The Deadly Consequences of Asbestos Exposure

The link between asbestos exposure and disease has long been scientifically proven.
But while many of us know that inhaling asbestos fibers can be dangerous to our health, what we often don’t know is just how far-reaching the impact of asbestos can be. The material, it turns out, can cause a variety of diseases, some of them catastrophic. This includes mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer of the protective lining covering many of the body’s organs.
While mesothelioma lawyers have won many sizable verdicts and settlements for victims of asbestos exposure, not all of their work has been on behalf of mesothelioma victims. Other types of cancer as well as severe, potentially deadly non-cancerous conditions have been triggered by inhaling asbestos, and those victims have needed assistance and financial compensation.
Here is a look at various—and all too common — asbestos-related diseases:
• Mesothelioma. Almost always the result of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma can take decades to develop, but once detected, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Indeed, most patients succumb to mesothelioma within a year of diagnosis. And unlike mesothelioma lawyers, who have seen success in the courtroom, mesothelioma researchers still struggle to understand—and fight—the deadly disease. There is currently no known cure, and even the most sophisticated treatments typically add just months to a mesothelioma patient’s life.
• Lung cancer. While other factors, such as smoking, can also trigger lung cancer, asbestos exposure is a primary cause of the deadly disease. Epidemiological studies of asbestos worker deaths have shown a particularly high lung cancer rate—higher than that seen in populations not exposed to asbestos. While the British government reports that there is one asbestos-related lung cancer death for every mesothelioma death, many experts say there are far more cases of lung cancer due to asbestos exposure. Smoking, when combined with asbestos exposure, can put an individual at even greater risk of contracting lung cancer.
• Other cancers. Evidence has shown that asbestos can trigger cancer of the larynx as well, and it can even cause cancer of the colon, rectum and ovaries.
• Asbestosis. A severe respiratory disease, asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers and dust, and can cause great damage to the victim’s lungs. Over time, that damage—which includes scarring of the lung—can make it difficult for the lung to get oxygen into the blood. As a result, victims experience severe shortness of breath. They often suffer heart disease, too, because the heart has to work harder to overcome the lung’s inefficiency. Like mesothelioma, asbestosis has no known cure, and victims are often required to use supplemental oxygen, greatly limiting their quality of life.
• Pleural thickening. In some individuals, the lining of the lung—known as the pleura—can harden in response to asbestos exposure. This can happen in one or both lungs, and, like asbestosis, it can severely restrict breathing. In extreme but not uncommon cases, the condition can be life threatening.
• Pleural plaques. While they often do not cause symptoms, these small areas of thickening, or scarring, of the lung are often a precursor to other asbestos-related diseases. They can be quite painful, too, once when the plaques harden.
• Asbestos warts. These callus-like growths are caused when asbestos fibers lodge in an individual’s skin. Like pleural plaques, they are a worrisome sign that someone has been exposed to asbestos and may be at risk of developing more serious diseases. Though themselves benign, asbestos warts can be a troubling signal of the devastation that may lie ahead.
*This article was brought to you by the mesothelioma lawyers at Cooney & Conway. For more than half a century, we have been advocates for those injured because of the wrongful actions of others. We have litigated and resolved some of the nation’s most significant asbestos lawsuits, bringing justice—and financial compensation—to victims of asbestos exposure and the lung cancer, mesothelioma and other deadly diseases it can cause.
(*lawyer marketing)


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Framingham firefighter lost to mesothelioma cancer

Early this month, Framingham, Massachusetts firefighter Mike Urban, 57, lost his battle with mesothelioma cancer. This aggressive disease that affects the protective lining of the body’s major cavities and organs is rare and caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos.

Urban’s passing comes on the heels of the loss of 58-year-old retired firefighter Michael Marshall to lung cancer last month. Lung cancer is yet another disease commonly cause by asbestos exposure, along with asbestosis.

