are also at danger due to the sighting that asbestos fibres can stick to clothes and hair and so can be carried around.

Presently, cases of mesothelioma are enhancing surrounding pericardial mesothelioma. Elderly men any person who are drawing seal 60 - 70 years of age are just commencing to suffer from pericardial mesothelioma due to its prolonged latency time span (amount of time the symptoms take to show) of 30 - 50 years. They are suffering because this was the generation any person who toiled with asbestos and amongst asbestos after asbestos was an extremely republican makeup material in the 1950s ? 1970s. These men are now lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the businesses any person who uncovered them to the threats of asbestos.

Pericardial mesothelioma has a diagram of symptoms but these simply commence to take appearance in the cancer?s fresh points in time after it is close to fully fully highly-developed and developed. These symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains and palpitations. Other symptoms typical of all kinds of mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea and sinking implement loss. What regularly creates pericardial mesothelioma so difficult to treat is that its symptoms are typical of many other more regular illness such as pneumonia. To be treated expeditiously, pericardial mesothelioma requires to be treated aggressively in its early points in time and so many patients? remedies are given too late because of a hold back in diagnosis.

Treatments for pericardial mesothelioma are very limited and as yet, success rates for curing pericardial mesothelioma are very low. The chances of a patient?s survival depend largely on how early the cancer is treated and how aggressively. Treatment processes include chemotherapy, radiation treatment, many treatment and surgery. Chemotherapy engages drugs to endeavour to kill off cancerous cells. Radiation treatment engages radiation to endeavour to kill off cancerous cells even so this is extremely difficult in the covering of pericardial mesothelioma because too much radiation can weakly impairment the heart.

Dual treatment is a combination of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery comes in couple dissimilar kinds, aggressive doctors and palliative procedures. Aggressive doctors is simply adapted on the strongest of patients such as young and favourable men and consists of extracting a many piece of the cancer and attempts to gain calm through the cancer. Palliative techniques are a more passive way of dealing with pericardial mesothelioma and just attempts to clear the patient of the symptoms.

Research is being done into pericardial mesothelioma in research stations all through the USA and many prescription medicine businesses are also attempting to pinpoint novel drugs for chemotherapy. So far, much research has been unsuccessful.

Asbestos the main cause of Mesothelioma

2008-08-07T23:39:00.000-07:00

Asbestos is the financial title granted to certain kinds of fibrous materials. Asbestos fibers are generally from 20 to 500 in diameter. Asbestos bodies emerge as golden dark or?0.5 to 50 beaded rods with a translucent center. The exposure of asbestos determinants fibers to be inhaled and fine dirt made a down fee in the alveoli interior the lungs consequently initating a kind of cancerous infection called Mesothelioma (a dangerous tumor) engaging Mesothelial tissues or generally units of lungs or stomach and abdominal organs.

Mesothelioma is a uncommon pattern of cancerous infection of the Pleura (lung cancer) and Peritoneum (abdomen cancer). Mesothelioma has been shown to have a powerful association with the crocidolite kind of asbestos. Pleural Mesothelioma, the most widespread manifestation of asbestos exposure, is well-circumscribed plaques of dense collagen, often encompassing calcium. Peritoneum Mesothelioma may or may not comprise asbestos bodies and seldom do they happen in individuals who have no annals or clues of asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma not only happens in persons who are revealed the asbestos, but furthermore to them who had been dwelling in locality to asbestos constructing method or those residing in asbestos contaminated buildings. In Great Britain, an association was described between Mesothelioma and persons dwelling inside 1 kilometer of an asbestos factory.

The risk of Mesothelioma is described to be high in those situations where occupational exposure to asbestos is blended with tobacco smoking. Mesothelioma determinants mechanical irritation and in the sophisticated situations, there may be symptoms of clubbing of appendages, and cardiac distress.

The following assesses can be helpful in stopping occurrences of Mesothelioma:

• Use of safer kinds of asbestos (chrysolite and amosite)
• Substitution of other insulators for example glass fiber, inorganic wool, calcium silicate artificial foams
• Rigorous dirt control
• Periodic written check of employees for example biological supervising (clinical, X-ray, lung function)

The government should take ample steps and make befitting legislation to halt or minimize the case of asbestos exposure Mesothelioma. You can confer a trained advocate for filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit for comensation.

Blood test that might help screening for Pleural Mesothelioma

2008-08-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

The pleural mesothelioma is a uncommon infection of the coating of the lung and barrel cavity that is generally cancerous. The origin is asbestos exposure and it could take 15 to 35 years to evolve this infection, counting from the time of asbestos exposure.

However, the newest researches have sharp out a body-fluid check that might help screening for pleural mesothelioma by ascertaining the body-fluid for high grades of a protein called osteopontin. This is significant because body-fluid osteopontin grades increase spectacularly in the early phases of the disease. This kind of cancerous infection is a dangerous asbestos associated illness.

This exposure can be direct with the matter or second-hand, with a family constituent whose apparel or skin conveyed the asbestos into the home. Obviously in the last case, the development of the infection could take more than 35 years.

Because of pleural mesothelioma it is tough to notice it in its early, it has high death rates and a life expectancy of couple of months. However, with the new body-fluid check cited overhead, it is anticipated a higher percentage of probabilities to notice it. Moreover, it can notice other types of asbestos associated cancers. But in those situations, the outcome need farther investigations, other kind of cancerous infection that could be early noticed through body-fluid check is for example "Ovarian Cancer".

So, the previous pleural mesothelioma cancerous infection is noticed, the better possibilities that persons influenced have. If you desire to understand how to do it, a body-fluid check might be very helpful in these cases.

Asbestos Documentary By New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyers

2008-08-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. recently released an updated version of “The History of Asbestos.” This asbestos education tool, written by leading asbestos mesothelioma attorney Chris Placitella, chronicles the strategy of silence adopted by the asbestos industry to keep the public ignorant of the health risks of asbestos exposure.

“The History of Asbestos” is a 25-minute film that investigates the decades of lies, half truths, and deceptions practiced by the asbestos industry. From the first asbestos claim in 1925, to the misnamed Air Hygiene Foundation of the 1930s, and the bankruptcy of the major asbestos companies in the 1980s, it tells the story of the asbestos cover-up and the staggering number of victims it claimed through asbestosis and mesothelioma fatalities. Hidden documents, corporate negligence, and a policy of deception contributed to a conspiracy aimed at preventing asbestos industry workers from learning that asbestos dust could kill them.

Asbestos is a carcinogen that was once widely used on construction sites and in products such as insulation, ceiling tiles, and car brakes. Breathing in asbestos causes mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining around the lungs and other organs. Malignant mesothelioma can take two forms: a cancer of the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma) or a cancer of the membrane that covers the organs in the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Malignant mesothelioma is almost always fatal, and even light asbestos exposure can result in cancer.

The New Jersey mesothelioma attorneys of Cohen, Placitella & Roth have extensive experience handling asbestos exposure cases and mesothelioma lawsuits. They have been helping New Jersey residents affected by mesothelioma receive much needed monetary compensation for over 35 years. “We fight for them like they are our own family,” says Chris Placitella, nationally renowned mesothelioma lawyer.

To watch “The History of Asbestos” or to have your asbestos exposure case evaluated by an experienced New Jersey mesothelioma lawyer, visit http://mesothelioma.cprlaw.com/History-of-Asbestos-Legal-Video--6-11293-212.html.

Can Vitamin D Help People with Mesothelioma?

2008-08-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

A surprising new option for cancer treatment may one day be useful in managing cancers of all types, including mesothelioma. The new treatment is vitamin D, which scientists have discovered can prevent cancer cells from growing.

One man who is currently receiving vitamin D treatment is David Rose, who for 40 years had a three-pack-a-day cigarette habit. To make matters worse, he also spent 18 months working with asbestos. Rose explains, “I got down in the pit with a broom and swept all this stuff up to the end and shoveled it out with a shovel. I lived in a cloud of asbestos for a year and a half.”
David Rose eventually developed lung cancer as a result of his high-risk lifestyle. However, doctors detected the cancer early, and were able to remove it completely. In order to prevent the cancer from returning, David Rose is currently receiving a new experimental treatment that involves high doses of vitamin D.

Rose is part of a study where patients are being given high doses of vitamin D, which has shown positive results in treating and preventing several types of cancer throughout the past decade.

Dr. Alex Adjei of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute says, “Vitamin D can actually kill cancer cells grown in the lab, as well as in animal models, and it can prevent cells from dividing, growing, and spreading.”

Dr. Mary Ellen Reid says, “With an agent that’s shown as much activity as vitamin D, that, in this population, we have an opportunity to slow the progression of lung cancer and maybe reverse it.”

This is extremely important for lung cancer patients. In most cases, patients receive a diagnosis when the cancer has already advanced into the late stages of development and treatment options have become limited.

The same problem occurs in patients with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer that commonly develops in the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer, which is very difficult to treat effectively.

Although it’s too early to know whether this experimental treatment may be useful in treating or preventing asbestos-related cancers, there is the possibility that vitamin D may one day be part of a mesothelioma treatment regimen if its potential benefits are further explored.

From:news.asbestos.com

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Patients Always Evolving

2008-08-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

The medicine world in general is always progressing, but in the world of mesothelioma and the patients afflicted with the fatal cancer, this has been especially true recently.

Some big news that came out recently was that there may be genetic predisposition towards mesothelioma. Hawaiian scientist Dr. Michele Carbone studied patients in Turkey where a village was exposed to a mineral similar to asbestos. While some families all died, others were perfectly healthy. This finding could help lead scientists to discover what gene could be the cause of mesothelioma and perhaps lead to advanced treatment, or dare we hope, a cure.

In the present it’s great to be hopeful but what we have now is a blend of mesothelioma treatments that are continually progressing and in turn leading to longer, more enjoyable lives.
The “major” treatments are pretty well known and include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation.

Outside of those, though, there are other options that can compliment major surgeries and therapies. Alternative medicine options in particular are becoming more important all of the time. In fact, Jonathan Chamberlain has an excellent line of books dealing with how to recover from cancer using alternative methods. For more information, please read “Cancer-The Complete Recovery Guide.”

Massage therapy promotes a number of important health benefits, promoting blood and lymphatic flow and improves circulation, which results in relieved muscle tension. It also stimulates the nervous and digestive system and can relieve chronic pain and improve skin function.

Another alternative medicine remedy is daily supplements. As long as they don’t conflict with current prescriptions, supplements can greatly improve quality of life and enhance any ongoing treatment you may be going through. Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. These are all needed to carry out essential life functions and supplements can provide the body with needed chemicals when diet alone cannot.

Yoga is yet another approach that many cancer patients find helpful. Yoga is good whether you are healthy or sick because it can strengthen and tone the entire body, all while improving flexibility. In addition, it gives patients a peaceful state of mind, which can never be underestimated.
Often times, the above approaches are best utilized in combination. All methods of therapy should be performed under the supervision of a doctor, who will have their own suggestions and medical opinions that are always important to keep in mind and follow.

From:news.asbestos.com

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Patients

2008-06-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

If you have mesothelioma a type of cancer, then it is mandatory task to remove this type of disease with the help of mesothelioma treatment options. Few things to be ponder when you got mesothelioma.

A mesothelioma treatment plan should be treated by an oncologist. Oncologist is a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment and is probable to be recognizable with mesothelioma than the most physicians.

There are multiplicities of mesothelioma treatments; many are proposed to attack the cancer cells while others address symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, wheezing and pain. Most patients want to cancer treatment initially. If the mesothelioma is diagnosed early in its development, this may be the best approach.

The traditional treatments for mesothelioma include:

Radiation treatments (using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells).
Surgery (removing the cancer).
Chemotherapy (using medicines to fight the cancer).

New treatments such as photodynamic, angiogenesis, and gene therapy provide new expectation for mesothelioma sufferers all over the place. Mesothelioma, like all other types of cancer, is inoperable. Medical science has made outstanding strides in diagnosing and treating malignancies, but at this time there is currently no way to completely exterminate it. Our researchers are endeavoring.

Asbestos compensation case begins

2008-06-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

A legal battle over compensation for asbestos victims is due to begin.

The High Court will decide whether insurers are liable for damages from sufferers' first exposure to asbestos, or from when they become ill.

The Unite trade union, which is backing workers exposed to the substance, said the insurance industry was trying to "dodge their liabilities".

But solicitors representing insurers argued that it was "common sense" that they be liable from the later date.

'Sickening scenario'

Asbestos-related disease is the biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK, mainly affecting former workers in shipyards and other heavy industries.

The case concerns a type of cancer called mesothelioma, which can follow exposure to asbestos by 25 to 40 years.

It is expected to cost insurers millions of pounds as cases dating back to the 1970s come to light.

Employers take out liability insurance to insure them against the cost of legal action by staff injured at work.

The case concerns several insurers who are no longer taking on employers' liability insurance business.

These companies want to clarify whether the liability insurance policies they have previously sold to employers are "triggered" when employees or former employees develop the disease rather than at the time they are initially exposed to asbestos.

The companies argue workers could have been employed by several organisations that required them to deal with asbestos during their career.

The Association of British Insurers stressed insurers who were currently providing employers' liability insurance would continue to pay out from the moment employees were first put at risk.

Unions say that Employers' Liability Insurance was written on the understanding that the trigger is asbestos exposure, and accuse the insurers of trying to protect their profits at the expense of cancer sufferers and their families.

'Achieve justice'

In an earlier test case, the family of mesothelioma victim Charles O'Farrell, who died in 2003, were awarded £152,000.

