Asbestos Link From Welding Rods To Mesothelioma

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Janet      

This case has been pending in New York State appeals court for some time, but on Dec. 29th in a first-ever jury finding that asbestos-containing welding rods, sold in the billions up to the early 1980's, had caused lung cancer and mesothelioma. Attorney Jerome H. Block of the nationally known mass toxic tort law firm of Levy Phillips and Konigsberg has recently made this announcement.

This New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First, upheld the July 2003 jury verdict in favor of, Angel Gomez, who died following the trial, and the late Daniel Tucker. Both men worked with and around asbestos-containing welding rods. The jury awarded Gomez a total of approximately $3.19 million against Lincoln Electric Company. Jury however, reduced 25 percent of the compensation percent since Gomez was a cigarette smoker. Tucker's estate was awarded a total of approximately $3.5 million split between Lincoln and Hobart Brothers Company.

The welding rods at issue in the Gomez and Tucker cases continue to be a top-selling, all-purpose welding rod. Up to the early part of 1980s, these rods were coated with a mixture containing 5% to 15% asbestos, according to trial testimony.

Source: Washington University in St.Louis - School of Medicine

Did you know?
This case has been pending in New York State appeals court for some time, but on Dec. 29th in a first-ever jury finding that asbestos-containing welding rods, sold in the billions up to the early 1980's, had caused lung cancer and mesothelioma. Attorney Jerome H. Block of the nationally known mass toxic tort law firm of Levy Phillips and Konigsberg has recently made this announcement.

View the original article here

French Court Allows Asbestos Warship Transfer

Do you read all of the blogs published by medicineworld.org? Many of our bloggers are busy keeping you updated on the various health related topics. We publish the following blogs at this time.

Cancer blog: I manage the cancer blog with lots of help and support form other bloggers. Through this cancer blog my friends and I try to bring stories of hope for patients with cancer. The cancer blog often republishes important blog posts from other cancer related blogs at Medicineworld.org. If you are searching for a blog that covers wide variety of cancer topics, this may be the one for you.

Breast cancer blog: Breast cancer blog is run by Emily and other bloggers and they bring you the latest stories, news and events that are related to breast cancer. Increasing awareness about breast cancer among women and in the general population is the main goal of this breast cancer blog.

Lung cancer blog: Lung cancer blog is managed by Scott with the help of other bloggers. Through this blog Scott and his friends constantly remind the readers about the dangers of smoking. It's a never-ending struggle against this miserable disease with which a social stigma of smoking is associated.

Colon cancer blog: Colon cancer blog is run by Sue and other bloggers. Sue brings a personal touch to the colon cancer blog since her mother died of colon cancer few years ago. She writes about stories, research news and advances in treatment related to colon cancer.

Prostate cancer blog: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. American Cancer Society estimates that over 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer occur in the United state every year. This important blog about prostate cancer is run by Mark and other bloggers. This blog brings news, stories, and other personal observations related to prostate cancer.

Medicineworld.org publishes a diabetes watch blog and this blog is run by JoAnn other bloggers. This diabetes watch blog brings you the latest in the field of diabetes. This includes personal stories, advances in diagnosis and treatment, and other observations about diabetes. Improving awareness about diabetes is an important mission of this group.

Janet      

Asbestos was commonly used in ship building The asbestos warship will soon start to its destination in India. A judge at the Paris administrative court ruled that the four groups had raised "no serious doubts" about the legality of the aircraft-carrier Clemenceau's transfer for decontamination in a shipyard in India.

A French court paved the way for a decommissioned warship insulated with asbestos to be sent for scrapping in India, after rejecting petitions by campaigners trying to block its transfer.

French authorities were waiting for the legal green light to tow the ship, currently docked at the French naval base of Toulon, to Alang in northwestern India, home to the world's biggest ship-breaking yard.

"In theory, the Clemenceau can leave," said Joel Alquezar, who represented the French state in court.

Environmentalist group Greenpeace and three anti-asbestos groups have tried for months to block the operation, on the grounds that Indian shipyard workers are not properly protected from the hazards of working with asbestos, which can cause a form of lung cancer.

The groups reject the state's assessment of the amount of asbestos still left inside the Clemenceau, which they estimate at around 100 tonnes.

Lawyers for the campaigners insisted the fight was not over, and said they were considering an appeal to the State Council, France's highest court -- eventhough such an appeal would not prevent the ship's departure.

Marine authorities in Toulon said on Thursday the Clemenceau was ready to leave as soon as it was authorised to do so.

Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center

Did you know?
The asbestos warship will soon start to its destination in India. A judge at the Paris administrative court ruled that the four groups had raised "no serious doubts" about the legality of the aircraft-carrier Clemenceau's transfer for decontamination in a shipyard in India.

