Archive for the ‘Asbestos Exposure’ Category

The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was used in a variety of construction materials throughout much of the twentieth century. This unique mineral is fire-resistant and acts as an excellent insulator. Because to these qualities, manufacturers of construction materials mixed asbestos into paints, glues, cements, fiberboard, insulation, roofing, siding, flooring, and paper in order to enrich such building materials with asbestos’ advantageous characteristics.

However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the toxic fibers that make up asbestos can be released into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can cause significant damage to the lungs and result in lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma.

Unfortunately with mesothelioma, other areas of the body can be affected as well, including the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

When most unwanted particles become inhaled or ingested, microscopic hairs called cilia will typically catch and expel them from the body. If these particles fail to be expelled, they will eventually reach the small air sacs in the lungs called the alveoli. Once this occurs, it is up to the immune system to break them down.

Asbestos fibers, however, are not easily expelled or removed from the body. In many cases, the fibers will attach themselves to the lining of the lungs and remain there for several decades. While attached, the alveoli often become inflamed and scarred.

In time, a person exposed to asbestos will become short of oxygen as carbon dioxide builds up in the blood. The increased stiffness of the lungs will also make it more difficult to breathe in and out.

Evidence has proven that inhaling asbestos on just one occasion can cause the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Someone who smokes and is exposed to asbestos is at an even greater risk of contracting lung cancer or another respiratory disease.

Those who have been exposed to asbestos should seek the advice of their medical doctor and schedule routine examinations and tests. Such tests would include X-rays and CT scans, which are two of the common ways to detect mesothelioma. If an asbestos-related disease is diagnosed during the early stages of development, treatment is much more likely to have a positive effect.

For additional information on asbestos and mesothelioma, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

One of the most devastating types of asbestos-related disease is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. This disease is particularly harmful due to the extreme latency period that is associated with it.

Most cases of mesothelioma take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop, which typically results in a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma that has already reached the advanced stages.

The most commonly used treatments for malignant mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, not all patients respond the same way to these therapies, which is why scientists from universities and pharmaceutical companies are routinely conducting research on asbestos with the hope of improving treatment options for asbestos-related disease.

One such company is Alfacell, who is currently testing a product called Oncanase that works in a similar fashion to RNA interference (RNAi).

Oncanase offers a therapeutic medication based on Alfacell’s proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. Interesting enough, it is a natural protein taken from the leopard frog. Several studies have shown it can be used to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells throughout the body.

Researchers from the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital have also made an astounding discovery concerning a cure for mesothelioma cancer. The positive results became official when a commercial skin cancer cream was able to cure mice with advanced mesothelioma tumors.

The test requires doctors to inject the skin cancer cream Aldara into the mesothelioma tumors of patients. Aldara is a product typically applied to skin to treat basal cell carcinomas. In addition to the skin cancer cream, a stimulant drug known as anti-CD40 is injected into the tumors as well.

Experimental treatments and clinical trials are also being carried out around the world in an attempt to find a solidified cure for mesothelioma. Today, progress with mesothelioma treatment is being made at a record pace thanks to the increased amount of funds and awareness towards the disease.

Continued research on asbestos and related cancers will hopefully provide new insights on curable treatment options for mesothelioma patients.

For more information on mesothelioma treatment, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

The city of Bozeman has released a cleanup proposal to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) concerning the asbestos contamination at the CMC Asbestos Bozeman State Superfund Site. Now the DEQ is waiting to see the public’s opinion about the current plans and addendum to the 2002 Voluntary Cleanup Plan for the site.

Colleen Owen, who is the DEQ Project Officer, says, “We share the city’s enthusiasm to finalize clean up and the addendum moves the process forward into home stretch.”

The Superfund site, which is located near the Bozeman Public Library, contains large amounts of toxic asbestos ore. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos has been known to cause several forms of disease, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and malignant mesothelioma. This is why the site has become such a priority for the state of Montana.

Asbestos exposure is also known to cause gastrointestinal cancer and has been linked to colon cancer as well. In most cases, these diseases do not exhibit symptoms for 15 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure, making them especially difficult to treat and diagnose.

The addendum for the site pertains to properties not included in the first Voluntary Cleanup Plan. These properties are located west of the library and run along South Wallace Avenue. Some of the areas of these sites are heavily contaminated with asbestos ore where it was once stockpiled or used as fill material.