But the Excess Insurance Company, which insured Mr O'Farrell's employers, has taken the case to the High Court.

By the time Mr O'Farrell developed the disease, the firm for which he worked had ceased trading - meaning that were the insurers' case to suceed, his family would not be due any compensation from them.

Mr O'Farrell's daughter, Maureen Edwards, said she wanted to achieve justice for her father.

"Our grief and sorrow is being dragged out and made worse by insurers who we feel are doing all they can to get away from their responsibility."

Peter Taylor, partner at legal firm Lovells, said: "This is a struggle between those who assert that the rules of common sense and commerciality should prevail, and those who insist on the application of long-standing legal rules and canons of commercial contracts."

But Derek Simpson, Unite's joint general secretary, said the industry had a duty to protect sufferers.

"What's at stake here is millions of pounds which should be used to compensate asbestos victims and not be pocketed by the insurance industry," he said.

"It is a sickening scenario, and we will fight every step of the way to see that insurers are not allowed to pass the buck and dodge their responsibilities."

The case is expected to last nine weeks and a decision is likely in the autumn.

However, both sides have indicated that they will appeal to the House of Lords if the ruling goes against them.
From:news.bbc.co.uk

Avoid Further Mesothelioma Injury Through Prompt Treatment

2008-06-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma injury can be classified into three main groups, Pleural (chest), Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (heart). All three types of Mesothelioma injury are mainly cause through exposure to an Asbestos related substance.

Mesothelioma injury arises when the Mesothelioma cells surrounding the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs become cancerous. The Mesothelioma cells change to form nodules, which can then clump together to form a tumor, or tumors around the organ.

In more extreme cases of Mesothelioma Cancer, the Mesothelioma tumor can break through the walls of the organs that it surrounds and cause internal damage to the organ. Also, in some cases the Cancer can travel through the blood stream and affect other organs, not directly surrounded by the original Mesothelioma Cancerous Cells.

The origins of Mesothelioma injury begin when a person is exposed to an asbestos related substance. The person either inhales the Asbestos fibers, or the fibers enter the skin. These fibers either lodge in the lungs, or travel through the body and affect the heart, or abdominal organs.

The bodies natural defense system will attempt to eradicate the fibers from the body, through attempts to expel the fibers. However, some fibers will become lodged in the Mesothelioma cell layers that provide a protective layer around the lungs, heart and abdominal area.

Over time, the Mesothelioma cells surrounding the fibers, can change consistency and become cancerous. It is at this stage that the Mesothelioma injury begins to occur, as it turns into Mesothelioma.

However, Mesothelioma injury also includes the conditional affects that occur as a result of having Mesothelioma Cancer. Some of these conditional affects include, immune deficiency, which can lead to a slow break down of the bodies defense system.
Once the bodies defense system begins to break down the body can become subject to colds and other such illnesses. The overall affects of having Mesothelioma Cancer can lead to an array of Mesothelioma injuries and has the potential to cause major organ failure.

In order to prevent the adverse affects of Mesothelioma injury, Mesothelioma doctors have been implementing various treatments that aim to prevent further damage. Some of these treatments include, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immune augmentative therapy.

In regard to Mesothelioma Cancer, Surgery aims to remove the Cancerous Mesothelioma cells, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the Cancerous cells. Radiation therapy also aims to eliminate the Mesothelioma cells, while immune augmentative therapy aims to restore the body's natural immune system to a level in which it can be effective in helping to fight the effects of Mesothelioma Cancer.

All of these treatment methods are aimed at preventing further Mesothelioma injury to the patient. If you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, ensure that you seek immediate treatment to prevent the affects of Mesothelioma Cancer and to avoid further Mesothelioma injury.
Source:Ezinearticles.com

European union agrees to outlaw environmental damage

2008-06-08T00:02:00.000-07:00

After an eight-year discussion, the European Parliament has agreed to legislation which will force national governments to apply criminal sanctions in cases of deliberate or neglectful environmental damage. The list of punishable environmental crimes includes: Unlawful discharge or emission of substances into the air, soil or water in a way which is likely to cause death or serious injury to any person or substantial damage to the environment.

Shipment of waste. Killing, destruction, possession, or trading of specimens of protected fauna or flora species, except when it concerns negligible quantities which have little or no impact on the specimen s conservation status. Actions which cause significant deterioration of habitats within protected sites. Production, importation, exportation, placing on the market or use of ozone-depleting substances.

In addition, the inciting, aiding, or abetting of such crimes is also considered a criminal offence. Further action was taken in a vote on May 21 to prevent European Union countries dumping toxic waste on beaches in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Waste dumping is an increasingly serious issue in these countries as aging ships are often sent here to be scrapped.

The report and vote urges the EU to ensure that all EU ships are cleaned of hazardous waste before they are sent to these countries for scrapping. The practice of sending older ships to countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan for scrapping is quickly becoming contentious, due to the high accident rate for workers involved in the business in these countries.

In addition, one in six workers involved in scrapping ships in these countries is affected by asbestosis, a chronic respiratory condition which develops as a result of heavy or long-term asbestos exposure. The United States has its own share of problems relating to the scrapping of aging ships. Recently the Environmental Protection Agency filed a complaint against a company it believed intended to scrap a liner containing large amounts of asbestos and PCBs. The EPA believed that Global Shipping LLC, based in Cumberland, Maryland, planned to scrap the SS Oceanic, a 682-foot liner, at a port in Gujarat, India.

The EPA complaint, filed in San Francisco, imposed a fine of $32,500 per day, but the charges were denied by Global Shipping. The SS Oceanic was built in 1951 and reportedly carries 250 tons of asbestos, and 210 tons of PCBs. Both of these materials were widely used in ship-building prior to the late 1970s, and both are human carcinogens. Many environmental organizations are concerned about the possibility environmental and health effects of the dismantling of ships such as the SS Oceanic, not only because workers may be exposed to large amounts of the contaminants, but also because toxic chemicals are released in large amounts into soil and groundwater.
Source: www.asbestos-post.com

Mesothelioma Treatment and Care

2008-06-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

As we know that, one day all of us are going to pass away. This is a worldwide truth. Obviously we people are ready for it. But why should we die a untimely death? and furthermore when we are not responsible for the reason of the death. For someone else’s benefit, a particular section of the society becomes victim of some noxious diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer that affects the coating of the lung, coating of the abdominal cavity or the coating around the heart. It is caused by the exposure to asbestos and occurs in those who have breathed in asbestos fibres. Mesothelioma may not show until 25 to 50 years after the contact with asbestos which is why it was widely used in various industries for many years without anyone realising the damage it was doing to the health of the people working with it. It is predictable that by 2030, near about 300,000 workers in Western Europe unaccompanied will have died from Mesothelioma.

The primary symptom of Mesothelioma is shortness of breath; sufferers may also be affected by a persistent and productive cough, chest tightness, chest pain, loss of appetite and a crackling sound in the lungs when inhaling. Chest X-rays are the most common method of detecting this disease but other techniques can be used such as pulmonary function tests, Biopsy/Bronchoscopy and CT scans. The treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, how developed it is and the patient's age and general health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Caring a Mesothelioma patient is very sturdy. Caring here doesn’t simply mean physical care. A Mesothelioma patient has to be given equal psychological and arousing support to fight with the circumstances. Most of the time it has been observed that the patient completely loses faith in life. One thing you know very well, some thing is difficult to do, it does not mean you should not try, you should try just harder.

Who Gets Mesothelioma

2008-06-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

Who gets mesothelioma can depend greatly in a number of conditions. Amphibole or Asbestos exposure is not limited to manufacturing work sites. Office buildings, Schools, churches, Factories and recreational centers contained momentous amounts of asbestos until only a few decades ago. While those who worked in asbestos quarries and manufacturing centers are the most at risk, significant amounts of unrelated people were indirectly endangered. Furthermore, asbestos contamination affected many occupations not directly involved in the asbestos production or construction industries.

Mesothelioma in Mechanics and other Workers

Workers are the people at most risk of developing mesothelioma, because they worked directly or indirectly with the deathly materials. There are tons of at risk jobs, but some are more breakneck than others. These include:

Factories
Bricklayers
Carpenters
Automotive mechanics
Boiler makers
Building Inspectors
Electricians
Iron workers
Laborers
Maintenance workers
Merchant marines
Millwrights
Painters
Plasterers
Plumbers
Roofers
Sheet metal workers
Welders

Hope this will help you a lot...

Take Care!

Mesothelioma Symptoms

2008-06-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma any perceptible are not ad hoc to the disease; that is, many mesothelioma symptoms are also symptoms of other medical problems. Most studies show that the symptoms of mesotheliomausually begin to appear 35 to 45 years after vulnerability to asbestos. Thus, many mesothelioma patients are unconscious that the symptoms they are experiencing are related to something that happened much earlier in their lives.

Mesothelioma it is a type of cancer. Even a short period of asbestos exposure can create the conditions for a disease that erupts much later in life.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

For pleural mesothelioma, or mesothelioma of the lining surrounding the lung, common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and a persistent cough. Unfortunately, these symptoms are also very common for a number of other ailments, including pneumonia. The most common symptom is localized chest pain, but this may not occur until the disease is well advanced. A less common but still prevalent symptom of pleural mesothelioma is weight loss. Some patients show virtually no symptoms.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the abdominal lining. Symptoms include swelling or a mass in the abdomen, weight loss and abdominal pain. Bowel obstruction and blood clots also have been known to occur and fever is sometimes present.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart, or pericardium. Symptoms include chest pain, cough, irregular heart beat and irregular breathing patterns. Many of these symptoms manifest during physical exertion – even minimal exertion. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest type of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Types: There are two main types of mesothelioma

2008-06-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

1->Pleural Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

2->Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Pleural mesothelioma represents about 75% of all mesotheliomas. The malady can grow rapidly and enlarge the pleural space, causing it to sufficiency with fluid. This fluid leads to the discomfort or pain connected with first detection of the disease. It is thought that pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhaling of fibrous materials, including asbestos. These fibers lodge in the pleura and, over time, cause damage to the tissue layer and cancer erupts. Learn more about pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma is of two kinds: (1) diffuse and malignant (mesothelioma lung cancer), and (2) localized and benign (non-cancerous.)

Benign mesotheliomas can often be removed surgically, are generally not life-threatening, and are not usually related to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma lung cancers, however, are very sedate. Fortunately, they are rare - about four thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the U.S. each year.

Pleural mesothelioma lung cancer attacks the cells that make up the pleura or lining around the extracurricular of the lungs and inside of the ribs. Its only known cause in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos fibers, including chrysotile, amosite or crocidolite. This exposure is likely to have happened twenty or more years before the disease becomes evident, since it takes many years for the disease to "incubate." It is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all cases.

Mesothelioma lung cancer is sometimes diagnosed by coincidence, before there are any symptoms. For instance, tumors have been discovered through routine chest x-rays. However, when symptoms occur, they may include shortness of breath, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, chest pains, lower back pains, persistent coughing, difficulty in swallowing, alone or in combination. An initial medical examination often shows a pleural effusion, which means an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space - the area between the lungs and the chest wall.
The first step in detecting pleural mesothelioma lung cancer is, typically, a chest x-ray or CT scan.

This is often followed by a bronchoscopy, using a viewing scope to look inside the lungs.
The actual diagnosis of mesothelioma lung cancer usually requires obtaining a piece of tissue through a biopsy. This could be a needle biopsy, an open biopsy, or through a tube with a camera (thoracoscopy or chest scope.) If an abnormality is seen through the camera then a tissue sample can be taken at the same time, using the same tube.

This is a hospital procedure that requires anesthesia, but is not usually painful. The tissue sample is tested by a pathologist.

Fluid build-up from the pleural effusion can generally be seen on a chest x-ray and heard during a physical examination, but a firm diagnosis of mesothelioma can only be made through a biopsy and pathological testing. This is important because there are also benign pleural effusions and other tumors that have a similar appearance to mesothelioma. Diagnosing mesothelioma lung cancer can be quite difficult; it requires special lab stains, and much experience in understanding them.

The spread of the tumor over the pleura causes pleural thickening. This can reduce the flexibility of the pleura and encase the lungs in an increasingly restrictive girdle. With the lungs restricted, they get smaller and less functional, and breathing becomes more difficult. At first a person with mesothelioma lung cancer may be breathless only when he or she exercises, but as lung function drops, he or she can become short of breath even while resting.

The tumor spreads by direct invasion of surrounding tissue. As it spreads inward it can compress the lungs. As the tumor spreads outward it can invade the chest wall and ribs, and this can be extremely painful.

Current medical science does not know exactly how and why, at a cellular level, asbestos fibers cause mesothelial cells to become abnormal (malignant or cancerous.) Thus it is not known whether only one fiber causes the tumor or whether it takes many fibers. It seems that asbestos fibers in the pleura can start a tumor as well as promote its growth; the tumor does not depend on any other processes for its development.

There is as yet no known cure for malignant mesothelioma lung cancer. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the size and stage of the tumor, the extent of the tumor, the cell type, and whether or not the tumor responds to treatment. The Firm has represented many clients who lived for five to ten years after diagnosis, most of them in good health for a majority of those years. Some mesothelioma victims succumb within a few months; the average survival time is about a year.

The treatment options for people with mesothelioma lung cancer have improved significantly, especially for those whose cancer is diagnosed early and treated vigorously. Many people are treated with a combination of therapies, sometimes known as multimodal therapy.
Specific types of treatment for mesothelioma lung cancer include:

Surgery

Chemotherapy based therapies

Radiation therapy

Intra-operative photodynamic therapy.