Urban’s family has been unable to conclusively pinpoint the cause of the mesothelioma. His wife speculated that exposure to asbestos could have taken place in his childhood home, at a fire station, while firefighting or from using carpentry materials, as Urban was a self-employed carpenter before joining the Fire Department.

Asbestos is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulated mineral fiber has been commonly used in construction materials, as insulation and as a fire retardant. When asbestos is disturbed or burns, it realeases toxic fibers that become airborne and are easily inhaled. These fibers lodge in the lungs for decades causing damage. Urban had pleural mesothelioma, which specifically affects the lining of the lungs, leaving no doubt that he’d likely inhaled asbestos for a prolonged period of time.

The local Hollis Street and Saxonville fire stations both have had asbestos, and several years ago, an area in Station 2 was closed off and bolted before the contamination was cleaned up, making exposure at his station a real possibility.

“Mike was family, and we lost a member of our family, and we’ll deal with that the way any family does,” said Station 2 captain at the Saxonville firehouse Paul Barlow

Mesothelioma Settlement

The severe physical disability suffered from contracting Mesothelioma prompted the government to require that all asbestos related cases are handled by a Mesothelioma lawyer. These lawyers work with the plaintiff in order to secure a Mesothelioma settlement. Asbestos is such a clear danger to health that the European Union has issued a Directive banning all use, extraction and manufacture of the substance.

Mesothelioma settlements are voluntary agreements made between the plaintiff and the defendant without a trial. Monetary compensation is rendered most often to cover medical expenses, lost wages from the disability, and court costs. In many cases, settlements for pain and suffering, including the prediction of disease onset, is included. Settlement compensation is unique to the situation, and can range from thousands to millions of dollars. With enough evidence and intelligent negotiation, victims can convince the companies liable to compensate them fairly.

Mesothelioma lawyers handle around 2500 Mesothelioma cases annually in the U.S. The first step in the settlement process is filing a complaint. The American Bar Association recommends that there be two precedents for filing an asbestos claim, to protect those more seriously affected. The ABA believes in a clear standard for injury, and that the statue of limitations for a Mesothelioma settlement claim should not begin until after the person develops physical illness.

A Mesothelioma lawyer will launch a thorough investigation into the plaintiff's health and employment history to help confirm that an incident of exposure at the workplace described is the cause of the alleged illness. In genuine cases of asbestos exposure, imaging of a person's lungs after exposure will reveal pre-cancerous alteration to tissue that will most likely manifest itself as Mesothelioma many years later.

Despite the high risk of disease from long term or short term exposure, America unwisely continues its use and extraction of asbestos. Asbestos is still coveted by the government because of its resistance to heat, chemical damage, electrical damage, and absorption factor.


by: daniel woodrich

Mesothelioma Settlement

The severe physical disability suffered from contracting Mesothelioma prompted the government to require that all asbestos related cases are handled by a Mesothelioma lawyer. These lawyers work with the plaintiff in order to secure a Mesothelioma settlement. Asbestos is such a clear danger to health that the European Union has issued a Directive banning all use, extraction and manufacture of the substance.

Mesothelioma settlements are voluntary agreements made between the plaintiff and the defendant without a trial. Monetary compensation is rendered most often to cover medical expenses, lost wages from the disability, and court costs. In many cases, settlements for pain and suffering, including the prediction of disease onset, is included. Settlement compensation is unique to the situation, and can range from thousands to millions of dollars. With enough evidence and intelligent negotiation, victims can convince the companies liable to compensate them fairly.

Mesothelioma lawyers handle around 2500 Mesothelioma cases annually in the U.S. The first step in the settlement process is filing a complaint. The American Bar Association recommends that there be two precedents for filing an asbestos claim, to protect those more seriously affected. The ABA believes in a clear standard for injury, and that the statue of limitations for a Mesothelioma settlement claim should not begin until after the person develops physical illness.