View the original article here

Jury Finds Chrysotile Asbestos Causes Rare Peritoneal Mesothelioma

A jury awarded over $1.9 million to a 71-year-old retired sheet metal worker, Genaro Garcia, who developed peritoneal mesothelioma from his prior on-the-job exposure to asbestos (Genaro Garcia and Dalia Garcia v. Duro Dyne Corporation, SF Superior Court, #418098). Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that first attacks the membranes lining the stomach. This fatal disease is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

The defendant, Duro Dyne Corporation, is a former manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing flex HVAC duct connectors and duct sealer used for sheet metal duct connections. Mr. Garcia worked with Duro Dyne Corporation's asbestos-containing sheet metal products throughout his 48-year career, but was never advised to wear any form of respiratory protection. Experts testified that he was exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos, and that each exposure was a substantial factor that contributed to his risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

Mr. Garcia learned that he had peritoneal mesothelioma in late 2002. After over two years of treatment with chemotherapy, including Alimta®, his cancer is currently in a temporary state of remission. Mr. Garcia traveled with his wife by car from Whittier, California, to testify at the San Francisco trial. He was unable to travel by plane due to the severe side effects of his chemotherapy regime.

The verdict against Duro Dyne Corporation consisted of $325,369 for past and future medical expenses, $530,250 for lost earning capacity, and $1.05 million in non-economic damages. Non-economic damages included $300,000 to Mrs. Garcia for loss of consortium.

"We are grateful that the jury rejected the defense claims that chrysotile asbestos does not cause all mesothelioma, including peritoneal, and that Mr. Garcia is somehow cured of this terrible and entirely preventable disease. Only in a courtroom would you hear such things," said Mr. Garcia's attorney, Gilbert Purcell, after the verdict.

Gilbert Purcell and Crystal Howard of Brayton Purcell in Novato, California, represented plaintiffs Genaro and Delia Garcia at trial. Duro Dyne Corporation was represented at trial by James Sinunu and Thomas Trapani of Adams Nye Sinunu Bruni Becht LLP of San Francisco, CA.

About Brayton Purcell
For over 20 years, Brayton Purcell has helped clients protect their legal rights in the face of devastating losses such as illness, injuries, and harm to family members. The law firm enjoys a national reputation for the high quality of its personal injury and product liability work, particularly in the area of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers. For more information, call 415-898-1555 or visit our firm web site at http://www.braytonlaw.com. For mesothelioma legal and medical news as well as information about mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment, see our specialty web site, Mesothelioma Network, at http://www.mesotheliomasite.com.

Did you know?
A jury awarded over $1.9 million to a 71-year-old retired sheet metal worker, Genaro Garcia, who developed peritoneal mesothelioma from his prior on-the-job exposure to asbestos (Genaro Garcia and Dalia Garcia v. Duro Dyne Corporation, SF Superior Court, #418098). Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that first attacks the membranes lining the stomach. This fatal disease is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

View the original article here

Looking Forward To Asbestos Ban

A deal is near on legislation banning the use of asbestos, a fibrous mineral often used in brake linings, gaskets, cement products and even yarns and threads imported into the country despite its deadly health risks.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a leading advocate of the ban, and Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., said Tuesday that they are within a week or two of wrapping up a compromise that also would authorize $50 million in research to combat the health effects that have killed as a number of as 231,000 people since 1980 and could claim at least that a number of more by 2040.

The measure has a long road ahead: It must be approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, then be approved by the full Senate. Then the House of Representatives would have to take up the issue.

But for Murray, Tuesday's committee hearing where the deal was announced was a milestone. It was the first time in the six years she has been pressing for the ban that it had reached the full committee, and the first time passage seems within reach.

"It's shocking to me that it has taken six years, and the deaths of several close friends," Murray said afterward.

The panel's chairwoman, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., joined Murray in introducing the ban bill earlier this year.

Some of the research money also could go toward identifying the health risks of breathing in naturally occurring asbestos, a major concern in places like El Dorado County, Calif., where the mineral can be sent airborne by construction equipment and travel on unpaved roads.

Boxer said that despite the well-established health threats of asbestos, worldwide use of it is increasing.

"World production of asbestos actually increased in 2005, from 2.36 million metric tons in 2004 to 2.4 million metric tons in 2005," she said. And while the last U.S. mine closed in 2002, Boxer said 2,530 metric tons were imported into the country in 2005, along with 90,000 metric tons of products containing it.

Posted by: Scott    Source

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School Shut Amid Fears Of Asbestos

Officials conducted air-quality tests at a borough elementary school Friday evening, hours after smoke in its basement forced an evacuation and prompted an asbestos scare.

Results of the tests at Merritt Memorial School were not available Friday night, but borough officials said the tests were merely precautionary. The officials said they expected classes to resume on Monday.

"Right now, we plan on having everyone at Merritt Monday, but I will know better once I get the test results," Superintendent Charles Khoury said.

There were conflicting reports throughout the day Friday as to what transpired in a small area under the school gymnasium where contractors were conducting demolition work as part of a renovation project. County officials at first said no asbestos had been disturbed, but borough police said there had indeed been a "fibrous release" of the carcinogenic substance, which was once used in insulation and fireproofing.

Posted by: Scott    Source

Did you know?
Officials conducted air-quality tests at a borough elementary school Friday evening, hours after smoke in its basement forced an evacuation and prompted an asbestos scare. Results of the tests at Merritt Memorial School were not available Friday night, but borough officials said the tests were merely precautionary. The officials said they expected classes to resume on Monday.

View the original article here

Strong Against Proposed Asbestos Mesothelioma Legislation

Mesothelioma.com today announced its dissenting opinion on the recent asbestos bill soon to come before congress. Mesothelioma.com has reviewed the recent asbestos bill proposed by Sen. Arlen Spector and Sen. Patrick Leahy (news, bio, voting record) and has come out strongly against the proposed bill. We believe the bill is unworkable, under-funded, and unconstitutional.