There are also experimental treatments like gene therapy and immunotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, and clinical trials for various new treatments and combinations of treatments.
Treatments that reduce pain and improve lung function are becoming more successful (although they cannot cure mesothelioma.) Pain control medications have become easier to administer. Debulking is a surgical process of removing a substantial part of the tumor and reducing the pleural thickening; this can provide significant relief. X-ray therapy has also been successfully used to control the tumor and the pain associated with it for a while.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma of the abdomen is called peritoneal mesothelioma. The serous membrane surrounding the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. This disease accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of mesothelioma cases. In addition, a rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma affects the male testicles. The covering layer of the scrotum is actually an outpouching of the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is due to the ingestion of fibrous materials, including asbestos. Learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma.

Many of the organs in the abdomen are enveloped by a thin membrane of mesothelial cells, known as the peritoneum.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor of this membrane. Its only known cause in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos, but it can be many years after exposure before the disease appears. Peritoneal mesotheliomas account for about one-fifth of all mesotheliomas.

Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be either benign or malignant. This discussion is only about malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is sometimes diagnosed by coincidence, before any symptoms have appeared. For example, the tumor is sometimes seen on a routine abdominal x-ray for a check-up or before surgery.

When the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma appear, they typically include abdominal pains, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Fluid often accumulates in the peritoneal space, a condition known as pathology. Over time the wasting symptoms can become more and more severe.

The increasing tumor can utilize increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention. If the tumor presses upward, it can impair breathing capacity. If the tumor pushes against areas with many nerve fibers, and the bowel distends, the amount of pain can increase.

X-rays and CT scans are, typically, the first step towards detecting peritoneal mesothelioma. The actual diagnosis is typically achieved by obtaining a piece of tissue. The medical procedure of looking at the peritoneum is known as a peritoneoscopy. It is a hospital procedure and requires anesthesia. If an abnormality is seen, the doctor will attempt to obtain a tissue sample - this is known as a biopsy. The tissue sample will be examined by a pathologist who makes a diagnosis using microscopic analysis of specialized stains.

There are at least two explanations for how asbestos fibers can get into the peritoneum. The first is that fibers caught by the mucus of the trachea and bronchi end up being swallowed. Some of them lodge in the intestinal tract and from there they can move through the intestinal wall into the peritoneum. The second explanation is that fibers that lodge in the lungs can move into the lymphatic system and be transported to the peritoneum.

Medical science does not know precisely how or why, at a cellular level, a carcinogen like asbestos causes a cell to become malignant (cancerous.) Thus it is not known whether only one fiber can cause a tumor to develop or whether it takes many fibers, or what the exact conditions and predispositions are for this change to happen.

At this time there are treatments, but no known cure, for peritoneal mesothelioma. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the size and stage of the tumor, its extent, the cell type, and whether or not the tumor responds to treatment.

However, the options for relief and treatment of people with peritoneal mesothelioma have improved, especially for those whose cancer is diagnosed early and treated vigorously. Many people receive a combination of therapies, sometimes illustrious as multimodal therapy.
Specific types of treatment include:

Chemotherapy and other drug-based therapies

Radiation therapy

Surgery.

Widow's fight for husband

2008-05-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

By Alison Dayani
http://www.birminghammail.net

THE wife of a Birmingham lorry driver who died from a painful lung disease has launched a legal battle for compensation against the company he worked for.

Father-of-four Michael Cartwright, from Selly Oak, was 61-years-old when he died from mesothelioma - a lung cancer normally caused by being exposed to asbestos.

His widow Maureen Cartwright is now taking his former employer Birmingham and Midland Demolition Company to court.

She believes her husband, who was a driver but also loaded building debris from demolition sites at factories and buildings across Birmingham, may have been exposed to asbestos dust while working for the firm during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Mrs Cartwright, along with her two sons and two daughters, is now appealing for former work colleagues of her husband to come forward to help her in the legal battle.

"Michael suffered terribly during his last months from this horrible illness," said Mrs Cartwright.

"Before he was diagnosed, Michael was the family's full-time carer. He cared for our two adult children who have learning difficulties and also our grandchild who suffers with epilepsy.

"Michael was golden, I couldn't have wished for a better husband. We are all finding it very hard to come to terms with his death."

Mr Cartwright was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2005 and died just over a year later.

An inquest into Mr Cartwright at Birmingham coroner's court in November 2006 returned a verdict that he died as a result of an industrial disease.

Family solicitor Iain Shoolbred, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: "In order for his family to obtain some recompense from the debilitating illness, it is vital that people who have information about the working practices and contracts undertaken at Birmingham and Midland Demolition Company in the late 1960s and 1970s come forward.We are keen to hear from any of his work mates."

Midland Demolition Company has ceased to trade so the family is sueing the company's insurers at the time.

Carbon nanotubes may bring health risk

2008-05-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

By Graham Pitcher
http://www.newelectronics.co.uk

Research led by the University of Edinburgh has found that carbon nanotubes may be as harmful as asbestos.

The researchers found that short carbon nanotube fibres appeared to be harmless. However, they also found the body was unable to deal with longer fibres, which provoked inflammation and disease. The reaction is similar to that produced by asbestos, where longer fibres can cause mesothelioma.

Professor Ken Donaldson, chair of respiratory toxicology, said: “While we have identified a potential hazard, more research is needed to show what, if any, the health risk is.

There should be minimal risk in handling items made of carbon nanotubes because the fibres are so embedded. We are more concerned that there may be higher exposure of the workers involved in production of items containing nanotubes.”

Alongside the University of Edinburgh, research was carried out in collaboration with the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, the Institute of Occupational Medicine, Napier University and the University of Manchester.

Home renovators warned of danger of asbestos illness

2008-05-26T21:25:00.000-07:00

By James O'Loan
news.com.au

A NEW wave of fatal asbestos-related diseases is on the way, threatening the state's amateur home renovators. Deaths are set to double.

Experts say the national death toll of 3000 a year from mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancers will double in the next 10 years _ and the proportion of Queenslanders in this category is set to rise from the current one-in-five.

Mesothelioma deaths in Queensland have leapt 30 per cent since 1997, outstripping all states and territories.

Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia president Barry Robson said the first cases of renovators falling victim to the killer diseases were appearing, and he warned there were many more to come.

Mr Robson said he was disappointed recent offers to supply Bunnings, Mitre 10 and other hardware stores with warning pamphlets had been rejected.

Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer that wraps itself around lung lining. It can take 20 to 30 years to appear, then usually kills within six to 18 months.

Asbestosis researcher and former university lecturer Dr Jim Leigh said terminal asbestos-related lung cancer rates were about double those of mesothelioma; both diseases are set to peak in the coming decade.

Former industrial oven installer Chris Smith, 58, has asbestos-related lung cancer and is part of the third wave of victims - mostly tradespersons and end-users of asbestos materials.

The first victims of the diseases were asbestos miners, followed by a second wave of the makers of building products, and later tradespeople.

The former smoker was diagnosed in 2004 and doctors will be surprised if he lives past 2011.

Chris Smith, who is chairman of the Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society warned home renovators to take precautions.

"One exposure may kill, so if you're not sure if it's asbestos, wear a mask," Mr Smith said.

"The asbestos out there now is in a worse condition than it was. It's deteriorating and dusting away."

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare recorded 105 new Queensland mesothelioma cases in 2005, from 569 Australia-wide. Forecasts are based on a steady rise since data collection began in the 1980s but health professionals and victim support groups say the statistics are under-reported.

Brisbane's Slater and Gordon Lawyers asbestos specialist Tim Hammond painted a grim picture for those exposed to fibres.

He said the diseases' long gestation periods meant thousands were unaware the carcinogen had taken hold.

"Sadly, we're going to see more and more Queenslanders getting sick and dying from this disease," he said.

"There's going to be DIYers, mum-and-dad home renovators. We're really at the fourth wave now. The reality is most of the first and second wave are dead."

Exposure to asbestos, mined and used in Australian building materials for decades, can also cause non-cancerous asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) and pleural plaques.

Prince Charles Hospital lung specialist Dr Kwun Fong is part of a team of physicians treating a rising number of Queenslanders with one of the four variants.

"Unfortunately, there's no cure for mesothelioma at the moment but there are drugs that can prolong life and ease the symptoms," he said.

"If (cases of mesothelioma increase as predicted) we'll have to work out ways to deal with it."

Mr Robson said he would meet Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland within two months to push for a national approach to education, treatment and compensation for asbestos-related diseases.

Nanotubes may be as bad as asbestos

2008-05-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

By R. Colin Johnson
EE Times
Carbon nanotubes could cause the same maladies as asbestos, according to a study by University of Edinburgh, which also showed that long-thin fibers cause the pathological response known to be a precursor to mesothelioma cancer in mice.

"Long, thin carbon nanotubes showed the same effects as long, thin asbestos fibers," said University of Edinburghprofessor Kenneth Donaldson.

Both carbon nanotubes and asbestos fibers were injected into the abdominal cavity of mice, a technique that is accepted in medical circles as a predictor of how pathogens affect lung tissue. The results showed that like asbestos, long nanotube fibers were thin enough to penetrate deep into lungs, but their length prevented the lungs' built-in mechanisms from removing the particles.

"If nanotubes get into the lungs in sufficient quantity, there is a chance that some people will develop cancer—perhaps decades after breathing it," said Donaldson.

Short nanotubes did not behave like asbestos, and were cleared from the bodies of experimental mice. However, long, thin nanotubes tended to bunch together, causing inflamation and lesions, which are precursors of cancer. Short nanotubes may also be found to cause harm, according to the researchers, who said more research is needed.

Carbon nanotubes have high aspect ratios, only nanometers in diameter but sometimes microns long. Aspect ratios are often over 1000:1. In semiconductors, nanotubes are usually safely affixed to a substrate, but their use in other industries could enable them to enter the water or air where they could become a health hazard.

If nanoparticles are breathed into the lungs, the researchers warned that the health affects would be as severe as breathing in asbestos. Asbestos exposure can cause lung cancer in 30 to 40 years after initial exposure.

Pleural Mesothelioma Trial Shows No Benefit for Chemo

2008-05-17T03:16:00.000-07:00

Adding chemotherapy to active symptom control in cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma appeared to have little effect in a large randomized trial, researchers said here.

Neither of two chemotherapy regimens -- analyzed together or singly -- extended life significantly nor was there a significant effect on quality of life, according to Richard Stephens of the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit, and colleagues.

But an exploratory analysis suggested that one of the chemotherapy agents used -- vinorelbine (Navelbine) -- might have a benefit and should be studied further, the researchers reported in the May 17 issue of The Lancet.

On the other hand, the trial might have been overtaken by events, the researchers said.

The study was designed in the 1990s and was intended to compare active symptom control to symptom control plus vinorelbine and symptom control plus mitomycin (Mutamycin), vinblastine (Velban), and cisplatin (Platinol).

But in 2002, a large randomized trial showed a modest survival improvement for cisplatin and pemetrexed (Alimta), which had the effect of slowing patient recruitment for the trial reported here.

Efforts to include the cisplatin and pemetrexed regimen were unsuccessful, the researchers said. Instead, given the slow accrual, they changed the study design to combine the two chemotherapy arms, although the three-arm randomization was kept to allow for exploratory analyses of each regimen.

Subsequently, a second large randomized trial found a survival benefit for cisplatin and ralitrexed (Tomudex).

The upshot of those two studies is that doublet chemotherapy appears to have a survival benefit of about 2.5 months, according to Nicholas Vogelzang, M.D., of the Nevada Cancer Institute in Las Vegas.

Dr. Vogelzang, who led the cisplatin/pemetrexed study, said the standard of care now is cisplatin and pemetrexed. It is also possible that cisplatin and gemcitabine (Gemzar) will be beneficial, he said, although that has not been well tested. Ralitrexed is no longer available, Dr. Vogelzang noted.

Writing in an accompanying comment article, he dismissed the notion of vinorelbine as a possible therapy.

"I believe that single-agent chemotherapy offers little to patients in the way of palliation or survival, since [active symptom control] plus vinorelbine was statistically indistinguishable from [symptom control] alone," he argued.

Indeed, in the current study, the researchers found:

Compared with active symptom control alone, there was a small and non-significant survival benefit for added chemotherapy. The hazard ratio was 0.89, with a 95% confidence interval from 0.72 to 1.10.
Median survival was 7.6 months for symptom control alone and 8.5 months when chemotherapy was added.
Exploratory analyses suggested active symptom control plus vinorelbine might have an advantage, although it was also non-significant. The hazard ratio was 0.80 with a median survival of 9.5 months.
There was no evidence of a survival benefit in the cisplatin arm, which had a hazard ratio of 0.99 compared with symptom control alone.

Medpagetoday Medical News

Boston Mesothelioma cancer lawyers stress importance of filing compensation claims quickly

2008-05-17T03:14:00.000-07:00

Boston Massachusetts (CaymanMama.com) — Once the diagnosis has been made, the patients of Boston mesothelioma cancer must waste no time finding a Boston asbestos cancer lawyer to file for compensation for the harm and injury inflicted to them by the asbestos industry. After evaluation of the mesothelioma cancer case, the attorneys would be able to guide the patient and his/her family as per provisions laid down in the law.

The fact is that the statute binds mesothelioma cancer patients and their families with a limited amount of time for filing compensation claims. This time limit varies from state to state. Time constraints and the need of medical attention for the patients diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer burdens family members. Armed with this knowledge, the asbestos attorney take care of the legal obligations relieving the patient and family members to attend to medication and hospitalization.