A Mesothelioma lawyer will launch a thorough investigation into the plaintiff's health and employment history to help confirm that an incident of exposure at the workplace described is the cause of the alleged illness. In genuine cases of asbestos exposure, imaging of a person's lungs after exposure will reveal pre-cancerous alteration to tissue that will most likely manifest itself as Mesothelioma many years later.

Despite the high risk of disease from long term or short term exposure, America unwisely continues its use and extraction of asbestos. Asbestos is still coveted by the government because of its resistance to heat, chemical damage, electrical damage, and absorption factor.


by: daniel woodrich

Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawyer

n the last three or four years, there has been a tremendous increase in Mesothelioma cases across United States. Because of this, there is not much of a surprise that more and more lawyers have started specializing in asbestos and Mesothelioma related lawsuits. These lawyers often help Mesothelioma victims that are looking to get compensation from their company which are responsible for asbestos exposure. By filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit, you can get plenty of money in the form of compensation. But this will only happen when you manage to find a right kind of asbestos lawyer.

Asbestos Lawyers

Asbestos lawyers are specialists who will give you support in every stage of your Mesothelioma lawsuit. Before hiring any asbestos lawyer, it is advisable that you check their record well in advance. Stay away from lawyers whose success rate is less than 80%. The internet is the best place to find an asbestos lawyer because in a matter of seconds you can get details of all the top asbestos lawyers in your area.

When selecting an asbestos lawyer for your Mesothelioma case, you need to be patient. Do not expect answers to all your queries initially. Your lawyer will need some time to review your specific case. Mesothelioma cases are all about preparation and if it is not done well, it can have a negative impact on your case.

Deadline

In Mesothelioma cases, you need to keep a keen eye on deadlines. If you miss any of your court hearings, it can give the defense plenty of benefits. It is the responsibility of your Mesothelioma lawyer to be present in every court hearing even if you cannot be there because of your busy schedule or medical issues.

Strengths and Weaknesses of your Mesothelioma Case

To attain success in your Mesothelioma case, it is of paramount importance that you are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you do not have enough evidence, it is advisable that you focus on safety regulations associated with asbestos exposure. After reviewing all your documents and case details, your Mesothelioma lawyer will decide on a method through which your case can be represented more effectively.

If the defense is interested in an out of court settlement, it is a clear sign that your case is strong and you can demand maximum compensation. Before going for an out of court settlement, make sure that you have a chat with your Mesothelioma lawyer. Your lawyer can tell you well in advance whether an out of court settlement is a good move. Deciding on a compensation amount can be tricky so it is quite important that you have your case analyzed properly and only ask for an amount that is applicable rather than demanding so much that you will be shot down.

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy in Retired Employees

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which affects approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States each year. Retired employees who have worked at known asbestos sites such as powerhouses, oil refineries, power plants, shipyards, and construction sites should seek immediate diagnosis to determine if they have developed this deadly disease. Mesothelioma life expectancy in retired employees varies and depends on numerous factors.

Life Expectancy of Mesothelioma Cancer Patients

A patient’s prognosis is affected by numerous factors which include early detection of the cancer, the age of the victim, the types of treatment received, how aggressively it is treated, and a patient’s diet can also contribute to an extended life-span. Mesothelioma however can be extremely difficult to detect due to the similarity of symptoms to other more common conditions such as influenza. Doctors may overlook mesothelioma as a diagnosis which can delay receiving appropriate treatment. Due to the severe latency period of mesothelioma symptoms which is about 14-50, mesothelioma treatment will need to be aggressive. However the life expectancy for most mesothelioma sufferers is within 6 to twelve months from receiving prognosis.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

If any of the symptoms listed below is detected, mesothelioma diagnosis is recommended to receive appropriate treatment:

• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Excessive fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Abdominal swelling
• Pain in chest area
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent dry cough
• Acute pain in the abdominal region

Mesothelioma Attorneys Can Help You with Your Case

If you have mesothelioma cancer you will need to get a hold of an experience mesothelioma trial lawyer immediately. When the lawyer is seen, you will have to submit previous employment information, all medical information related to being exposed to asbestos and developing mesothelioma cancer. This information will help to speed things along during your mesothelioma trial.