While legislation proposed in Washington, D.C., by Pennsylvania Senator, Arlen Specter, on its face seems to allay a number of issues regarding litigation over asbestos-related disease, the Asbestos Bill actually raises impossible hurdles for victims and bails out politically well-connected corporations.

Senator Specter acknowledges that he can't pass a 'perfect' bill, but offers little solace to the mesothelioma victims who'll die before they see any help from the fundamentally flawed asbestos bailout bill approved by the Judiciary Committee.

Every major asbestos victims' organization opposes this bill, while being supported by the corporate defendants who knowingly poisoned their workers and the public with asbestos and would receive billions of dollars in liability relief.

A few of the fundamental problems with the fund include: The fund is under-funded by at least $16 billion (according to the CBO) and possibly as much as $49 billion (analysis by asbestos claims expert Mark Peterson) or even $100 billion (Environmental Working Group). Bankruptcy of the fund and taxpayer bailout is likely.Every single similar government trust fund has failed.In its current form the fund will immediately be mired in litigation from existing asbestos trusts, insurance companies, small businesses, and the thousands of victims unfairly excluded from the fund.By moving all pending claims into the fund, the fund is guaranteed to have a huge backlog at startup.Victims with community exposure and 9/11 victims - even firefighters, police, and emergency workers - are barred from receiving any compensation. The disparity between their treatment and the treatment of similar victims in Libby, Montana is likely unconstitutional.There is no real sunset process for victims to return to the courts when the fund becomes bankrupt.While treating unfairly or shutting out those poisoned by asbestos, the companies that poisoned them are rewarded with a multi-billion dollar bailout.
Mesothelioma.com plans to inform its readers on the progress of the bill in the senate and the house, throughout the month of January. More information about the bill can be found at http://www.mesothelioma.com . Call your local Senator or Congressman and let them know you oppose bill S.852.

Mesothelioma.com
Steve Rinaldi
800-411-3359

Did you know?
Mesothelioma.com today announced its dissenting opinion on the recent asbestos bill soon to come before congress. Mesothelioma.com has reviewed the recent asbestos bill proposed by Sen. Arlen Spector and Sen. Patrick Leahy (news, bio, voting record) and has come out strongly against the proposed bill. We believe the bill is unworkable, under-funded, and unconstitutional.

View the original article here

Mesothelioma and Asbestosis Hard to Diagnosis in Asbestos Exposed Smokers

Mesothelioma and asbestosis, the scarring diseases caused from asbestos exposure, typically take years to fester within a body before symptoms become visible. Filling your lungs with smoke if you've been exposed to asbestos will hasten asbestos disease and expose you to additional medical testing to properly diagnose your disease. It will also take years off of your life.

Asbestos and smoke are a deadly combination that hastens the onset of painful and fatal lung cancers.

Lung diseases such as asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma are caused by asbestos. The symptoms of these asbestos caused diseases are so similar to the lung diseases and cancers caused by smoking, that proper diagnosis is difficult. Treatment for mesothelioma or other asbestos caused diseases begin too late because of earlier misdiagnosis. With most cancers, and mesothelioma treatment in particular, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to survival. A late diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma because an asbestos caused disease was mistaken for a smoking-related disease can take years off of your life, and lead to harsh and painful living during your last few years.

Medical research has also shown that smoking will hasten the attack of mesothelioma because of the internal damage caused by the toxic elements of cigarettes. Cigarette toxins eat away at your lungs. Asbestos fibers can then gain early entry into your vulnerable lungs and quickly take over or assist the cigarette toxins in creating your lung disease or cancer. Not smoking will not protect you from asbestos disease or mesothelioma, but it can reduce the severity and pain of mesothelioma and other asbestos caused diseases - and add years on to your life. If you don't smoke and you have had exposure to asbestos, diagnosis will be swifter and you will be subject to less medical testing. Your chances of developing secondary lung diseases are substantially reduced.

Mesothelioma symptoms and lung disease symptoms from smoking typically both start with shortness of breath and trouble breathing. A productive cough typically follows, and the shortness of breath and the productive cough slowly worsen and persist. Because mesothelioma symptoms progress slowly, there is time to make a proper diagnosis if early treatment is sought. If the symptoms are ignored and are merely accepted as a side-effect of smoking, the disease has more time to become uncontrollable, and the asbestos disease will soon have control over you.

Mesothelioma affects the lining of internal organs, in a membrane called the mesothelium - hence the cancer name mesothelioma. This membrane does not affect just your lungs, it can affect most of your internal organs. Once mesothelioma symptoms of the lungs surface, such as breathing difficulties and productive coughs, the next step is typically an attack around the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms will then include chest pain, along with respiratory problems. This too can be misinterpreted as a sign of a smoking related disease, or a sign of old age or other heart and lung ailments. Mesothelioma is rare, and doctors will test according to the most likely disease to occur based on the symptoms. Because of that, it is very important to mention to your doctor your exposure to asbestos at your first visit.