Mesothelioma lawsuits lawyers help people recover damages, losses and recover compensation. These attorneys not only educate the public about mesothelioma cancer and the adverse affects of asbestos in people’s health, but also guide them through the legalities of the mesothelioma cancers cases, offering first free consultations and offering their services on contingency fee basis.
Caymanmama.com - Law News

Nicholas woman files asbestos suit for late husband

2008-05-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

By Cara Bailey -Kanawha Bureau
12 May 2008

A Nicholas County woman has filed an asbestos suit against 50 companies, on behalf of her husband, who died of malignant mesothelioma.

Betty Bailes filed the suit April 15 in Kanawha Circuit Court on behalf of her husband, George Bailes.

According to the suit, George Bailes lived in Nicholas County, but worked in Kanawha County, where he was exposed to asbestos. Due to his exposure, he was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, which ultimately resulted in his death.

The suit states the companies knew about the dangers of asbestos but failed to warn their employees or take the proper safety precautions to prevent workers from being exposed to the asbestos.

The suit specifically names Union Carbide Corporation and T.H. Agriculture and Nutrition as defendants.

In the nine-count suit, Betty Bailes seeks compensatory and exemplary damages.

Attorney James M. Barber is representing Bailes. The case will be assigned to a visiting judge.
News Found at: http://www.wvrecord.com

Missing records a loss to asbestos research

2008-05-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

A FEDERAL government department has admitted "potentially losing" detailed records of 1000 asbestos-related disease cases required by researchers to better understand exposure risk.

The details were collected in the 1980s for one of the world's most comprehensive surveys on mesothelioma, the fatal lung condition which killed the asbestos crusader Bernie Banton last year.

The records were recently requested by a Sydney geologist for a well-publicised study to determine the number of Australians exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos at little-known, naturally occurring asbestos "hot spots".

Marc Hendrickx, from Macquarie University, said the records from the Mesothelioma Surveillance Program were essential for the study. However, the Office of the Australian Safety and Compensation Council says they cannot be found.

"It is certainly not our policy to discard records such as these," the director, Julie Hill, wrote in the latest Medical Journal of Australia.

"We regret the potential loss of these important records to the research community and are still attempting to locate them," she said.

More than 600 new cases of so-called "meso" are diagnosed every year, mostly in people directly exposed to the dangerous substance.

However, about 10 per cent of cases occur in people with no known exposure and some are believed to be caused by hidden deposits of naturally occurring asbestos, a pattern Mr Hendrickx planned to map to show potentially dangerous areas.
Source:http://www.smh.com.au

Electrician’s death due to lethal fibres

2008-05-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

A FORMER electrician from York died after being exposed to lethal asbestos dust while working at the city's carriageworks, an inquest heard.

On leaving school in the mid-1950s at the age of 15, Graham Sidebottom, 67, of Teddar Road, in Acomb, York, followed in the footsteps of his father and worked as an apprentice electrician at the British Rail carriageworks, in Holgate Road.

Mr Sidebottom, who worked there until 1992, died in May last year. The inquest was told his death was caused by malignant mesothelioma.

In a statement signed by Mr Sidebottom in January last year, he said: "My doctors feel I do have mesothelioma, particularly because of my exposure to asbestos dust and fibres during the course of my employment with British Rail."

In the statement, Mr Sidebottom, who had been smoking up until a few weeks before his death, said he had recollections as a young man of screwing up the asbestos into balls and throwing it "just for fun".

He said that while he was never told to wear a mask to do his job, no one knew how dangerous asbestos was.

He said he worked like this until about 1967, but from about 1971 exposure to asbestos dust had reduced.

York coroner Donald Coverdale said: "The statement Mr Sidebottom gave to his solicitor contains all the information I require and of course that does confirm exposure to asbestos while working at British Rail carriageworks for a considerable number of years. It's apparent from his statement he didn't have any protection in the form of a face mask."

Mr Coverdale said he had no doubt asbestos would have been thoroughly ingrained in Mr Sidebottom's clothes.

Mr Coverdale said: "There's only one verdict - that's that he has died from the industrial disease of mesothelioma." Speaking after the inquest, Mr Sidebottom's widow, Joyce Sidebottom, 62, said: "It's an awful way to die."

Mr Sidebottom died on May 2, 2007, at St Leonard's Hospice, in Tadcaster Road, York.

Kim Daniells, chairwoman of the York Asbestos Support Group, said: "The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. The number of deaths from this condition continues to rise as a result of the working practises that were in place in the latter half of the 20th century.

"This further tragic death is just one in a long line of those that we're seeing of former employees at the carriageworks and from industry across the UK generally."

She said if anybody was worried about previous exposure to asbestos, or would like advice about asbestos diseases, or wanted support, they could contact the support group on 07787 120317.
Source:http://www.yorkpress.co.uk

The Four Stages of Mesothelioma

2008-05-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

After verifying a mesothelioma diagnosis, the next step is named staging. Staging is the process used to find out how far the cancer has spread. Imaging studies, such as CT scans and MRI's, help a doctor to determine the mesothelioma stage. This is important because it affects the treatment and prognosis of mesothelioma.

The most common system used for measuring mesothelioma staging is the Butchart Staging System. This staging procedure is only used for pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs) because it is by far the most common type of mesothelioma.

A. Stage 1 - Localized Malignant Mesothelioma
Stage I mesothelioma is the initial stage of mesothelioma. Here, the cancerous tumor is found in the pleura (the lung lining), and may also involvesome tumors in the lung, pericardium (the lining of the heart), or the diaphragm.

B. Stage 2 Mesothelioma
In Stage II mesothelioma, in addition to the presence of mesothelioma in the pleura, mesothelioma has spread to the chest wall, esophagus, or heart. Also, mesotheliomamay have spread to the lymph nodes in the chest.

C. Stage 3 Mesothelioma
In Stage III, mesothelioma has invaded the diaphragm into the peritoneum (the lining of the heart), and may involve lymph nodes outside of the chest.

D. Stage 4 Mesothelioma
In Stage IV, mesothelioma has metastasized, spreading through the bloodstream to other organs of the body.

Support Group Launched for Asbestos Victims

2008-04-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

A NEW group was launched yesterday to provide help and support for North East workers exposed to asbestos.

Members of the Northern TUC marked Workers' Memorial Day in Gateshead by launching the North East Asbestos Support Group.

They were joined by other union leaders, health professionals and also by Chris Knighton, whose husband Mick died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos.

He was diagnosed aged 59 in August 2000 and died the following March 2001, having served in the Royal Navy as a young man when asbestos products were widely used.

Mrs Knighton, of Wallsend, North Tyneside, then launched the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, which has so far raised more than pounds 350,000.

Yesterday's meeting took place at the Springfield Hotel, Gate shead, and was followed by the 100 attendees walking to Saltwell Park for a memorial ceremony and wreath-laying at the Rose Garden Park. Kevin Rowan, Northern TUC regional secretary, said: "Workers Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to highlight the ongoing challenges that we face in the region regarding the health, safety and wellbeing of working people.

"There are still far too many workers each year being killed, maimed or disabled because of their occupation.

"Much more effort must be concentrated on occupational health and wellbeing actions in order to ensure that workplaces are a source of health, not a cause of ill-health."

Source: The Journal - Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Malignant mesothelioma with unexpected contralateral mediastinal shift: a case report

2008-04-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

IntroductionContralateral mediastinal shift due to pleural mesothelioma tissue, rather than a pleural effusion, is an unusual clinical feature of mesothelioma.Case presentationA 63-year-old woman with a past history of treated invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast presented with breathlessness and chest pain. Her chest radiograph revealed contralateral mediastinal shift and drainage of over 3 litres of pleural fluid relieved her symptoms.

She underwent further investigations which revealed pleural mesothelioma, rather than the expected metastatic breast cancer. When she represented with breathlessness a few months later, a chest radiograph again demonstrated contralateral mediastinal shift.

A thoracic ultrasound on this occasion revealed only a small loculated pleural effusion and, unexpectedly, a large volume of malignant tissue, thereby explaining the chest radiograph appearances.

Conclusions: This case illustrates mediastinal shift away from the affected side which was caused by mesothelioma tissue itself, rather than by a pleural effusion which is the more usual cause of contralateral mediastinal shift in mesothelioma.

This article was published at 7thspace.com on 28 April 2008, 2008

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center: Earth Day

2008-04-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

This Earth Day, many celebrate the enormous progress we have made in making our planet more sustainable and inhabitable not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. While indeed we have made extraordinary strides toward this end, there are still environmental issues we need to deal with. These issues affect not only the health of our planet, but the health of its inhabitants.

Among the more pressing issues facing us today is the danger that asbestos exposure poses. Asbestos is a natural mineral, but is often released into the air through the environmentally unfriendly methods of strip mining for other natural resources. While mining for coal, vermiculite, and other minerals, asbestos affects miners and those in neighboring towns. It is indeed a double edged sword when these people are affected not only by the contamination of water supply by strip mining, but also in the air, where dangerous asbestos fibers can be inhaled.

The relationship between the two can easily be overlooked, but upon further examination it is clear the two are closely connected. Among those companies commonly associated with polluting, many have at least some asbestos exposure history among their employees. It is a clear and present danger when corporate interests collide with those of the people. In each case, either our environment or our population is paying the consequences.

Like the risk of environmental contamination, the risk of asbestos exposure is a real human problem. We call on lawmakers to remember the risk of asbestos contamination when introducing further environmental legislation. Like environmental conservation, asbestos exposures are not a problem of the past. We must continue to find new ways to prevent harmful exposures. Additionally, we must continue to fund research for health complications caused by asbestos exposure, such as the cancer mesothelioma.

As we celebrate our accomplishments in the advancement of conservation and a decreased risk of asbestos exposure, let us too find new solutions so that we may finally eliminate these detriments to our earth and humanity.

The Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center has long been recognized as the web’s leading information resource on asbestos, asbestos related disease, and mesothelioma treatment. Hundreds of pages of up to date content feature important information pertaining to asbestos exposure, top physicians, and ongoing clinical trials, as well as breakthroughs in the treatment of asbestos related disease.

This article was originally published at transworldnews on April 22, 2008

Asbestos 'will kill 10% of carpenters'

2008-04-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

One-in-10 Australian carpenters born before 1950 will die of mesothelioma, according to results of a British study to be released in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

They will be among 30,000 Australians who will die from mesothelioma between 2000 and 2050.

Cancer research specialist Professor Julian Peto made the findings during research into the lifetime occupations of 600 mesothelioma patients and an analysis of international trends in mesothelioma mortality.

Prof Peto said the cause of mesothelioma was not restricted to the deadly blue asbestos, also known as crocidolite, but to brown asbestos (amosite) which was used in building products in Australia and Britain until the 1980s.

Brown asbestos was a major component in most asbestos cement sheeting and roofing used in the building industry.

"I think that is one of the things that's largely been missed in much of the discussion on mesothelioma," Prof Peto said.

"The use of these products was completely uncontrolled.

"Carpenters would chop it up with power saws without much concern at all.

"And this was after we became aware of the dangers of blue asbestos."

Prof Peto's research also revealed that Australia and the UK have the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, with 600 cases per year in Australia and almost 2,000 in Britain, and figures are rising.

He said that 10 per cent of Australian carpenters born before 1950 were likely to die of asbestos-related cancers.

The rate for Australia and the UK is more than five times that of the United States, mainly because of different construction methods, Prof Peto said.

Prof Peto's research also questions why it was once believed that asbestos exposure below a certain threshold would be safe.

The professor was due to deliver the Miegunyah Public Lecture at Melbourne University on Tuesday night.

This article was published at theage.com on April 22, 2008

Comprehensive Approach to Peritoneal Mesothelioma Described

2008-03-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

Researchers from Columbia University have reported that combined resection, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and whole abdominal radiation therapy is effective treatment for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The details of this study were reported in the February 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Oncology.1

Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common than pleural mesothelioma, making up less than 20% of all cases. The latency period for abdominal mesothelioma appears to be 20-30 years, which is shorter than the latent period for pleural mesothelioma. Controlled trials of various treatment options are not available for peritoneal mesothelioma due to the relative rarity of this disease. The most common treatment strategy for peritoneal mesothelioma involves a multimodality approach with surgical debulking followed by systemic and/or intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The role of radiation therapy is not well documented.

Researchers involved in the current study treated 27 patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The regimen reported involved surgical debulking followed by four intraperitoneal courses of cisplatin alternated with four intraperitoneal courses of doxorubicin, four doses of intraperitoneal gamma interferon, a second laparotomy with resection of residual disease plus intraoperative hyperthermic administration of intraperitoneal mitomycin, and cisplatin followed by whole abdominal radiation therapy. These authors reported a median survival of 70 months and a three-year survival of 67%. They also reported that seven patients were alive without evidence of disease at a median of 17 months. These researchers concluded that intensive multimodality therapy was effective for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Source:CancerConsultants.com

Widow fears killer disease

2008-02-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

A WIDOW whose husband died after working with asbestos 40 years ago fears it could kill her next.

Barbara Eason and hubby Michael were planning their ruby wedding anniversary and looking forward to a long and happy retirement together.

But their dreams were shattered when the 62 year old was diagnosed with deadly mesothelioma. He died just three months later.

The former mechanic, of Darnton Road, Ashton was exposed to asbestos while working in a power station and chemical company over a seven-year period in the 1960s and 70s.

He started with a troublesome cough in December 2004 and soon began having difficulty breathing. A biopsy was carried out and it was revealed to be mesothelioma — which is caused by previous exposure to asbestos in almost all cases.

Barbara, 63, spoke out to highlight a campaign by the Health and Safety Executive on the hidden killer.

She said: "Asbestos is still the most lethal workplace killer today. Young plumbers and electricians know it’s dangerous but just don’t believe they are personally at risk.

