Cleanup from Hurricane Katrina continues to be slow because of possible asbestos exposure. In a New Orleans parish, officials have determined to use a controlled burn rather than to demolish and move debris to a landfill, which could increase the potential for asbestos contamination.
Because of the large number of asbestos-contaminated buildings and debris still sitting in a New Orleans parish from Hurricane Katrina, a controlled cleanup burn will occur. Three years after the hurricane hit New Orleans, officials are unable to demolish several buildings for fear that asbestos dust will contaminate surrounding areas. Instead, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a controlled burn of the wreckage in a specially designed incinerator, which will occur while air quality is monitored.
Asbestos is a highly toxic mineral that was used in the construction of homes, schools, universities, government buildings and office buildings. The mineral was used because of its resistance to heat and fire damage as well as its strength, however, it was discovered that the inhalation of asbestos fibers and dust was highly toxic to individuals and can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer.
It can take years and even decades for those affected by mesothelioma to know they have been afflicted with the incurable illness. Mesothelioma is not only often misdiagnosed but when it is not caught early enough, there is no possibility to postpone or cure the disease. Those who suspect they have been exposed to asbestos should contact a mesothelioma doctor to learn about treatments. Additionally, it is advisable to consult a mesothelioma attorney for information on how to file mesothelioma litigation.
In the New Orleans parish, officials have determined to burn three asbestos contaminated buildings by using an incinerator known as an "air curtain destructor." In addition to this the EPA will be monitoring the air quality of the burn to ensure that there is no toxic.
Similar to mesothelioma is a disease known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), which is a rare skin disorder associated with patients of kidney disease who are receiving gadolinium dye during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) tests. NSF causes a victim's skin to swell, thicken and eventually harden. The skin also forms swollen red scabs, which can be painful. Also, because of the skins hardening, specifically around the limb's joints, it may become difficult for a victim to function on their own.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Inspiring letter from cancer survivor
Here’s an excerpt from an inspiring letter, and valuable advice, from a Mesothelioma survivor. Read the entire letter here.
Dear Fellow Cancer Patient:
I'm Dick Bloch. In March, 1978 I was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given 3 months to live by an outstanding doctor. I am now healthy, cancer free, and devoting myself along with my wife, Annette, to helping the next person with cancer have the best chance of beating it. I'm not saying you can have the same success I did, but if you try, you have a chance.
The biggest and the hardest single thing that you will be required to do in the entire battle is to make up your mind to really fight it. You must, on your own, make the commitment that you will do everything in your power to fight your disease. No exceptions. Nothing halfway. Nothing for the sake of ease or convenience. Everything! Nothing short of it. When you have done this, you have accomplished the most difficult thing you will have to accomplish throughout your entire treatment. And I don't care how serious or how minor you are led to believe your cancer is.
Remember, once you have made the commitment, everything else is relatively easy. There will be pleasant experiences. There will be unpleasant experiences. But I can promise you it is not as difficult as making the decision to make the commitment.
Call the Cancer Hot Line at 800-433-0464 to request a copy of Fighting Cancer and to ask for a list of institutions that provide a multidisciplinary second opinion..All of this and much more is yours for the asking.
There is a saying that it takes 6 things to beat cancer. First is the best possible medical treatment. Second is the best possible medical treatment. Third, fourth and fifth are the best medical treatment. Sixth is a positive mental attitude. Without all 6, you don't have a chance. But look at it in that perspective and relative importance. A positive mental attitude is not burying your head in the sand and saying' "I'm going to get well." It is doing everything within your power in addition to medicine to help yourself recover.
That "everything" is to thoroughly read and digest the book, "Fighting Cancer" that you received by calling 800-433-0464. It is written in plain English to help you understand your disease and do everything in your power to help you fight it. The last chapter is a check list.
Fighting cancer is not a simple matter of thinking positively, wishing it away and saying, "Hey, doc, cure me." It is a matter of knowledge. It is a matter of educating yourself about every detail and mustering all your resources. Use every drop of energy in an organized fashion to constructively concentrate on getting rid of cancer. Most cancers can be successfully treated, but generally you have only one chance. If you miss that first chance, if you don't do everything in your power, often there is no second chance.