Superfund is a federal government program designed to clean up the nation’s uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. Such sites are placed on the National Priorities List and are cleaned up to protect the environment and health of all citizens.

The new plan involves the excavation of asbestos-contaminated soils near the library, proper asbestos disposal at the Bozeman Landfill, patching and repaving sections along South Wallace Avenue, and long term monitoring of all contaminated properties.

In addition, institutional controls such as a city resolution, modification of the City Street Cut Permit Application, training for city workers, and deed restrictions for properties containing asbestos will be implemented under the new plan.

The complete cost of what is left of the cleanup effort is estimated to be $438,000. Luckily for Bozeman, the DEQ is expected to reimburse the city for a percentage of the cost under the Controlled Allocation of Liability Act.

For more information on asbestos exposure, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Scientists from Ohio State University are currently analyzing how asbestos fibers form cancer in human cells. The researchers are hoping their work will contribute to new drug developments, treatments, and increase the amount of mesothelioma survivors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively cause by asbestos exposure.

To conduct the study, researchers are using atomic force microscopy to observe how a single asbestos fiber binds with a receptor protein on a cell’s surface.

According to Eric Taylor, a doctoral candidate in earth sciences at Ohio State, “We’re looking at what molecules are involved in a chain of events when the fiber touches the cell. Does the binding occur over minutes or hours and what processes are triggered?”

As of now, the study has only focused on blue asbestos (crocidolite), but the researchers hope to analyze all six forms of asbestos fiber interaction with cell surfaces. Some forms of asbestos fibers have been known to dissolve in the lungs when inhaled, while others have a history of attaching to certain cells and remaining in the body.

Steven Lower, an associate professor of earth sciences at Ohio State University, believes the research will provide data on the biological activity between asbestos fibers and cells, which should help policymakers decide what forms of asbestos are most toxic.

He says, “There seems to be something intrinsic about certain types of asbestos, blue asbestos in particular, that elicits a unique signal, and it triggers inflammation, the formation of pre-malignant cells and ultimately cancer.”

The first protein that will be studied is epidermal growth factor receptor, which exists on the surface of every human cell.

Through understanding the binding process of an asbestos fiber and an epidermal growth factor receptor, the researchers hope to figure out how they might be able to prevent and possible undo such an interaction.

The original motivation for the research was the thought of finding a way to intervene and prevent an asbestos-related disease after someone had already been exposed to asbestos. Today, clinical trials are constantly being conducted in attempt to find a cure for such diseases.

For more on asbestos and related medical information, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Debbie Brewer, who was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in November 2006, will be enjoying many more holidays with her family thanks to a new treatment in Germany. At the time of her initial diagnosis, Brewer was only given a few months to survive.

Today, she’s able to spend time with her three children, Siobhan, 22, Richard, 19, and Kieran, 11. 

Brewer said, “It’s a miracle. It feels like I have been given my life back. After I was first diagnosed, the chance to see the children grow up, to see grandchildren, I thought I had lost all of it. Not even a lottery winner could feel like this. I haven’t taken it all in yet, but at the moment it is my little miracle.”

Brewer was able to afford the treatment after receiving compensation for contracting the disease. She was originally exposed to asbestos (the largest cause of mesothelioma) as a child by hugging her father after he came home from work.

Brewer first heard about the experimental treatment being carried out by Professor Thomas Vogl from her doctor, but only after she had already refused chemotherapy. She then decided to travel to The University Clinic in Frankfort, Germany and receive the treatment.

The treatment is referred to as chemoembolization and is typically used to fight liver cancer. The treatment calls for an injection directly to the tumor through a catheter.

Since starting the treatment in May, Brewer has expressed her joy because the doctors can attack the tumor without disturbing the nervous system as well.

Doctors now say her tumor has shrunk by more than half, is in remission, and will not come back at a later date. Since the arrival of good news, Brewer has started a campaign to have the treatment brought to the United Kingdom for clinical trials.

Brewer has said, “I want to give people hope. I was told for mesothelioma there is little out there, but the results in Germany are fantastic. It’s about a 60 percent success rate.”

For more information on mesothelioma treatment, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

While it is common knowledge that cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, much of the public is unaware that asbestos exposure can also cause the disease. In fact, those who have been exposed to asbestos and continue to smoke cigarettes, the risk of developing lung cancer is increased by as much as 90 times. These individuals are also at a greater risk of developing both asbestosis and mesothelioma.