Improving Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Mesothelioma research and doctors are doing their best to improve the life expectancy of mesothelioma suffers. When an older person develops mesothelioma cancer, treatment is difficult due to other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and other lung ailments which can significantly affect a patient’s life expectancy. While there is still no cure for mesothelioma, mesothelioma life expectancy in retired employees can be increased if patients undergo various aggressive treatments.

taken from :mesoblog.org

Walter Reed Medical Center Reuse Plan states “sizeable” asbestos contamination | Mesothelioma News

The recently released Final Reuse Plot for Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. describes in fantastic detail what will happen to the 62 acres under redevelopment. But, there is still a fantastic deal of concern surrounding the amount of contamination that will have to be dealt with in buildings slated for demolition and renovation.

The Army assumes the presence of lead-based paint in any building constructed before 1978, has found petroleum and PCBs in soil samples and has identified asbestos in seven buildings. Asbestos is a toxic fiber used commonly in construction prior to the 1980’s and is known to cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the body’s major cavities and organs.

The area around the historically-designated central heating plant is particularly contaminated. Known as Building 15, the plot lists it as an “attractive retail destination.” Additionally, two 400,000-gallon underground storage tanks used to hold heating oil have to be removed. The cost of this clean-up is expected to be “significant.”

Asbestos abatement on its own is an expensive undertaking, as it is a long, legally regulated process. But, if asbestos removal is not handled property, both workers and the surrounding community could be exposed to carcinogenic fibers that can cause pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, which affect the lining of the lungs and abdomen respectively.

The full scope of contamination at Walter Reed has yet to be conclusively determined, and the Army is showing small interest in dealing with any problems. It is, but, keen to go on with the land transfer.

MESOTHELIOMA NEWS

Experts Urge Canada to Change Deadly Asbestos Policy

Monday, May 10th, 2010.

World renowned experts, asbestos victims, labour, political leaders, academic researchers and health care providers will gather on Parliament Hill on May 12 to demand that Canada change its shameful course on asbestos, at a 11 a.m. press conference and subsequent rally. They will also call for just transition policies for communities relying on this industry.

"Pretending that there are methods to handle asbestos safely is just like saying there is a safe way to fall from a 15th floor," said Dr. Fernand Turcotte, professor emeritus of preventive medicine and public health at the medical school of Université Laval.

"Suffering from hunger is far less painful than suffering from a dreadful occupational illness like mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure," said Dr. Tushar Kant Joshi, occupational and environmental health physician, Fellow at Collegium Ramazzini in Italy.

After a press conference at 11 a.m. in the Charles Lynch Room, participants will be joined by demonstrators in front of Centre Block at 12:15.

What:

Press conference and demonstration to demand Canada change its shameful course on asbestos

Who:

Pat Martin, NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre

Dr. Kapil Khatter, family physician in Ottawa, President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

Dr. Tushar Kant Joshi, world renowned occupational health expert

Mike Bradley, Mayor of Sarnia

Dr. Fernand Turcotte, professor emeritus of preventive medicine and public health at the medical school of Université Laval

Dr. Barry Castleman, chemical engineer, environmentalist and asbestos substitutes consultant to the World Health Organization and the World Bank

Hassan Yussuff, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress

Sandra Kinart, Community Health Care worker and community activist whose husband Blayne has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma

When:

Press conference at 11 a.m., Charles Lynch Room (130 S, Centre Block, House of Commons, Ottawa)

Demonstration at 12:15 p.m. in front of Centre Block

About CUPE

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is Canada’s largest union.

With around 600 000 members across Canada, CUPE represents workers in health care, education, municipalities, libraries, universities, social services, public utilities, transportation, emergency services and airlines.

A strong and democratic union, CUPE is committed to improving the quality of life for workers in Canada. Women and men working together to form local unions built CUPE. They did so to have a stronger voice – a collective voice – in their workplace and in society as a whole.