"Michael used to climb over the pipes which were lagged with asbestos. He also had to strip it away to carry out maintenance, but was never given a mask."

Families of those who work with asbestos can also be infected if asbestos particles are brought home on clothes.

"I used to wash his work gear every week and could easily have inhaled the dust," added Barbara.

"It’s a terrible disease. It took hold of him so fast. The pain was unbearable, he said it was like a rat gnawing at his chest. His weight plummeted. At the end he looked like a concentration camp victim. It may sound shocking but that’s the only way to describe it.

"He never smoked in his life and was quite health conscious. He used to have a glass of red wine a day because it was good for his heart. Little did we know of the hidden killer already inside him."

Judith Hackitt, HSE chief, said: "Every week twenty tradesmen die simply because they have breathed in asbestos fibres during the course of their work.

"The problem today is that we associate it with a problem that’s been and gone because asbestos is now banned. The younger generation entering the workforce may think this does not apply to them, but it does."

This article was originally published at tamesideadvertiser by Adam Derbyshire on February 20, 2008

'WE USED TO CUT UP ASBESTOS FOR BLANKETS'

2008-02-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

For years, many of Derbyshire's industrial workers were exposed to asbestos during their employment, putting them at risk of developing an incurable form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. Hundreds of people have died from the disease and the number of those diagnosed is expected to increase during the next decade. Aly Walsh reports.

Every time Lance Barker has a bad chest, he wonders if it is the start of something more serious.

He worked in the heavy fabrication shop at International Combustion, in Sinfin Lane, Derby, for 37 years. Until the 1970s, he says, workers were surrounded by asbestos.

"Derby has its own ticking timebomb," said the 62-year-old, of Bath Street, Derby, who believes that about 10 per cent of the workforce in his 80-strong department have died of asbestos-related conditions.

"We were surrounded by asbestos. We used to get metre-wide rolls of this stuff, which we cut up to make into blankets.

"We were making high-pressured vessels for coal-fired power stations.

"We would sit inside them and weld them together. If you didn't have asbestos matting, the temperature would melt your boots.

"We would come out literally covered in asbestos fibres.

"We were never told that it was dangerous."

Mr Barker said that at the moment, he is "one of the lucky ones".

But he added: "I'm conscious that it could erupt at any time."

One man who, sadly, knows his fate is Garford Gaskin.

"Bedridden and needing 24-hour care" are the words of a doctor describing what Mr Gaskin should expect in the last few months of his life.

When you are only 65, have never smoked and always kept fit, this kind of death is hard to comprehend, especially when you are told it may be only months away.

But this is the harsh reality of mesothelioma.

"What the doctor wrote sounds evil - especially when it's me they're talking about," said Mr Gaskin, of Clinton Street, Chaddesden.

"The doctors estimated that it would take 20 years off my life."

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos and can develop between 20 and 50 years after a person has been exposed to the material.

The cancer is usually well-developed by the time they experience symptoms, such as feeling breathless, and from this point their health rapidly deteriorates.

It is difficult to diagnose early.

Treatments that prolong a sufferer's life include surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Mr Gaskin, who is now 67, first noticed the signs of the disease after returning from a holiday with his wife, Janet, when they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in May 2006.

He returned home breathless after his daily trip to the local shop to buy a paper.

Five days later, he was told by his GP to go to Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, where doctors revealed he had suspected mesothelioma.

This was confirmed a week later through biopsy results.

Mr Gaskin was shocked. It was almost 40 years since he had worked in the asbestos-surrounded environment of the former Derby Locomotive Works, owned by British Rail.

Mr Gaskin said that during his time there, between 1957 and 1968, workers did not realise that the asbestos which lingered in the atmosphere would prove deadly.

Mr Gaskin said: "They used to spray the asbestos on the locomotives for insulation and it just hung around in the atmosphere. We didn't know it was dangerous at the time and didn't wear masks.

"Quite a lot of people from there have had asbestos-related health problems and a couple have died from them."

After being diagnosed, Mr Gaskin lost four stone in a period of five weeks.

"I was breathless all the time - it's horrible when you cannot breathe in or out," he said.

In August 2006, he was admitted to Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, for an operation called extrapleural pneumonectomy, which is thought to extend a sufferer's life by 18 months.

Once mesothelioma sufferers start to show symptoms of the disease, they usually die within a year without medical intervention.

Only patients who are considered strong enough to survive are considered for this major surgery.

The operation involves removing the lining of the lungs and heart and the diaphragm to eliminate as many cancer cells as possible.

The operation went well for Mr Gaskin.

He now goes for X-rays every three months and although some new tumours have been detected, he has been told he does not need treatment at the moment.

He received a payout from British Rail last year. He did not wish to reveal the amount, but said that it in no way made up for what he and his family were having to endure.

He said: "I didn't do badly with compensation but it's not quite the same as being able to walk around and being healthy.

"They could have it all back if they could put me back to what I was two or three years ago."

Nationally, deaths from mesothelioma are predicted to rise by about 20 per cent within the next decade, with a peak in numbers between 2011 and 2015.

This is because of the period of time taken for the disease to develop in a person - 20 to 50 years - and the fact that regulations to stop widespread exposure to asbestos were not introduced until the late 1970s.

With Derbyshire's industrial history, including British Rail and the Trent Valley power stations, many of the county's workers were exposed to this deadly material.

And doctors and solicitors in the area say they are already seeing an increase in sufferers.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics and Derby Coroner's Court, studied by the Evening Telegraph, show that at least 300 people in Derbyshire have been killed by the cancer in the last 30 years.

In the period between 1985 and 2004, 122 men in Derby died from mesothelioma - ranking the city at 44 out of 408 local authorities for this period. The number of deaths has gradually increased each year.

It is thought there are 75 people suffering from the disease in the county but exact figures are unknown.

As soon as people are diagnosed with the cancer, they are advised that they can lodge a claim.

The amount awarded from civil claims varies but on average ranges from about £70,000 to £100,000.

However, most mesothelioma sufferers die before their claims are settled, because of the rapid and aggressive nature of the condition.

Many widows have to take on the battle themselves while dealing with their bereavement.

Angela Cox, whose husband, Derek, died of the disease at the age of 63 in 2002, did not receive any compensation until the end of last year.

Mrs Cox said her husband was exposed to asbestos in the 1960s while working at a number of companies, including International Combustion Ltd, which was eventually bought by Rolls-Royce Industrial Power (India) Ltd.

This was the only firm that could be traced. But R-R had argued it could not be proven how long Mr Cox had worked for them, or whether his job had sufficiently exposed him to asbestos to increase his risk of getting the cancer.

The company took the case to the Court of Appeal after a judge ruled it should pay Mrs Cox a six-figure sum.

But the judges at the London court dismissed R-R's case and ruled that the firm should give her the money.

Mrs Cox, 61, of Swadlincote, said: "It took more than five years for our case to be completed and it was very difficult.

"There were times when I felt really down and thought, why am going through this? It was the thought of my husband that kept me going."

Tony Tinley, regional officer for the Unite union, which represents many workers who have been exposed to asbestos, said that getting compensation was often a long battle.

Mr Tinley said: "Many of the sufferers die not knowing their loved-ones are being cared for and looked after.

"The insurers have tried every trick in the book to avoid paying out. Most of these employers were aware that they shouldn't be exposing people to asbestos at that time. It has been known since the 1930s that asbestos causes health problems.

"Every time their solicitors come up with a new legal argument, we have to either fight it through the court or take it to the Government."

Joanne Carlin, of Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team, said that some sufferers had a struggle trying to get compensation.

She said: "If people have worked for a small firm that has stopped trading then the insurers cannot always be found, so they cannot get a payout through a civil claim."

These people received between £10,000 and £30,000 from the Government if they were unable to make a civil claim because their employer had stopped trading.

"This is not a lot. Through no fault of their own, they are just going to work and then develop this devastating cancer that kills you."

This article was originally published at thisisderbyshire
on February 20, 2008

Campaign to cut asbestos deaths

2008-02-22T23:18:00.000-08:00

YOUNG tradespeople are being warned of the dangers of Asbestos which kills six electricians and three plumbers every week.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a campaign to warn of the dangers of the “hidden-killer” epidemic which has killed 661 people across Merseyside in the past 20 years.

Helena Owen, of Aigburth, lost her husband of 35 years, Robert (Bobby) to Mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer caused by asbestos, in March, 2007. A print and radio campaign using Helena’s picture has been created and will be shown to Everton fans attending a game at Goodison Park.

Bobby was 61 and had worked as a pipe fitter between the ages of 16 and 23.

This article was originally published at liverpooldailypost by Laura Sharpe
on February 19, 2008

PLANTING RAISES AWARENESS OF CITY'S ASBESTOS 'TIME BOMB'

2008-02-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

Victims of asbestos-related cancer and their families will gather for a tree planting ceremony to raise awareness of the disease 'time bomb' in Plymouth.

The poignant event is due to be held in the grounds of Saltram House, Plympton, on February 27 which is national Action Mesothelioma Day (AMD).

It has been organised by Jackie Lowe, who launched the Roger Lowe Asbestos Mesothelioma Campaign in memory of her dockyard worker father. Mr Lowe died of the cancer aged 68 in December 2005.

Jackie, aged 35 from Brixton, said: "We want to raise awareness of all asbestos-related conditions.

"The day is also about tying in Plymouth with the rest of the country. Despite our unfortunate links with asbestos-related conditions, it has taken a long time for people to come to terms with just how many people there are in the city affected by them. It's a ticking time bomb and numbers will peak in the next ten years."

Plymouth has been identified as the UK's fourth largest 'hotspot' for the disease, with 320 people dying from mesothelioma caused by asbestos between 1985 and 2004.

Cases are expected to peak between 2011 and 2015, as the condition takes between 30 to 40 years to emerge.

At 10.30am on February 27, families will gather near the entrance to Saltram House to plant a commemorative cedar of Lebanon.

Jackie said she also hopes to plant snowdrops at the tree's base.

There will also be a free walk-in advice clinic, with specialist medical, legal and benefits advice, and film about mesothelioma in Saltram House's Fennamore Room until 2pm.

White ribbons will be sold to raise funds for the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund.

The Roger Lowe campaign, supported by Roger's union Prospect and its solicitors Russell Jones and Walker, aims to provide a support network for mesothelioma sufferers and their families, raise funds and campaign for research into the disease, and raise awareness of the condition.

This article was originally published at thisisplymouth
on February 18, 2008

Appeal to find asbestos workers

2008-02-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

THE family of a Scarborough repairman who died from exposure to asbestos have launched an appeal to trace his former colleagues.
Geoff Edmonds, 79, who worked for local engineering company Brogden and Wilson for almost 30 years, died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma last year.

It is believed Mr Edmonds was exposed to asbestos dust and fibres while working for the heating and ventilation engineering company, which closed about 15 years ago.

It is understood that neither Mr Edmonds nor former workmates were informed of the dangers associated with asbestos.

Lawyers acting for his family now need to speak to his former colleagues to find out more about his work at the firm to support a claim for compensation by his widow.

His son Chris, 49, of Kingfisher Close in Crossgates, said: "It's important that anyone who worked with him or relations of those people contact our solicitors to gain further information about the asbestos exposure. We have information about where he worked and how he was exposed to asbestos but we need witnesses to verify that.

"Quite a few of my dad's apprentices could still be working.

"Some of the people who were working with him have passed away now. Some of them have died of a similar condition to my dad," he added.

Mr Edmonds, of Westway, was born in Scarborough and after leaving school went to work for Brogden and Wilson in Sussex Street in 1941.

At the firm he repaired and maintained boilers, radiators and pipework and left in 1969.

He then worked for a couple of smaller companies to do the same work before moving into the steel industry and retired aged 65 but later became ill.

Mr Edmonds leaves a widow Audrey and two other children Terence and June.

Marion Voss, from Thompsons Solicitors in Leeds, representing the family, said: "Mesothelioma is a terrible terminal illness caused by employers' disregard for their workers' lives.

"Asbestos related diseases will cause 10,000 deaths a year by 2010 and will be the biggest industrial killer of all time.

"It is vital we trace Geoff Edmonds' former colleagues, not because compensation can make up for his death but to ensure that those people who forced him to work in such deadly conditions pay for what they did."

Davey Hall, regional secretary for trade union Unite, which is working with the solicitors, added: "As part of our successful extended family service, we're pleased to be able to offer support to Mrs Edmonds and her family and hope this appeal is successful in tracing some of Mr Edmonds' former workmates.

"There are too many tragedies caused by negligent exposure to asbestos and we hope to be able to secure justice for another innocent victim."

This article was originally published by Paul Derrick at scarborougheveningnews
on February 14, 2008

Message of hope for asbestos victims

2008-02-16T22:43:00.000-08:00

A MAN hit by an insidious form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure, will step into the limelight to raise awareness of the silent killer this month.

Mesothelioma sufferer John Towersey will address families affected by the disease at Barking Town Hall, Town Square on Wednesday, February 27.

Mr Towersey, diagnosed with the asbestos cancer more than four years ago, will share his experiences as the country swings into action to mark National Mesothelioma Day.

Dagenham MP Jon Cruddas will also join a panel of experts at the town hall at a time when statistics show Barking and Dagenham is one of the biggest asbestos hotspots in the country, with about 25 people dying from cancer linked to its exposure each year.

The high incidence of asbestos cancer is linked to emissions from the notorious Cape Asbestos Factory in Harts Lane, Barking, which closed in 1968.

The main forms of asbestos cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, can take decades to incubate and are marked by severe respiratory problems.