There is hope for smokers who have experienced asbestos exposure. Evidence has suggested that asbestos-exposed workers who quit smoking can reduce their risk of developing lung cancer by up to 50 percent within five years of quitting.

According to statistics from the Environmental Working Group, about 5,000 people in the United States pass away each year from asbestos-related lung cancer.

Nonetheless, relief does exist for those afflicted with an asbestos-related disease, as law firms across the nation have helped and guided patients through legal recourse. To date, many asbestos exposure victims have had success in receiving compensation for medical bills with the assistance of a mesothelioma lawyer.

Asbestos exposure can occur at home or in the workplace through everyday products such as roofing shingles, floor and ceiling tiles, insulation, brake pads, boilers and more. Industries that have placed workers most at risk of exposure include the automotive, construction, electrical and shipyard industries.

Because of the long latency period that is associated with asbestos-related disease, it is absolutely crucial for exposed victims to seek medical examinations on a regular basis. Many patients are often diagnosed when the disease has already reached an advanced stage of development.

Household members of those working with asbestos should also receive routine examinations because secondary exposure is equally dangerous. In most cases, the fibers that make up asbestos are carried home on the skin and clothes of workers and are later inhaled by family members. Even pets are susceptible of inhaling or ingesting these fibers and contracting a disease.

It’s important to realize that any disturbance to an asbestos-containing material can result in the release of asbestos fibers. If inhaled, these fibers will often become trapped in the surroundings of the lungs and cause disease later in life. Medical checkups are especially important for anyone who may have been exposed to asbestos several decades ago.

For additional information on the effects of asbestos exposure, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Once praised for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, the naturally occurring mineral asbestos has become a worldwide tragic problem. Since the beginning of its use, many countries have been faced with catastrophic numbers of asbestos exposure and asbestos-related disease.

This is especially true for Australia, which currently has the highest incidence of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. In most cases, the disease affects the lining of the lungs, which is known as pleural mesothelioma. However, other areas of the body that are known to contract the disease include the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

Estimates predict a total of 18,000 Australians will have died from malignant mesothelioma by 2020. If additional asbestos-related diseases outside of mesothelioma are included, those estimates are expected to be as high as 40,000.

Such devastating statistics have resulted in Australia establishing strict asbestos regulations, including their steps to ban the use and importation of asbestos and asbestos products in 2003.

Another big step for Australia was the Dust Diseases Act, which was implemented in 2005. This act enabled employees to receive exemplary damages if their employers knowingly exposed them to asbestos. These improvements in health and safety legislation have been developed to protect workers and public citizens from the effects of asbestos exposure. Many attribute these developments to good scientific research and asbestos awareness campaigns by trade unions.

Nonetheless, compensation for asbestos-related diseases has been a troublesome process for many individuals. Sometimes claims have been denied by strict compensation laws and old court procedures. Other issues have involved insurance companies and their ability to delay court proceedings, which often results in the passing of the asbestos victim before compensation is ever awarded.

Previous industrial use of asbestos began in the late 19th century. Between 1900 and 1950, it is estimated that global production of the toxic mineral increased from 0.5 million tons to 1.3 million tons. After 1950, the production of asbestos continued to climb until it finally peaked in 1977, reaching 4.8 million tons.

For more information on the effects of asbestos exposure, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Official registration for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s (ADAO) 5th annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference has begun. The conference is on March 27 - 29, 2009 and will be held at the Manhattan Beach Marriott in Manhattan Beach, California.

The purpose of ADAO is to provide updated information on asbestos and asbestos-related disease. Such diseases that can result from asbestos exposure include lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, which all have a latency period ranging from 15 to 50 years. As a result, many of the patients that contract these diseases are unfortunately diagnosed during advanced stages of development.

ADAO also makes sure that the rights of asbestos victims are fairly represented and protected. The organization, which was founded in 2004, is not only staffed by volunteers, but is completely funded through voluntary donations.

Those expected to be at the conference include affected individuals, families, employees, research scientists and medical experts from around the world. The conference will specifically cover medical and occupational information concerning the prevention of asbestos exposure and early detection in asbestos cancer.