Mesothelioma symptoms are slow to surface, and difficult to diagnose. Smoking while being exposed to asbestos will make proper diagnosis of mesothelioma difficult, and proper treatment may come too late to be of any benefit other than pain reduction and respiratory control. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos, not cigarettes - but cigarettes will make your mesothelioma worse. Don't let the fibers of asbestos and the toxins of cigarettes team up on your lungs. Quit smoking and stay away from asbestos. If you must be exposed to asbestos, wear proper protection and don't smoke. Don't rush the disease, diagnose it. And you can't diagnose the disease fast enough unless you quit smoking.

The website provides mesothelioma information, such as

mesothelioma symptoms, mesothelioma treatments and mesothelioma stages. The site also provided details

information about different type of mesothelioma: Malignant Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma, Pericardial mesothelioma and Peritoneal mesothelioma.

Brand Smith

Prolonged Exposure to Inhaling Asbestos Can and Has Been Proven Fatal

Exposure to Asbestos can result in serious medical complications for its victims. In many cases, the results of prolonged exposure to inhaling asbestos can, and have been proven fatal.

There are strict government regulations regarding a persons exposure to asbestos. Exposure should not exceed a level of 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter in an eight hour period and should not exceed a level of 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter in a 30 minute period. Some asbestos fibers can stay air born for up to three days.

Asbestos lawyers Los Angeles, upon determining whether a company is responsible, by negligence, which in turn causes you bodily harm due to overexposure to asbestos, will assist you in getting a compensation settlement you deserve.

Lung fibrosis and mesothelioma, a form of cancer, are just two of the most serious results due to prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Settlement amounts awarded have reached into the thousands, even millions of dollars. But, these dollar amounts can vary greatly from state to state and can also depend on the severity of the damages to the victim as an end result to prolonged exposure to asbestos.

Victims of lung fibrosis or mesothelioma need to act quickly after being diagnosed. Different states may have different time limitations in which to file a case. An expert lawyer in the field of dealing with asbestos cases will be well aware of these statute of limitations. Along with the experience in determining every aspect of your case such as:

• Gathering and studying all medical records showing that you indeed are a victim of asbestos exposure.

Determining whether your prolonged exposure to asbestos was due to negligence on the part of your employer or the company you were working for at the time. Negligence, perhaps meaning that an employer was quite aware of the asbestos but neglected to inform you as a worker.

• Your attorney will negotiate with your employer/company and their insurance company. Keep in mind that most employers and their insurance companies will most likely want to settle on amount to avoid going to court.

• Your attorney will calculate the life-long effects that a victim may have. This indeed can determine the amount of compensation.

Asbestos is not just an occupational hazard.

Your family and people around you can suffer the same disease from exposure. Workers who are not properly outfitted when working with or around asbestos can bring these fibers home on their clothing. This in turn means that people around you are breathing in these fibers. The consequences can be just as deadly over a period of time.

Read more why it's critical to hire the right cancer lawyer. Your attorney must specialize in asbestos cancer. Hiring the wrong asbestos lawyer has cost some folks millions. Read these asbestos lawyer reviews.

Keith Ule

Asbestos, Cancer, and Shipyard Workers

Asbestos exposure can happen in a number of different methods, but most people are exposed to asbestos through workplace or jobsite exposure. There are several different occupations that may increase the risk of exposure to asbestos. Construction and power plant workers, along with metal workers and demolition crews are among those who have an elevated risk of exposure to asbestos. Cancer, and the risk of exposure associated with these professions pales in comparison to risk of cancer and of exposure experienced by shipbuilders and other shipyard workers.

For decades, asbestos was used to insulate various portions of ships. The product's natural insulative and fire-proofing qualities made it a logical choice for this use. Asbestos was used to coat steam pipes, incinerators, and boilers among other high-temperature parts of ships.

Prior to the mid-1970s most workers were unaware of the possible dangers of asbestos exposure and often worked with the material in poorly ventilated areas with little or no protection from the hazardous fibers.

A study conducted by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine found that 86% of shipyard workers with over 20 years in the field were affected by some form of asbestos-related illness. Asbestos, cancer, and other health complications are now considered to be directly linked.

If you or a loved worked in a shipyard during the time that asbestos was commonly used, between WWII and the Korean War, it is important to be tested. It can take decades for symptoms and ailments to arise from exposure to asbestos, but as with most with most illness early detection can have an enormous impact on the prognosis of the affected individual.

Alice Mills

Asbestos and Car Components

Asbestos is a deadly fiber that seems to have been used in pretty much every industry since its fire retardant, insulating, and strengthening properties were discovered. One of those industries that used the fiber to a more limited degree is the automobile industry. The automobile industry is known to have included asbestos in the clutches, brake pads, and brake linings of their vehicles for years. For this reason, anyone working on a car should be exceptionally careful.

The clutch, regardless of whether the car has an automatic or standard transmission, is the part of the car that allows the car to shift between its gears. This allows the car to work at higher efficiency in the higher gears. The clutch is a very important piece of a car that is used almost constantly when the car is in use. It needs to be strong and able to withstand the engine's heat. For these reasons, the clutches of many cars contain asbestos.

Any individual that has ever had a clutch replaced on a car knows that it is possible for the clutch to wear out with time and miles. Any item that is subjected to friction will become worn out. The clutch on a car is not an exception. When the friction starts causing the item to break down, dust commonly forms in the area around the clutch. This dust contains asbestos fibers. When the clutch area is opened up for repairs or to check everything out if there's any sort of problem, the dust can be stirred up and released into the surrounding area. Once released, the fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and can contaminate the entire car garage.