Mick Connelly, 66, of Barking and Dagenham Asbestos Victims Support Group, said: "I'm really looking forward to listening to Mr Towersey. It's a nasty disease - to get someone who can talk about it is really good.

"It will give encouragement to people who suffer from some of these issues.

"It's a very serious form of cancer. For people normally diagnosed, it used to be 12 months and that was it.

"This guy was diagnosed four and half years ago. It's an encouragement to people not to give up."

The support group will also use the awareness day to launch a database of people suffering from mesothelioma and asbestosis in Barking and Dagenham.

The news comes after the Recorder revealed a new memorial honouring the victims of asbestos cancer could be built near the defunct Cape factory site, possibly at the Barking Abbey ruins or a Quakers' burial ground in North Street, Barking.

Mr Connolly said: "There's been a bit of a delay, which was very disappointing. We're about to get it moving again and will be meeting again in a week's time and talk about this issue.

"There's been virtually no progress on that, to be perfectly honest. It's down to people changing jobs, essentially.

This article was originally published by JOHN PHILLIPS at bdrecorder
on February 14, 2008

Heart condition killed man

2008-02-16T22:38:00.000-08:00

A coroner ruled a man would almost certainly have died of an industrial-related disease if a heart condition had not killed him first.
Deputy coroner David Hinchliff said Robert Asquith, 58, of Highfield Road, Elland, died of natural causes on April 6 last year, as a result of his coronary arteries thickening and becoming blocked.

But an inquest heard how Mr Asquith had been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma caused by his work with asbestos, from the mid 1970s to 2002.

Mr Hinchliff said: "The cause of death was natural but an industrial disease caused him a lot of distress in his life. I am in no doubt the mesothelioma, in a very short time, would have led to his death."

This article was originally published at halifaxcourier
on February 12, 2008

What is Mesothelioma and it's Type

2008-02-09T05:41:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Mesothelioma cancer affects the serous membranes that surround the major organs in the midsection of the body. Different organs can be affected by mesothelioma because the serous membranes surround the lungs, heart, abdomen and others. The most common type of mesothelioma is that which affects the lung lining, and is called pleural mesothelioma. Other types are pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart, and peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdomen.

Mesothelioma, contrary to what many people think, is not a type of primary lung cancer. That is, mesothelioma does not originate in the lungs, but as described above, it starts in the serous membranes or lining around the lungs (or other organs). However, mesothelioma can spread to the lungs and when this occurs, it is considered to be a secondary lung cancer. Mesothelioma is also commonly referred to as an asbestos lung cancer. Technically, this is also incorrect, since mesothelioma does not originate in the lungs. Asbestosis is a type of asbestos lung disease that is often confused with mesothelioma.

Types of Mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma represents about 75% of all mesotheliomas. The disease can grow quickly and enlarge the pleural space, causing it to fill with fluid. This fluid leads to the discomfort or pain associated with first detection of the disease. It is thought that pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhaling of fibrous materials, including asbestos. These fibers lodge in the pleura and, over time, cause damage to the tissue layer and cancer erupts. Learn more about pleural mesothelioma.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

The rarest form of mesothelioma is that which affects the linings of the heart cavity, called the pericardium. Less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases are related to the heart. As in the lung, the rapid growth of the cancerous tumors can cause expansion of the tissue and accumulation of fluid. The fluid can interfere with the functioning of the heart and cause chest pain. Mesothelioma cases are known to be caused by exposure to asbestos; but it is completely unknown how the asbestos fibers enter the tissue layers surrounding the heart. Learn more about pericardial mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma of the abdomen is called peritoneal mesothelioma. The serous membrane surrounding the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. This disease accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of mesothelioma cases. In addition, a rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma affects the male testicles. The covering layer of the scrotum is actually an outpouching of the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is due to the ingestion of fibrous materials, including asbestos. Learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma: F.A.Q’s

2008-02-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma: F.A.Q’s

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma a type of cancer, you may feel dread, fear and confusion. fortunately, there is much information available about mesothelioma and its symptoms, effects, and long-term causes. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about mesothelioma:

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

How common is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare disease. Every year, approximately 3,000 Americans and 10,000 patients worldwide are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
What is asbestos? How is it linked to mesothelioma?

Asbestos is an industrial agent used for insulation and fireproofing since ancient times. While its use is stringently regulated in the United States at this time, its dangers were not known until relatively recently. A fibrous mineral, asbestos is used in industrial applications and releases tiny fibers into the air that may be inhaled. Inhalation of asbestos can lead to mesothelioma in some patients.

What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is the lining of the human abdominal cavity, chest and heart.

How many mesothelioma victims have been exposed to asbestos?

Medical professionals estimate that at least 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure.
Does mesothelioma present itself immediately after asbestos exposure?

Mesothelioma is known for its long dormancy period. The disease has appeared in patients decades after their exposure to asbestos. Misdiagnosis is common, with mesothelioma being mistaken as pneumonia or other diseases.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma include abdominal pain and swelling, chest pain, chronic cough, heart palpitations, blood clotting problems, labored breath or shortness of breath, fever, and weight loss.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.
Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Daily Dose Of Asbestos

2008-02-09T04:36:00.000-08:00

ONE OF my friends has lung cancer. I’m told I may also get mesothelioma. Asbestos has entered my lungs. I have difficulty in breathing, running, climbing.” Ravi Mohite is one of 41 certified victims of asbestosis from a cohort of 181-odd workers from Hindustan Composites Ltd, a Mumbai-based asbestos product manufacturer. With mesothelioma, what begins as a pronounced shortness of breath and a rasping incessant cough, quickly degenerates. The victim suffers rapid weight loss, and coughs out sputum. Such symptoms, though, can take 20 years or more from the time of exposure to emerge. There is no help in sight for Mohite or for the more than one lakh Indian workers who are exposed to this deadly fibre every day at the workplace.

Asbestos is widely used in Asia as insulation material, and in asbestos-cement products such as pipes and roofing. At least 10 million lives will be lost globally before asbestos is banned worldwide, according to a 2004 report in the international journal Environmental Health Perspectives. In Roro, close to Chaibasa in Jharkhand, Hyderabad Asbestos Cement Products Ltd of the CK Birla group, abandoned the chrysotile asbestos mines 25 years ago, and left the waste piled on top of a hill. The wastes now wash down on Adivasi villages at the foothills of Roro Hills.

Meanwhile, a new report compiled by Corporate Accountability Desk, a program of New Delhi-based The Other Media, reveals that the Indian government is concerned more about the health of the asbestos cement industry than health of workers. Titled “A Fox in the Hen House”, the report documents, in the words of the asbestos industry and the Ministry of Chemicals, a tale of government-industry nexus to manufacture science with the stated intent of defending chrysotile asbestos use. More than 40 countries have banned chrysotile asbestos, which finds use as insulation material, and in pipes and roofing. In May 2008, the Chemical Review Committee of the Rotterdam Convention on Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides will meet to consider listing chrysotile as a material requiring prior informed consent (PIC) for international trade. India is one of six countries opposing the inclusion of asbestos against the wishes of 95 percent of parties to the Convention.

LEST ITS opposition be termed unscientific, the Ministry of Chemicals in 2004 commissioned study for Rs 60 lakh — funded by the asbestos cement industry by Rs 16 lakhs — to assess the health and environmental hazards of chrysotile. “Using science to inform policy that will affect millions of people is laudable,” says Madhumita Dutta, author of the report and an environmental justice advocate. “This is made-to-order science. It is unethical, ill-designed and will prove to be an international embarrassment for India and NIOH.” Ahmedabad-based National Institute of Occupational Health is the agency chosen to conduct the study. All forms of asbestos, to varying degrees, increase the risk of lung cancer and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos industry grudgingly acknowledged the hazards of most forms of asbestos after delaying regulatory action for nearly a century since the first evidence emerged in 1899 linking asbestos with a fatal disease. But the industry has dug its heels to keep markets open for chrysotile, an asbestos variety that it claims is less risky when used in controlled conditions. About 95 percent of all asbestos used worldwide is chrysotile. “It was chrysotile that we worked with, and chrysotile that caused my illness,” Mohite says. The WHO estimates that 125 million people are being occupationally exposed to asbestos, and that such exposures lead to 90,000 preventable deaths annually. The squeeze on asbestos began in the 1980s in industrialised nations that were faced with mounting litigation costs and crippling compensation claims filed by injured workers. Simultaneously, asbestos-producing countries — Canada is the largest producer — began pushing the product to unsuspecting markets in the South that were ready for anything with a cheap price tag.

Today, 90 percent of the countries with the highest percent increases in asbestos consumption are in Asia, with India accounting for 10 percent of global consumption in 2005. Just 17 Indian companies producing asbestos cement products have chalked more than 30 percent growth, producing more than $200 million worth of products in 2005. According to Laurie Kazan-Allen, an asbestos industry watcher with the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat in London, “The industry’s success buys it powerful allies.” The Ministry of Chemicals set up a Review Committee to guide the NIOH study. The study is predisposed to justify continued asbestos use, the Other Media report alleges.

A letter of April 24, 2006 from the Ministry to NIOH is seemingly open about what the findings of the study should be: “The deliverables will include generation of data which would justify the safe standards of (chrysotile’s) usage as also the reasons/ rationale justifying its non-inclusion/or otherwise in the PIC ambit.” However, subsequent minutes of Review Committee meetings and the definition of stakeholders — only asbestos industry and chrysotile asbestos-producing and consuming countries — suggest a strong inclination to manipulate data. “The study will specifically indicate as to how technology has made working conditions better. The same will include relevant photographs showing protective measures being undertaken,” says a note dated April 18, 2007. “After submitting the draft report, NIOH will organise a national workshop to discuss the findings with the relevant industry stakeholders and based on the feedback the final report will be prepared,” reports another letter from the Ministry to NIOH.

AN INDUSTRY representative, however, was emphatic in his denial of the very existence of a “review” committee. “First, there is no review committee. It cannot be there. We are only assisting in providing facilities and logistics. We have no access to the report in progress,” claims Brig AK Sethi of the Asbestos Cement Products Manufacturers Association. “Peer review has been replaced by payer review... the results will have no credibility,” says Dr Barry Castleman, a US-based environmental consultant who has spent a lifetime tracking the asbestos industry. The Indian government and asbestos industry’s justification for continued asbestos use hinges on the theoretical possibility of “controlled use”, a claim dismissed even by the World Trade Organisation, a body known to be averse to labour and environmental objections to free trade. In 2000, the WTO dismissed Canada’s appeal against France’s decision to impose a ban on chrysotile. WTO’s 2001 report is revealing: “...scientific evidence of record for this finding of carcinogenicity of chrysotile asbestos fibres is so clear, voluminous, and is confirmed a number of times by a variety of international organisations, as to be practically overwhelming.”

The Indian ship-breaking industry presents the starkest demonstration of “controlled use”. The multi-billion dollar industry employs migrant labour to strip asbestos insulation from dead ships. If released and used in its evolving form as a scientific justification of continued asbestos use in the country, the NIOH study will, in Castleman’s words, expose “the Indian government’s role as a modern low point in corruption of governments by the asbestos industry.”

This article was published at Tehelka on
February 9, 2008

Asbestos exposure will kill 300 workers a year: survey

2008-02-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

About 300 construction workers in B.C. will die of asbestos-related diseases each year for the next five years, according to a survey by the B.C. and Yukon Building and Construction Trades Council.

The survey, which among other things concluded that workers in the province's insulation industry have had heavy exposure to the deadly asbestos fibres, is supported by a Canadian physician involved in mesothelioma research and a professor in the University of B.C.'s school of environmental health.

WorkSafeBC also said Monday that although their claim numbers aren't as high as those in the survey, asbestos-related deaths are spiking and now represent most of the deaths in B.C. from occupational disease.

"We've known that 51 per cent of work-related deaths accepted last year were occupational disease deaths and the vast majority are related to asbestos exposure that happened often decades ago," WorkSafeBC spokesman Donna Freeman said in an interview. "There were 139 deaths [reported] in 2007 and 71 were occupational disease deaths. In 1984, only eight per cent of work-related deaths were from occupational diseases.

"They [asbestos-related deaths] are certainly increasing year over year and we expect to see this trend for the next 10 to 15 years. It's a very big issue for us."

Wayne Peppard, executive director of the construction trades council, said in an interview that asbestos exposure illness and mesothelioma [a type of cancer in the lung] is now epidemic and that 1,500 workers in B.C. will die of it in the next five years.

He said their survey is based on an analysis of preliminary WorkSafeBC [formerly the Workers' Compensation Board] statistics and the latest research at the UBC School of Environmental Health.

Peppard said their review takes into account that many mesothelioma fatalities are missing as WorkSafeBC statistics only register and track their own accepted cases.

"A lot of the cases go undiagnosed. If a worker is a smoker and doesn't indicate they've been exposed to asbestos, there's no reason for the doctor to suspect it.

"This is a serious epidemic and it won't be going away very quickly, especially if the federal government and Quebec continue [allowing] it to be mined.

"We know that many mesothelioma fatalities are not recorded in the statistics, nor are many lung cancer cases that are caused by asbestos exposure," Peppard said. "This carnage from asbestos related fatalities is disastrous for those workers and their families."

The 60-year-old Peppard, himself a plumber for 37 years, is now being tested for possible disease caused by his lengthy exposure to asbestos.

"I'm starting to lose my breath, so I'm a little concerned," he said. "I'm getting tested now. I can remember pulling asbestos off boilers and pipes. I went home coughing the stuff up."

He said asbestos is still used in B.C., including in some house siding products, and roofing and paving materials.