Linda Reinstein, the executive director and co-founder of ADAO, says, “Communicating how to prevent deadly asbestos exposure and recognize asbestos-related disease in its earliest stages is critical to our efforts in 2009. Primary care physicians often misdiagnose or do not recognize signs of disease as they fail to ask patients about possible risk factors they have experienced when completing health history questionnaires.”

Other headline topics at the conference will include an emphasis on India, who is currently the largest importer of asbestos in the world. According to Laurie Kazan-Allen, founder and coordinator of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat, “Inhalation of the deadly dust is increasing in some developing countries. Many innocent and unsuspecting people around the world continue to be exposed to a known carcinogen.” ADAO plans to bring awareness to this situation throughout their 2009 campaign.

The conference exists because of the continued support and effort from the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat.

The registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and the Sunday Brunch and Remembrance Service. The cost is $250 for professionals and $125 for students, patients and caregivers.

For additional information on the effects of asbestos exposure, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Over the past three weeks, a group of soldiers have been exposed to high levels of asbestos-containing floor tiles while renovating the 82nd Airborne Division storage room. According to Bryan Sleigh, the division’s top doctor, chest x-rays and other tests have already shown signs of dangers exposure levels.

The investigation of the project began when a father of one of the soldiers complained that his son and others involved weren’t provided proper safety gear for working with asbestos. Such equipment would include masks, disposal bags, and tools for safe removal.

The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause a range of serious diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Even just one encounter of asbestos exposure has been linked to cause these diseases, which typically have a latency period anywhere from 15 to 50 years.

As a result of the exposure, the Army claims they will monitor the health of the soldiers on a regular basis. Tests for the soldiers will be given once a year for the next five years, and every five years after that.

Dave Heins, the chief environmental director at Public Works, believes all the buildings on Fort Bragg that were built before the 1980s are likely to contain asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic mineral that was widely used in building materials for its fire-resistant and insulating properties.

Mark Stammer, who is the commander of the 82nd’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, says the soldiers were never knowingly positioned in a harmful situation. He thinks the team leader responsible for the renovation did not follow Army regulations because he failed to receive a permit from Public Works, who commonly inspects the buildings before they are renovated or demolished.

The person in charge of the team was scheduled to go to a Public Works training course later this month. The course is designed to teach soldiers on how to identify asbestos and the proper techniques for removing it.

Since the complaint occurred, the storage room has been sealed off and is now a restricted area. All soldiers should take notice of such an event because asbestos exposure has troubled U.S. Armed forces and veterans since World War II.

For more information on asbestos in the military, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

A safety action plan launched by the Minister for Australia’s State Industrial Relations aims to prevent mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease through education and awareness.

Dubbed the Asbestos Safety Action Plan, the initiative was developed by the Asbestos Advisory Committee and announced during the Asbestos Victim’s Memorial Day.

Under the plan, new guidance and training materials for workers would be handed out by the government. The Environmental Protection Authority would allow information on how to dispose asbestos in a safe manner to be distributed to potential home buyers and real estate agents.

Paul Caica, Minister of Industrial Relations, held the launch at a service during the Asbestos Victims Memorial Day, which paid tribute to those that perished as a result of asbestos cancer.

Mr. Caica stated the plan would incorporate five strategic initiatives focusing on many aspects of society: communication, education, training, partnerships, research and intervention.

“For the first time, we have a comprehensive, community-wide plan of attack on the hazards of asbestos exposure,” Mr. Caica said.

Highly regarded as a an aggressive cancer, mesothelioma is both difficult to treat and diagnose.  With limited treatment and a short survival window, mesothelioma prognosis is usually poor and studies show an average survival rate of less than one per-year.

Due to a large rate of asbestos use in mining, Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. According to recent studies, over 600 cases are diagnosed each year in Australia and that number is not expected to decline.  It is estimated that most public buildings, hospitals, schools and homes built between 1840 and 1987 in Australia contain asbestos.

Asbestos is a mineral found naturally in the environment and used commonly throughout the 20th century as a form of insulation, piping and roofing.  With asbestos still abundant in building fixtures, the plan will include extensive focus on asbestos information and education in communities, organizations and unions.

The plan was developed with an all-or-nothing approach, gaining support from industry and community groups. The hope is that everybody will work together to prevent and control further exposure to the corrosive substance.

“The Asbestos Action Plan demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to work together with industry and community organizations to address this terrible epidemic,” Caica said.

For information on mesothelioma treatment, please visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.