Brakes are another huge asbestos problem for mechanics. There is even more wear and tear on brakes that causes the asbestos fibers to be broken down. These fibers are then contained in the brake housing on each wheel. Because the brake pads and the brake linings can both have asbestos in them, there is potentially much more asbestos present in brake repairs than in a clutch.

One thing that mechanics commonly do to clean off the brake housing is apply compressed air to remove all of the dirt and dust. This is the worst thing they could possibly do for their own health when dealing with asbestos fibers. The compressed air expels the dust from the brakes, this is true, but it also sprays it into the air of the car repair garage.

No mechanic, regardless of experience, is able to tell which brake pad or lining or clutch contains asbestos just by looking at the item. Because of this, any mechanic should treat every brake or clutch as containing asbestos and take all necessary precautions.

For more information on the hazards of asbestos, please visit http://www.mesolawsuit.com.

Joseph Devine

The Harm of Asbestos Exposure

If you think you have had any asbestos exposure, you should contact a doctor immediately. Inhaling the small, sliver-like shards of this mineral, used in insulation in older homes and businesses can be extremely hazardous to your health, especially after prolonged exposure.

If you have only had one or two short exposures to this mineral, you should be able to breath easy, however, if you work in an office or have lived in a home that has been ridden with asbestos for decades, you may have already done some serious harm to yourself. Asbestos easily becomes airborne, especially friable asbestos. When inhaled, these small shards attach themselves onto the lining of your lungs and into your lung tissue as well as in your airways. Over time, with continuous asbestos exposure, these imbedded shards can become inflamed and turn into cancerous tumors called Mesothelioma or lung cancer. Both cancers are very difficult cancer to treat.

Clean up can occur to cease any more asbestos exposure. Companies are available that specialize solely in the removal of asbestos. This is a pricey conquest and certainly not an easy task, but it will prove to be invaluable when you are no longer subjecting yourself or others to this dangerous chemical. When a company comes in to remove the asbestos, it generally requires the removal of the insulation itself, which means tearing down the drywall.

The proper protective gear is worn during this time as well as well ventilated breathing masks. Most people employed by asbestos removal companies are asked to not have facial hair to lessen the risk of any asbestos "clinging" onto the hair and risking the chance of inhalation. It is imperative that the material remains wet at all times as friable asbestos, when dry, is the worst asbestos exposure. Once the asbestos is removed, it is placed inside a protective container and taken to a landfill that accepts asbestos disposal. Many landfills do not accept this chemical, so make sure to call ahead. It is possible to take on the task of removing the asbestos yourself, but trusting a reliable company to do the work for you will ensure that it is done correctly and will lessen your risk of asbestos exposure if you do not do it right the first time. Your health is not anything to play around with and it is important not to take any risks, especially when hazardous chemicals are involved.

Get instant information on The Harm of Asbestos Exposure at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com - Asbestos Exposure

Matt Murren

The Ins and Outs of Asbestos Laws

Asbestos laws are laid out to protect those who have unknowingly been exposed to this harmful and hazardous chemical (at the awareness of another party). These laws were put into place to help those exposed to asbestos, who have suffered because of this exposure seek compensation.

When you are exposed to a serious level of asbestos, you are greatly risking your chance of contracting lunch cancer, Mesothelioma or a whole other slew of long-term health issues such as breathing difficulties and problems in your peritoneum. You are also at risk of contracting a disease that is called asbestosis which is a long-time build-up of scar tissue in the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos on a regular basis. This build-up is what leads to lunch cancer or Mesothelioma. If left untreated, it can have an end result of death. This is why asbestos laws are in place.

Many buildings built as early as 1930 contain a large level of asbestos. Many have had the asbestos removed, eliminating the risk for exposure. However, there are many dishonest business owners out there who have been made aware of the underlying issues with asbestos in their building and choose to keep quiet, possibly because of the high cost of removing the asbestos, or their lack of education in how harmful and hazardous asbestos truly is. Not making your employees aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure can land a business owner in serious hot water. Asbestos laws have been created to bring about lawsuits to companies and individuals who have been negligent on their inability to remove the asbestos from their work environment. Many people who have lost asbestos lawsuits have been forced to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in retribution pay.

The best thing that you can do is to follow and obey the asbestos laws. Clean up and dispose of any asbestos problems you may have in your business or home and make your employees aware that you have done so will create a healthier and a more respectable and forthright working environment. By making your employees aware that you have addressed the asbestos situation will protect you from any further risk of lawsuits brought on by different individuals.

Get instant information on The Ins and Outs of Asbestos Laws at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com, Asbestos Laws

Matt Murren

Getting Justice in Asbestos Litigation

If you have been exposed to a large amount of asbestos in your place of employment and have been experiencing a significant amount of symptoms, you may qualify for a lawsuit. Asbestos litigation was set in place to protect those exposed to asbestos. Lawsuits have been successfully won when an employer failed to make their employees aware of the potential threat of asbestos poisoning, while still exposing their employees to the hazardous chemical. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis or other cancer related issues, you may qualify for a hefty lawsuit.