Wayne Laxton, business manager for the B.C. Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 118, said in an interview that workers in B.C.'s insulation industry have had heavy exposure to the deadly asbestos fibres.

"I now have a spot on my left lung," added the 61-year-old Laxton, who recalls as a young man mixing large amounts of asbestos called "blue mud" to make an insulating product.

"The fellows who used it, including myself, weren't made aware of the carcinogenic properties. In 1970, I mixed carloads of this material. I'm now being monitored very closely."

Laxton said asbestos was used extensively as an insulation product in the 1950s, '60s and '70s and that thousands of British Columbians have asbestos fibres in their lungs and don't know they've been exposed. He said widows of deceased union members should demand an autopsy to find out for certain if their husbands' deaths were caused by asbestos.

"People have no idea about the use of this product. I just buried [a member] last Sunday. He was 61 and had mesothelioma."

Prof. Paul Demers of UBC's school of environmental health agreed with the union survey, saying that B.C. will experience a conservative estimate of 65 to 70 mesothelioma cancers and 130 to 140 asbestos-related lung cancers per year.

He said there is also asbestosis, as well as mesothelioma that is misdiagnosed and other asbestos related cancers (larynx, colorectal, stomach), which could push the number of new cases up to 250 to 300 per year.

Demers said that according to current trends, the numbers should crest between now and 10 years from now.

"It's not restricted to B.C. It's throughout the world.

"Asbestos was used for all kinds of insulation, extensively in ships and to increase the strength of concrete. And Canada still produces and exports asbestos."

Al Johnson, WorkSafeBC's regional director with responsibility for construction, said in an interview that asbestos was widely used from the 1920s to the mid-1980s as an insulating product that didn't burn and also added extra strength to other construction-related materials including floor tiles.

He said the most serious exposures involved workers handling and installing the material.

He said that "very, very little" is used in Canada today and that WorkSafe's current focus is on workers who remove asbestos from old buildings. "We have very strong guidelines."

He said mesothelioma has a long latency period, typically taking 30 to 40 years to develop into cancer.

Johnson said most older homes contain asbestos, but that today's greatest threat to the general public is if it's disturbed and the dust becomes airborne, perhaps while renovating.

Dr. Michael R. Johnson, a professor of surgery at Halifax's Dalhousie University who has performed several successful operations on patients afflicted with mesothelioma, said in a statement that "mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose and even more difficult and frustrating to treat."

This article was originally published at canada.com/vancouversun/news
on February 5, 2008

Asbestos link to worker’s death

2008-02-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

A RETIRED shipyard worker died of an asbestos related cancer linked to his work in the 1950s.
An inquest in Blackburn heard that Barrow-in-Furness-born Thomas Keith Armer had been employed in the town's ship building yards cutting asbestos sheets.

He took voluntary redundancy in 1992 but four years later a chest X-ray revealed the possibility of problems.

Ten years later he became breathless and chesty and it was subsequently confirmed that he had a malignant mesothelioma.

Mr Armer, 73, was provided with palliative care and was living at Birchall Nursing Home, Darwen, at the time of his death.

A post-mortem examination revealed a timorous mass encasing the left lung and the pericardium and diaphragm and there was also encasement of the aorta.

The medical cause of death was given as malignant mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos and coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of industrial disease.

This article was originally published at blackburncitizen
on February 1, 2008

Died From Asbestos Exposure

2008-02-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

A CARLISLE painter and decorator allegedly exposed to asbestos at work died of a cancer related to the substance, an inquest heard.

Thomas Minns, of Nelson Street, died aged 83 last April of the condition Mesothelioma.
The inquest in Carlisle on Tuesday was told Mr Minns was diagnosed with the lung condition in October 2005.

Mr Minns, who had worked in the trade since leaving the army in 1947, worked from the former Carlisle depot of North West Electricity Board in James Street between 1970 and 1974.

Colleague David Mossop, of Blunt Street, Carlisle, told the inquest that the pair would work in “the bowels” of the building where crumbling asbestos lagged pipes.

He said: “Dust used to drop off. We had to sweep it up to paint.”

He said the painters at the depot drank their tea in the basement and stored materials there.
The depot site is now home to the Carlisle Enterprise Centre.

The inquest heard that tissue samples taken from Mr Minns’ lungs after his death showed traces of asbestos.

Mr Minns’ widow, Freda Minns, a retired care worker, and daughter Julie were in the inquest to hear North and West Cumbria Coroner John Taylor record a verdict of death by industrial disease.

Mr Taylor said: “It is recognised that you can be affected up to 40 years after you have inhaled the material.”

In a statement Ms Minns said: “My late husband’s death from Mesothelioma has been horrendous for the family. The result will help us to move forward.”

The family were represented by solicitor Lucy Proctor and are pursuing a legal claim against Mr Minns’ former employers, the North West Electricity Board, which is now United Utilities PLC.

This article was originally published at newsandstar
on News section on January 1, 2008

Pleural plaques campaigners want action over asbestos

2008-02-03T05:33:00.000-08:00

Campaigners are stepping up pressure on the government to reintroduce the right to compensation for victims of asbestos exposure after it was revealed that some senior civil servants dismissed resulting diseases as being as harmful “as freckles”.

Prolonged exposure to asbestos causes scarring of the lungs known as pleural plaques.

Fred Hewitt, a 73 year old former ship building worker, has lived with pleural plaques for four years and has the constant fear of developing the lung cancer mesothelioma as a result.

“I worry very much about that and it is constantly in my mind,” Fred told Socialist Worker. He is calling on Gordon Brown to bring in new legislation to overturn a House of Lords ruling that denies victims the right to compensation.

The decision removed a right that had existed for 20 years until insurance companies lobbied successfully to end the pay-outs last year.

Disgrace

“It is an injustice to all of us and an absolute disgrace,” says Fred.

In almost every case the condition is caused by workers being exposed to asbestos due to negligence of their employers.

Asbestos related disease is the biggest cause of work related death in this country.
More than 2,000 people will die from mesothelioma this year and tens of thousands will die over the next decade. It is estimated that the House of Lords ruling will save insurance companies £1.4 billion.

Socialist Worker has seen a letter from Jack Straw’s Ministry of Justice to a trade unionist which states that allowing plural plaques sufferers to get compensation “could have damaging effects on business and the economy”.

As a further indication of the government’s attitude to the plight of the victims, Thompsons trade union solicitors were told by senior civil servants, “What are you worried about? It’s no more than freckles.”

A lobby of parliament over the issue, organised by the GMB, Unite and UCATT unions, was set to take place on Tuesday as Socialist Worker went to press.
Dennis White, who has just retired after 47 years working at Falmouth docks said, “In the early days I was exposed to asbestos before they really knew what the problem was.

Unfair

“I was diagnosed as having pleural plaques a couple of years ago and had a claim in.
“To know people you worked alongside have received their compensation, and to be told that you cannot have any is so unfair. My condition has not affected me yet, but it lies dormant. Having compensation would be a big relief to all my family.”

Kevin Mason, officer for the South West GMB, said, “You cannot put financial restrictions on people’s health and safety.

“This is devastating to those affected. We are not going to stop campaigning on this. We will use all the power we possibly can.”

This article was originally published at Socialistworkeronline
on February 2, 2008

Key pioneer in health law

2008-02-03T05:21:00.000-08:00

Laid groundwork for division at law firm, built up Loyola University Chicago
program

In the early 1980s, health law was a fledgling field. But a leading law firm, Gardner, Carton & Douglas in Chicago, sought out the talent of Mary Cosgrove Cosentino, a young St. Louis attorney who had already made her name known in the field."There were very few lawyers who were deeply interested in health law as a topic," said Edward Bryant, partner with Drinker, Biddle, Gardner & Carton. "I thought Mary was a highly empathetic lawyer, which is essential in health law.

You have to appreciate the needs of the patients and clients and have to have that as a foundation ... Clearly she was that kind of person."In 1980, she was hired to help start the new health law division in the law firm and soon became a leader in the field.

Mrs. Cosentino, 55, died of cancer Saturday, Jan. 26, in her Western Springs home.She shared her knowledge with future generations of lawyers at Loyola University Chicago, where she taught health law and legal research and writing."She had a profound impact on multiple levels," said Larry Singer, director of the Beazley Institute for Health Law and Policy at Loyola. "She was a pioneer, and that was really true. She was one of the early professors in health law.

Many of the students that Mary has worked with over the years have gone on to great prominence."Mrs. Cosentino played a large role in helping the program achieve its current ranking of fourth in the nation, Singer said."She really did have a significant impact to get us to the stature we have today ... She really made a strong contribution to that in the early days and her continued work more recently," Singer said. "She was also a dynamic personality, eternally optimistic and devoted to her students and colleagues."Born and raised in St. Louis, Mrs. Cosentino graduated from Fontbonne College in 1974 and went on to St. Louis University Law School, where she met her future husband, Robert.

After she graduated in 1978, she worked for two years in the legal department of the Catholic Health Association of the United States in St. Louis."That led her into a career in health law, which at that time was a fledgling field," her husband said. "There really was no such thing as health lawyers at that time." At the Catholic Health Association, she gained experience, both in the law and health policy, which then attracted the law firm."The couple married in 1981, moved to La Grange, then settled in Western Springs.Mrs.

Cosentino helped establish the law firm's commitment to health law, often taking the underdog point of view, Bryant said."Mary was a unique individual and what I call a legally curious person who always tried to understand fully what she was doing, rather than just doing it. Sometimes a lot of disputes are just settled because people don't want to pay the money or use their resources. Mary always looked at the big picture and what was the just way in solving the matter. That made it a real pleasure to work with her," Bryant said.She left the law firm in 1984 to become general counsel at St. Joseph Hospital and Health Care Center in Chicago. She worked there until 1988, when she joined the faculty at Loyola.

When her third son was born, she went from full-time to adjunct professor.Five years ago, Mrs. Cosentino was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. She joined the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation in California. Soon afterward, she was asked to join the board of directors, said Christopher Hahn, executive director of the foundation, where her knowledge of health law melded with her experience as a patient.

Soon she became an activist for the disease, searching for a cure and more research dollars."She brought a very sensitive and warm wisdom as well as optimism [to the group]," Hahn said. "I don't think she should be remembered as a person who had mesothelioma. [She was a] vibrant and optimistic and spiritual person who was bringing all those things to her fight, and we got to see all those things as we got to know her."Mrs. Cosentino was a former member of the board of directors of the Illinois Association of Hospital Attorneys and a member of the National Legal Committee for the Catholic Health Association of the United States.

Locally, she served on the school board of St. John of the Cross Parish School in Western Springs and was chairman of the swim and dive committee of the La Grange Field Club.In addition to her husband, other survivors include her three sons, James, Peter and Timothy; a sister, Colleen Goodman; and a brother, John Cosgrove.Services will begin at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday in Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, followed by a 9:45 a.m. mass in St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 5005 S. Wolf Rd., Western Springs.

This article was originally published at chicagotribune News section on January
29, 2008

Construction worker died of asbestos-related cancer

2008-01-31T06:52:00.000-08:00

A FORMER construction worker from Droitwich died from an asbestos-related cancer, an inquest was told.

William Williams died aged 74 on Tuesday, September 4, at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Mr Williams died three years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, three years ago.

Deputy coroner Margaret Barnard read out a statement from Mr Williams' wife of 49 years, Daphne.

In it, Mrs Williams said Mr Williams had worked all his life in the construction industry as a scaffolder and later as a supervisor.

She said he had worked for various firms and, while he did not handle asbestos in the course of his job, it was on site and she believed he had probably helped carry sheets of it. A post-mortem examination showed Mr Williams died from malignant pleural mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure.

Mrs Barnard recorded a verdict of death as a result of industrial disease.

This article was originally published at worcesternews on January
31,2008

Asbestos victim in campaign for justice

2008-01-27T05:08:00.000-08:00

A TYNESIDE father with an asbestos-related lung condition has backed a campaign to win back compensation denied to thousands of workers.

Fred Hewitt has lived with pleural plaques for four years and has the constant fear of developing the lung cancer mesothelioma as a result.

The 73-year-old former ship building worker is calling on the Government to bring in new legislation to overturn a House of Lords ruling that denies victims the right to compensation.
The decision removed the right to compensation, a right that had existed for 20 years until insurance companies argued successfully to end the pay-outs and the Lords ruled on it last year.
In almost every case the condition is caused by workers being exposed to asbestos due to negligence of their employers.

Mr Hewitt is backing Blaydon Labour MP Dave Anderson who was among those debating the issue in parliament this week.

Fellow Blyth Valley and Wansbeck MPs Ronnie Campbell and Denis Murphy have signed a Commons motion that urges action on the issue of pleural plaques. They are urging secretary of state for justice Jack Straw to help reverse the decision. Mr Anderson branded the situation “disgraceful”.

“Workers have been injured through negligent exposure to asbestos by their employers and insurance companies have been allowed to get out of paying them the compensation they are due.

“The Government should do everything in their power to put this injustice right.
“Thousands of workers are affected, particularly in industrial areas like Tyneside, their lungs have been damaged and they face increased risk of fatal illness.”

Mr Hewitt, a father of four from Fellside, South Shields, was diagnosed with pleural plaques in 2004 and suffers from chest infections and shortness of breath. The condition could develop into mesothelioma at any time.

“I very much worry about that and it is constantly in my mind,” said Mr Hewitt.

“I am glad someone is trying to push this through as it is an injustice to all of us and an absolute disgrace.”

For 20 years, pleural plaques sufferers were able to claim compensation where it was proved their former employers were to blame for the exposure.