Together they have won the right to negotiate their wages and working conditions; to stop arbitrary action by employers; and to speak out without fear of reprisal.

CUPE members are service-providers, white-collar workers, technicians, labourers, skilled trades people and professionals. More than half of CUPE members are women. About one-third are part-time workers.

CUPE is a modern, dynamic and sophisticated union with more than 70 offices across the country.

Workers, united through CUPE, have the clout and expertise to deal with the growing complexities of our global economy.

MESOTHELIOMA NEWS

ADAO Applauds Assembly Committee on Natural Resources for Passing Resolution to Repeal the Designation of Asbestos Laden Serpentine as the California State Rock

Friday, June 25th, 2010.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) applauds both Senator Gloria Romero for authoring SB 624 and the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources for passing this legislation to remove serpentine, the host rock of asbestos, as California’s official state rock, supporting the eradication of asbestos to promote public health.

“ADAO dedicates our efforts on this campaign to Army Archerd, prolific Daily Variety journalist who died from mesothelioma in September 2009”

“California has the highest rate of mesothelioma deaths in the nation,” said Senator Gloria Romero (D-East Los Angeles). “This bill is about raising awareness to protect the health of our citizens. Serpentine contains asbestos, a known carcinogen. Toxic materials have no place serving as emblems for the State.”

Asbestos causes cancers and respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer that claim 10,000 people every year in the United States and nearly 100,000 people worldwide. In 1965, serpentine was designated as the state rock of California in order to promote the then-lucrative asbestos mining industry. A practically indestructible lethal fiber, asbestos has been used for decades in numerous industries throughout California including building construction and naval shipyards, as well as in common household products ranging from crayons to blow dryers. Though asbestos is banned in 52 countries, it is not banned in the United States.

“ADAO dedicates our efforts on this campaign to Army Archerd, prolific Daily Variety journalist who died from mesothelioma in September 2009,” said Linda Reinstein, CEO and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “A longtime fixture on the red carpet, Army’s death is unfortunately not unique and the death toll will continue until the United States Congress passes legislation banning asbestos. More than 7,000 Californians have died from asbestos-related diseases.”

On behalf of asbestos victims and their families, the John McNamara Foundation, and The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, ADAO applauds our political leaders as this legislation moves forward to repeal serpentine as the state rock.

Asbestos Disease

Did you know that Asbestos can actually be a source of disaster for our health?

Unsuspecting communities consider Asbestos is a miracle substance that is widely used on thousands of goods production. Asbestos hazards caused Although not directly visible, but the dangers of Asbestos can cause serious illness, debilitating and even fatal. Mesothelioma Asbestos Disease, among others, lung cancer and Asbestosis. Asbestosis initial symptoms will appear between 10 to 40 years later, even more. Almost no place is safe for Asbestos contamination level.

Asbestos contamination is very high which is found in many work environments including construction sites, shipyards, rail, car repair shop and mine. Potential Asbestos contamination can also occur in the school environment, households and public buildings if asbestos products is damaged.

You can do the best protection from these Asbestos disease is by knowing and learning more about this. We will help you by providing various information about this asbestos diseases.

MESOTHELIOMA

Mesothelioma or more often called malignant mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that develops in some of the protective layer of the internal organs of the body. Mesothelium, usually caused by asbestos particles. Mesothelioma can attack the pleura (the outer layer of the lungs and internal chest on the wall), sometimes also attack the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis can also.

Most people who contracted mesothelioma is usually due to have been in the environment where the air was polluted particles of asbestos or asbestos dust. So that people who wash clothes can catch mesothelioma cover ofa. In other words, Mesothelioma is often caused by asbestos dust particles or inhaled by humans. Unlike lung cancer, mesothelioma is no relation of Deng's smoking. But smoking can cause mesothelioma if it is done within the asbestos particles.

Mesothelioma symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest wall pain. Common symptoms include decreased body weight. Early diagnosis can be made with chest X-rays and CT scans.