When pursuing a lawsuit, it must first be determined that you were exposed to asbestos from the designated place of origin. If it is found that asbestos does or did exist during the time of your exposure, you will qualify for the lawsuit. It must be said, however, that a tremendous amount of "unfounded" asbestos lawsuits are holding up the court, pushing back severe cases for many years. You can expect a much larger amount if your health issues are advanced. Some companies have been forced to file bankruptcy due to unnecessary payouts to plaintiff's whose problems are not severe enough to warrant a lawsuit. This scenario is unfortunate because there are many legitimate cases of asbestos exposure victims who may never get their chance to be heard due to other frivolous lawsuits.

Since the start of asbestos litigations, companies have paid out over $70 billion dollars in claims are costs related to the claims. Many lawyers are filing frivolous claims on behalf of their clients "pain and suffering" who show little or no physical impairment at all. The unfortunate part of these lawsuits is that those who are really suffering from terrible ailments such as cancer and asbestosis are being pushed to the wayside due to lack of funds and time. The Supreme Court has been repeatedly asked to put an end to these frivolous types of lawsuits, making those who truly need it, get the compensation that they deserve.

Get instant information on Getting Justice in Asbestos Litigation at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com, Asbestos Litigation

Matt Murren

Asbestos Regulations in Homes and Buildings

Asbestos was a common mineral used for years many decades ago in homes and buildings to be used in insulation and flooring among other things. In recent years, it has been discovered that exposure to asbestos is extremely hazardous to your health and has been known to cause Mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as several other severe breathing problems. These cancers and health problems are caused by the dry fibers of the asbestos to become airborne and when inhaled, it attaches onto your lung tissue or breathing airway.

With the discovery of the hazards of it, new asbestos regulations have been put in place for buildings and homes that are being demolished as well as any of these locations that are being remodeled or repaired. Disrupting the balance of the asbestos can cause the shards to quickly become airborne, exposing those nearest to be put into harms way.

Due to relatively new laws, federal regulations require any building of a certain age to be surveyed and tested to check for the presence of asbestos. If it is detected, it must be cleaned up and removed before the demolition can take place. If this is not done, the permits will not be granted and a fine will ensue. It is imperative that you do not try to remove the asbestos yourself. This can be dangerous to not only you, but those around you. There are professional companies who are highly trained in the removal of asbestos in the quickest and safest way, keeping the asbestos exposure to a minimum.

Because of homeowner's private rights, most residential homes are exempt from following any asbestos regulations. Although the removal of asbestos is highly recommended to a homeowner, because it is a private resident, it is not required to oblige the law. Commercial businesses, public works or domain projects are required to report the detection of asbestos and have it certified upon completion once the asbestos has been removed. Following asbestos regulations may be time consuming, but overall, it is for the health and well being of many and should be taken extremely seriously.

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Matt Murren

How to Test For Asbestos

If you live in an older home (built before 1980), there may be a strong chance that you are being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that was once used as insulation and floor backing in homes and places of business until researchers came up with the realization that when airborne and inhaled, asbestos can be extremely hazardous to your health, causing a gamut of health problems such as breathing difficulties, asbestosis and even more severe health issues such as lung cancer and Mesothelioma. By having an asbestos test done, you can eliminate the worry of wondering whether or not you are exposing yourself or your family to this harmful chemical.

There are several different ways that you can test your home to see if you or family is being exposed to asbestos. You can contact a company who specializes in the detection, clean up and removal of asbestos. If you choose to go with one of these companies, make sure that they are licensed and bonded and come with a list of referrals to ensure that you are going with a company who puts their client's health and safety first.

If you feel up to the task, you may also test for asbestos exposure yourself with a do-it-yourself kit. You can get these from a number of sources. Many of them are mail-in tests what will provide you with all of the necessary items you need to conduct the asbestos test. You start testing for asbestos by using the proper respiratory protection such as a mask and body suit (make sure that all hair, including facial hair) is not exposed as asbestos easily clings to hair, risking further exposure. Wearing proper gloves, completely wet the sample you are going to take with a spray bottle to eliminate the chance that any part of the insulation will go airborne. Using a razor knife or chisel, section out the desired piece of wall or flooring for sampling. Make sure to get all layers of flooring or wall to ensure you gather all traces of asbestos. Then place your sample in one of the sealed bags and send to the proper location. These tests generally run approximately $30 and you will have your results in as little as two weeks time.

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Matt Murren

Mesothelioma Cancer Main Factors

Mesothelioma cancer can strike anyone, but appears more often in men than in women. It is a disease mainly linked to asbestos and smoke, since most people who have worked on jobs where they breathed in asbestos particles, have developed this pathology.

Experts believe that smoking does not seem to be a directly related risk for developing the disease only by its own, but its combination with asbestos exposure increases the risk of Mesothelioma, so stop smoking if you are exposed to asbestos in your workplace.

According to statistics eight out of ten of all reported cases were exposed to asbestos, however there are cases of people that have not had any exposure to the fibers of this mineral.

Therefore, the main risk factor for developing Mesothelioma can be found in asbestos, a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals which have an special resistance to fire. Asbestos have been exploited for a variety of purposes, such as industrial products, roof shingles and flooring products.

However, some uses of asbestos are banned in many countries, since it is known that the inhalation of some kinds of asbestos fibers can cause various illnesses, including Mesothelioma, lung, larynx and kidney cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment, but a non cancerous pathology.