The right to compensation was established in the High Court in 2005 but the insurance companies successfully appealed that decision and the Law Lords gave a final ruling late last year.

“What amazes me is that originally when people were diagnosed with pleural plaques they got compensation but the insurance companies challenged it and won,” said Mr Hewitt.

“How can they say one moment it is detrimental to a person’s health then the next that it is not.
“I want to see this ruling overturned.”

Asbestos related disease is the biggest cause of work related death in this country. More than 2,000 people will die from mesothelioma this year alone and tens of thousands will die over the next decade.”

MPs also called for the Government to force the insurers to set up a fund to compensate the victims for asbestos disease whose claims fail because their employer no longer exists and an insurer cannot be traced.

It is estimated that the House of Lords ruling will save insurance companies £1.4bn.

This article was originally published on a webpage of journallive on January 26,2008

South Africa facing an asbestos epidemic

2008-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Dozens of South Africans still die of asbestos-related diseases every year, despite the closure of asbestos mines in the mid-1980s.The most recent victims, a 19-year-old and a 60-year-old man from Kuruman in the Northern Cape, died last week from secondary pollution from asbestos.

The deaths came in the wake of a 2005/6 government study on the extent of pollution at former mining sites.The objective of the study was to highlight the potential extent of secondary pollution.The two deaths came also after the announcement of the government's intention to introduce new legislation to prohibit the use, manufacture, import and export of asbestos and any materials containing the mineral fibres.

Dr Shahieda Adams, a medical specialist in occupational and environmental health, said although the government was trying to prohibit the use and manufacture of asbestos, the fibre had a long latency period and problems could manifest only years after people were exposed to it.She told Weekend Argus that in some cases it could take up to 30 years for the disease to manifest."That's why we still see people dying today.

We are actually hitting the asbestos epidemic now. And, on top of that, people in the Northern Cape are still exposed to secondary pollution from asbestos as a result of the fibre being used in their homes and buildings and to insulate structures in that area."Adams said although Capetonians were seldomly infected with the deadly lung disease, there had been asbestos-related cases, especially among those in the asbestos cement, manufacturing and construction industries."Asbestos was used extensively in this country before government's ban," she said."It was used in roofing sheets, cement and in other manufacturing material. The lung institute sees people, who worked in these industries years ago, on a weekly basis."

Then there are also people who moved to Cape Town from the Northern Cape or other mining provinces. And in almost all the cases it's people over 50 years old who worked on the mines or in the construction and manufacturing industry who have been affected."The diseases caused by asbestos range in severity from mild to lethal, but are incurable, progressive and, in most cases, only occur decades after exposure.The disease occurs in response to inhaling asbestos fibres.

The fibres may eventually cause scarring of the lungs or malignant growths, asbestos-related lung cancer or mesothelioma.Asbestos-related lung cancer is a cancer which forms in the spongy parts of the lung. It grows very quickly and causes a bloody cough, shortness of breath and chest pain.Mesothelioma is also a cancer and starts on the outer surface of the lung. It grows quickly and starts pushing on, and enclosing, the lungs, causing shortness of breath, severe pain, fatigue and weight loss.Prognoses vary among people, depending on the extent of damage to the lungs."Someone with an asbestos-related disease could live for a long time, but once the person develops cancer from it they often don't live beyond a year," said Adams. "It's important for the diagnosis to be made as early as possible. "If an X-ray is not taken of the lungs, medical practitioners will never know if the patient is suffering from an asbestos-related disease or not.

"Although nothing can really be done when the lung is damaged, treatment is available for relief."Adams welcomed the government's move to ban materials manufactured from asbestos, but said the country would still see a lot of asbestos- related cases over the next 10 to 20 years."There are also concerns of the secondary wave of asbestos," she said."This could be due to secondary asbestos pollution, when old buildings and structures, built with asbestos fibre, are demolished or damaged. The people who work or clean the ruins inhale the asbestos fibres and can also be affected." Meanwhile, the Asbestos Relief Trust, with its head office in Johannesburg, has been assisting victims of asbestos-related diseases since 2003.

I have found this resource at iol

This article was originally published on page 9 of Cape Argus on January 27,
2008

Death toll reaches its peak

2008-01-27T04:56:00.000-08:00

NORTHWICH is reaching a peak in the number of people dying from asbestos related cancer.
Vale Royal has the third highest mortality rate in Cheshire, with 78 deaths from mesothelioma recorded between 1985 and 2004.

It is a rare form of cancer that attacks the lungs, and is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos, which was readily used at engineering sites such as ICI at Winnington.

Between 1985 and 1989 just five men died in the borough from the disease, but between 2000 and 2004, this figure had risen to 31 - a trend experts expect to continue.

The disease can take up to 60 years to develop and asbestos was widely used until the late 1970s, meaning many cases are yet to emerge.

An inquest into the death of a former ICI employee from Rudheath revealed he developed mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos in the 1950s and 60s.

The hearing at Crewe last Wednesday heard how Kenneth Hickson, 72, came into contact with the deadly fibre while working as an electrical engineer at ICI's Fleetwood plant.

He would remove the asbestos to carry out his job, and it was then reapplied in his presence - asbestos is at its most dangerous when it is broken up and the individual fibres are inhaled.
Solicitor Janet Finney said: "The prognosis from being diagnosed is usually 12 months but Mr Hickson didn't even live that long. It came as quite a shock because he was exposed so early on in his career."

She added: "The death toll is devastating, it is a terrible and painful death and is massively distressing for families."

Ms Finney, who works for national group Thompsons Solicitors, is now persuing a claim against ICI and urges anyone affected by mesothelioma to seek legal advice.

"Families are left in extreme financial difficulty and suffer considerably. It is crucial to find a solicitor to help set your own claim in motion," she said.

For more information about mesothelioma and how to make a compensation claim, please contact Cheshire Victims Asbestos Support Group on 01928 576641.

Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma and Asbestos

2008-01-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

Commonly, because lung cancer symptoms do not manifest in the early stage of the disease, treating it will be a big problem especially when detection happens when cancer metastases or secondary cancer cells already developed in the other organs of the body. Much research work has been dedicated to find out the first symptoms of lung cancer. Extensive research works conducted at Mesothelioma research clinics have uncovered some symptoms of lung cancer closely linked with the disease.

The main three symptoms to lung cancer that should not be ignored are shortness of breath, pain when breathing or coughing, and existence of a persistent cough, especially if it is accompanied by expectoration of sputum streaked with blood. Additionally, loss of appetite, fatigue, unusual losses of weight are three symptoms, which are indicative of lung cancer. The website further deals with the symptoms that can indicate and help identify the formulation of the preliminary stages of the disease (though difficult to be detected) so that adequate measures can be taken at the earliest possible opportunity.

Stage IV with extensive lymph node involvement or cancer that has spread to other organs, hen treated with chemotherapy and palliative care to reduce symptoms and increase comfort has a one-year survival rate.

Mesothelioma

Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. The third type of mesothelioma is called biphasic, it is a combination of the other two types and consists of 20-35% of all cases. In fact, Mesothelioma research news states that the period of the onset of Mesothelioma cancer could be from 10 to 60 years from the time of exposure to asbestos.

It is said that mesothelioma is linked to lung cancer and it is a good idea to get the help that is deserved when someone feels like they have been diagnosed because of the work that they did for a living. The term mesothelioma is used to describe a cancer tumor, which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ; this is usually the lungs, heart, or the abdominal organs. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos.

Most cancers are caused by external stimuli and mesothelioma is no different.

Exposure

The time between exposure and development of cancer ranges from 15 to 30 years. Your risk increases by 30 percent from daily exposure to second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke: Exposure to second-hand smoke has been shown to be a definite risk factor.

Although rarely discussed, exposure to toxic fumes in the workplace or environmental toxins in the air contribute to a significant number of deaths from lung cancer. For example, occupational exposure to diesel motor emissions, asbestos, and paint was found to be significantly correlated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Although changes in the lung begin almost immediately upon exposure to carcinogens, lung cancer takes years to develop.

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products. People who get lung cancer from asbestos exposure usually get it from work or from living in an older home. Factors that may protect people from lung cancer are not smoking, avoiding second hand smoke, a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, and limiting exposure to potential carcinogens in the environment such as radon.

Asbestos

Imagine a building with asbestos insulation torn apart and exposing all that insulation, well now you can see the problem. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.

People working in industries which involve extensive use of asbestos and other chemical substances/fumes are also at a greater risk of lung cancer. There are no reported cases of mesothelioma in people who were not exposed to asbestos either in the workplace or through their environment. Because asbestos related diseases take decades to form, early detection is critical for proper treatment.

However, exposure to asbestos presents an added urgency for routine appointments.

Inquest hears of asbestos death

2008-01-20T05:31:00.001-08:00

A MAN who spent years removing asbestos roofing died after developing a deadly tumour, an inquest heard on Thursday.
Dennis Millward, of Titty Ho in Raunds, died at the age of 73 after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is associated with asbestos.

His wife June told Kettering Magistrates Court he worked for a time moving asbestos.

He would also cut and grind asbestos sheets without any protective clothing.

Mr Millward went to the doctor after suffering weight loss and breathlessness at the start of 2007 and died in Cransley Hospice on July 8.

Recording a verdict of industrial disease, coroner Anne Pember said: “He was exposed to asbestos when the dangers were not known. It’s a horrendous illness for which there’s no cure.”

Source

Breaking New Ground in Mesothelioma Research and Treatment

2007-11-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

Each year, malignant pleural mesothelioma affects over 3,000 people in the United States. Without therapy, most patients will die within 4 to 12 months following diagnosis. But thanks to the dedication of physicians like David Sugarbaker, M.D., mesothelioma victims are living longer and more comfortably—and a cure for the deadly cancer moves closer each day.

Dr. Sugarbaker is Director of Thoracic Surgery at the Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in Boston and the founder of the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP), a clinical and research initiative focused on advancing mesothelioma treatment. In clinical trials, Dr. Sugarbaker’s multi-modality treatment approach—one that combines surgery, chemotherapy and radiation—has added years onto the lives of patients with pleural mesothelioma.

“The groundbreaking work of Dr. Sugarbaker has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of malignant mesothelioma,” says Attorney Jim Sokolove, founder and principal of the Law Offices of James Sokolove (www.jimsokolove.com). “His dedication, and that of other pioneers in this field, is in part what inspired us to create the Mesothelioma Resource Center.”

The Mesothelioma Resource Center is a new national resource designed to help serve the needs of mesothelioma cancer victims and their families. The website offers information on the latest mesothelioma treatments as well as a discussion forum where victims can reach out to others who have been affected by the disease. Dr. Sugarbaker and other leaders in mesothelioma research contributed their time and expertise to the site’s development.

“We’re keeping our finger on the pulse of modern mesothelioma research, and translating new discoveries into useable information for victims and their families,” Sokolove says. “Our hope for the Mesothelioma Resource Center is that it becomes a leading resource for information on this aggressive illness.”

Basis

Asbestos killed factory worker

2007-11-13T05:29:00.000-08:00

A PENSIONER died from asbestos-related cancer more than 40 years after working in a factory that stored the potentially deadly material in its basement.

An inquest heard that Dorothy Thornley, aged 68, of Bransdale Close, Lostock, worked for 10 years as a separator and cutter at the Porvic factory in Darcy Lever, starting in 1955.

Bolton Coroner's Court heard that she was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 2005 and died at home on May 10 this year.

Her sister, who had worked at the same factory, died of the same disease two years ago.

Mrs Thornley's husband, George, said his wife did not work with asbestos, but it was stored in the building, under the canteen, for use at another factory in Little Lever.

Mr Thornley said his wife had not worked since leaving her job at the factory in the mid 1960s. He added that although she smoked about 10 cigarettes a day, she had kept in good health, until 2005.

Alan Walsh, the deputy coroner said: "I am satisfied from all the evidence I have heard that the underlying cause of the malignant mesothelioma was the industrial exposure during the period she spent in that factory. I conclude that Mrs Thornley died as the result of an industrial disease."

Reference

Study Finds Increased Mesothelioma Death Rates In A Group Of Shipyard Workers

2007-10-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

A recent study conducted on workers in a US Coast Guard shipyard has found a significantly greater mortality rate associated with lung cancer and mesothelioma compared to the general population. The study also found an increased general mortality rate.

The study followed 4702 (4413 men and 289 women) civilian workers who were employed at the shipyard between January 1950 and December 1964. The study then measured the number of deaths and their causes through 31 December 2001.

The study was conducted by S Krstev, P Stewart, J Rusiecki, A Blair and was published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The original study publication is available at http://oem.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/64/10/651.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is usually associated with exposure to asbestos. The majority of individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos particles at work or home. Family members of workers have also been affected. Renovators of homes containing asbestos cement material are accounting for an increasing number of diagnosed sufferers.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after the exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include abdominal pain and weight loss. Diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult due to the fact that the symptoms are similar to other respiratory diseases.

Since mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma can be best be prevented by avoiding or limiting exposure to asbestos in homes, public buildings, and at work. Workers that may be at risk include miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers, railroad workers, ship builders, contractors and construction workers, particularly those involved with insulation. If there is a possibility of exposure (such as when renovating old buildings) protective equipment should be used and safety procedures should be applied.

Asbestos was commonly used in building materials due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. In addition to buildings, asbestos was used in the manufacture of cars and ships and many other products.

place of origin:

The Asbestos Particles: Mesothelioma

2007-10-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

Most of the people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been uncovered to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.

Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking. In an endeavor to hoist consciousness of this form of cancer, the Meso Foundation has declared September 26th National Meso Awareness Day.

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems.

In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.