Most asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye and the problem increases because just one asbestos fiber can become the source of hundreds of thinner and smaller fibers over time. As they get smaller and lighter, they become more mobile and more easily to be driven and carried by the air.

That is why people who work in asbestos mines and mills or producing asbestos products must wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure, according to acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States.

In order to reduce your chance of getting ill with some of the asbestos-related diseases if you are a asbestos worker, is not only to wear the proper clothes and equipment, but also take a shower and change your clothing before leaving the workplace to diminish the possibility of dust brought home on your clothing or hair.

Hector Milla

Understanding Mesothelioma Cancer - Causes and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is cancer that affects the mesothelium which is the lining or membrane that protects and covers most of the internal organs in the body cavity. The first layer encircles the organ and the second layer forms a sac for protection. There is a lubricating fluid present between the layers to facilitate movement. The mesothelium is called pericardium when it covers the heart, pleura when covering the lungs and peritoneum when covering the abdominal organs.

In mesothelioma there is uncontrolled cell division which leads to the extra cell masses invading the nearby tissues and organs and causing damage. Mostly it is observed that mesothelioma begins in the pleura or the peritoneum. The cancer then metastasizes to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma occurs mostly due to exposure to asbestos. This is considered to be the major risk factor. 70% to 80% of sufferers have a history of exposure to asbestos. There are exceptions to this and cases have been reported where asbestos exposure was found not to exist. The condition is more common in men as compared to women. It has also been found that risk increases with age.

Mesothelioma is a very rare. Mostly said to be associated with workplace exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that can be made to exist as strong masses of sheets or flexible fibers. It is widely used in industrial products like cement, roofs, flooring products, textiles, brake linings and insulation. Tiny particles of asbestos float in the air and can be inhaled or swallowed by the people exposed to it like the workers in manufacturing companies etc.

Continuous exposure over a period can lead to asbestosis. Exposure to asbestosis increases the risk of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer like that of kidney and larynx. There are acceptable levels of asbestos exposure that have been brought into effect in workplaces using the mineral. Another very interesting aspect of mesothelioma is that family members of people exposed asbestos in their work place show an increased incidence of this cancer as compared to others. This has been attributed to the fact that the remnants of asbestos particles adhering to the clothes, hair etc when brought home can expose the family members to it.

The cancer takes around thirty to forty years to surface. The initial symptoms include shortness of breath, and pain in the chest if it is the pleura that are affected. If the cancer is in the peritoneum then there is weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, bowel obstruction. Fever, anemia and blood clotting irregularities have also been observed. In severe cases there is swelling of the neck and face, trouble swallowing and severe pain.

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is very difficult since there are no specific symptoms. A medical history review would be very valuable since asbestos exposure needs to be determined. X rays of chest, abdomen, lung function tests, scans, MRI are the usual tools that help in confirming the diagnosis. Biopsy is done for the final confirmation and treatment includes chemotherapy and radiations.

To Your Health!

Dr. James S. Pendergraft

10 Important Facts About Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Exposure to Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Almost all cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a natural mineral which is mined from rock found in many countries around the world. It is made up of tiny fibres as strong as steel, woven like cotton and highly resistant to heat, chemicals and electricity.

The first definite link between mesothelioma and asbestos was made in the 1960s. At that time, asbestos was very widely used in the manufacture of insulation materials, such as insulation board and building materials, including cement.

When asbestos is damaged or disturbed, it releases tiny fibres, almost invisible to the naked eye, which, when airborne can breathed in, and cannot be exhaled or coughed out. Once the fibres are in the lungs, the body's defense mechanism tries to break them down and remove them, which leads to inflammation in the lung's tissue.

Asbestos fibres can also penetrate through the lung tissue to settle in the pleura (the membrane around the lung). Over many years they can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma or other lung diseases to develop. Asbestos fibres can also be swallowed, and some of the fibres become lodged in the digestive system. They will then move into the membrane that lines the abdomen (the peritoneum), where they cause inflammation.

Those individuals most likely to have been exposed to asbestos will include: construction workers, boilermakers, construction workers, demolition workers, electricians, plumbers, shipbuilders etc. Family members of those who worked with asbestos and unwittingly brought asbestos dust home on their clothes, will also be at risk and have also been known to developed mesothelioma.

There are three types of asbestos and these are: blue, brown and white. The blue and brown asbestos types are most commonly linked with mesothelioma, and are now very rarely used. However, although originally, white asbestos was thought not to be dangerous, recent studies have shown that it is also harmful.

Although by 1999 the importation and use of all asbestos was banned, and because mesothelioma develops so slowly, it is estimated that by the year 2015, approximately 3000 people will have been diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. After this time, the number of people who develop mesothelioma will begin to fall annually.

Mesothelioma does not typically develop for many years after the initial exposure to asbestos. Although it can take anything from 10 to 60 years, the average time is around 30 to 40 years after asbestos exposure.

Occasionally, mesothelioma will be diagnosed in people who have never had any history of asbestos exposure. Other causes of the disease are to date not fully understood, but in rare cases mesothelioma has been linked to radiation exposure.

Research has found no evidence that smoking increases an individual's risk of developing mesothelioma. It is understood that exposure to other building materials, for example fibreglass also will not increase the risk. Mesothelioma is not a contagious disease and therefore cannot be passed on to other individuals. Family members are only at risk when in contact with asbestos particles.

Trevor Taylor

Essential Facts of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Despite the efforts of numerous health agencies throughout the world in trying to educate the public on the definition and effects of mesothelioma, it is unfortunate that there still exist a large majority of the local population in trying to comprehend such efforts. With this article, I hope that certain facts can be spelled out much more clearly in as simple terminology as possible.

To start off, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant or cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of our body's internal organs. At present, statistics have proven that a majority of people who suffer from mesothelioma, have had first contact with materials known as asbestos, in the course of their work or exposure.

Mesothelioma (or cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. The known effect is that invasion and damage to nearby tissues and organs can occur. The cancer cells can also spread from their original location to other parts of the body. And very often, mesothelioma begins in the pleura or peritoneum. The pleura is the membrane that typically surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity, while the peritoneum is the tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. In addition, the pericardium covers and protects the heart, while the tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. For the female, this will be known as the tunica serosa uteri.

While it has been reported specifically in the United States alone that the occurrence of mesothelioma has been at a rate of 2000 cases per year in the last 20 years, there maybe more unreported cases that have gone undetected and therefore, not captured within official records. Typically, mesothelioma affects mainly the male gender, but although (as mentioned above) this form of cancer has affected mainly those in direct contact with asbestos material in the course of their work, there have also been occurrences to those who have had no direct exposure to asbestos.

Before we go on further, we need to be clear on where asbestos comes from. Essentially, asbestos refers to a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos is often found in construction related materials such as cement, roofing materials, flooring products, etc. How asbestos gets into the human system, is when during the manufacturing process, where there is no strict control on the handling process, the particles generated from asbestos will float in the air and maybe inhaled by individuals, thus causing serious health problems. This therefore gives rise to other forms of cancer and one of them, mesothelioma.

Historically, mesothelioma was discovered particularly after the World War Two, as part of the industrialization process and increased war efforts. Millions of Americans were believed to have been exposed to asbestos dust particles in their course of work. And when these folks return home to their loved ones, it is believed that the dust particles which had remained on their work attires were subsequently inhaled by their family members, thus creating a form of "cross contamination" effect. While the occupational safety and health act today has restricted the amount of asbestos workers can be exposed to, the risk has obviously not been fully mitigated and the occurrence of mesothelioma is still possible.

To minimize exposure as well as cross contamination, workers in such industries should change out before leaving their workstations and showering. This concept is similar to exposure during a chemical fallout where the process of decontamination is deployed.

Gary Ng

Can Fires Cause Mesothelioma Cancers?

Every year, fires occur throughout the world regardless of where you live in. Despite several initiatives as well as government intervention effects to promote fire safety education along with proper adoption of current fire fighting technology, fires still take place resulting in loss of lives as well as property. But can it cause cancer? In particular, mesothelioma cancer?

Studies have shown that whenever fires occur, several by-products are created typically existing in the form of carbon particles along with whichever material is on fire. And depending on the type of material on fire, this will definitely have an effect on the amount of carbon generation as well as rate of flame spread (ie, how fast the rate of fire can progress). And if you're not adequately protected and happen to be in the path of the smoke generated, then chances are that you would pretty much inhale a large component of these poisonous substances. While temporary exposure may not have a significant impact on your health, being caught in an environment with no way to escape will definitely have an effect on your health status. Apart from collapsing due to smoke inhalation due to a lack of oxygen in the environment, subsequent recovery along with rehabilitation efforts maybe rather tough as a result of the large amount of carbon particles inhaled.

Unlike smokers who may suffer from cancer over a prolonged period of indulgence, one will not necessarily be a victim of cancer simply because he or she was involved in a fire situation. But, for those of us who are required to be constantly exposed to the effects of fire as a result of our occupation, then you definitely need to take all available precautions to minimize its effects on your health. And yes, studies have shown that cancer can occur for those who work in such occupations due to prolonged inhalation effects and worse still, where no proper personnel protective equipment is used.

But what about mesothelioma cancers? I have explained in my earlier article, "Mesothelioma and Asbestos Side Effects", that mesothioma cancers occur as a result of asbestos exposure mainly due to excessive inhalation of asbestos made by-products or materials. As such, you can assume that if you're ever caught in a prolonged fire scenario or environment where asbestos substances are involved, the chances of incurring mesothelioma cancers are there (although the level of exposure is dependent on various other factors as well). As a recap, typical asbestos made materials found in your homes or offices (and at the factories) include false ceiling panels, sound insulation panel partition walls, raised flooring panels, and many others.

Given this situation, what specific precaution can you take to ensure that you are not overly exposed to these asbestos substances when a fire occurs at your workplace or home? Well, apart from donning a breathing apparatus set (if you know how to use it or if your office has one) or an escape hood, your minimal but temporary level of protection would be to cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief, and to stay well below the smoke level by adopting a baby crawl position all the way out of the building. That's about as minimal a precautionary level you can adapt when all else is not available and you're caught in a fire scenario. And while on your way out, do not panic ans start to push everyone around, this only causes more distress and may cause you to lose focus as you try to evade the toxic environment.

Hopefully this should give you a clear concept on whether fires can cause mesothelioma cancers

(Note: readers must be aware that the views expressed above are those of the author and should not be considered as legal advice or grounds to pursue legal judgment. Visit our website to find out more on mesothelioma and asbestos solutions.)

Gary Ng