This is why no cancer patient can afford the luxury of looking back and saying, "I wish I would have...." Never look back. Concentrate on this moment forward and do everything in your power. There is no downside risk. Now you may have a chance.
Good Luck & God Bless You,
Dick Bloch
If you, a coworker or a family member has been exposed to asbestos, contact the law firm of LEVY PHILLIPS & KONIGSBERG, LLP. LPK has been a pioneer in representing victims of asbestos exposure, and is one of the nation’s premier law firms in the areas of toxic torts, product liability, personal injury, and discrimination law.
Dear Fellow Cancer Patient:
I'm Dick Bloch. In March, 1978 I was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given 3 months to live by an outstanding doctor. I am now healthy, cancer free, and devoting myself along with my wife, Annette, to helping the next person with cancer have the best chance of beating it. I'm not saying you can have the same success I did, but if you try, you have a chance.
The biggest and the hardest single thing that you will be required to do in the entire battle is to make up your mind to really fight it. You must, on your own, make the commitment that you will do everything in your power to fight your disease. No exceptions. Nothing halfway. Nothing for the sake of ease or convenience. Everything! Nothing short of it. When you have done this, you have accomplished the most difficult thing you will have to accomplish throughout your entire treatment. And I don't care how serious or how minor you are led to believe your cancer is.
Remember, once you have made the commitment, everything else is relatively easy. There will be pleasant experiences. There will be unpleasant experiences. But I can promise you it is not as difficult as making the decision to make the commitment.
Call the Cancer Hot Line at 800-433-0464 to request a copy of Fighting Cancer and to ask for a list of institutions that provide a multidisciplinary second opinion..All of this and much more is yours for the asking.
There is a saying that it takes 6 things to beat cancer. First is the best possible medical treatment. Second is the best possible medical treatment. Third, fourth and fifth are the best medical treatment. Sixth is a positive mental attitude. Without all 6, you don't have a chance. But look at it in that perspective and relative importance. A positive mental attitude is not burying your head in the sand and saying' "I'm going to get well." It is doing everything within your power in addition to medicine to help yourself recover.
That "everything" is to thoroughly read and digest the book, "Fighting Cancer" that you received by calling 800-433-0464. It is written in plain English to help you understand your disease and do everything in your power to help you fight it. The last chapter is a check list.
Fighting cancer is not a simple matter of thinking positively, wishing it away and saying, "Hey, doc, cure me." It is a matter of knowledge. It is a matter of educating yourself about every detail and mustering all your resources. Use every drop of energy in an organized fashion to constructively concentrate on getting rid of cancer. Most cancers can be successfully treated, but generally you have only one chance. If you miss that first chance, if you don't do everything in your power, often there is no second chance.
This is why no cancer patient can afford the luxury of looking back and saying, "I wish I would have...." Never look back. Concentrate on this moment forward and do everything in your power. There is no downside risk. Now you may have a chance.
Good Luck & God Bless You,
Dick Bloch
If you, a coworker or a family member has been exposed to asbestos, contact the law firm of LEVY PHILLIPS & KONIGSBERG, LLP. LPK has been a pioneer in representing victims of asbestos exposure, and is one of the nation’s premier law firms in the areas of toxic torts, product liability, personal injury, and discrimination law.
Friday, February 01, 2008
$15.3 million award in meso lawsuit
According to an article on mesothelioma at baltimoresun.com, a man was paid a $15.3 million award in an asbestos-related lawsuit:
A Baltimore jury ordered a sealant company yesterday to pay a 73-year-old man $15.3 million after determining that he developed mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos-containing products made by the company, the plaintiff's lawyer said.
George J. Linkus worked at Key Highway Shipyard from 1952 to 1959, said his lawyer, David L. Palmer.
In 1954, Linkus moved to the machine shop and worked on lining valves using rope made by the defendant, John Crane Inc.
The jury found that the rope used by Linkus contained asbestos, Palmer said.
Mesothelioma is a cancer directly linked to asbestos. Yesterday's verdict concluded a three-week trial.
----
If you, a coworker or a family member has been exposed to asbestos, contact the law firm of LEVY PHILLIPS & KONIGSBERG, LLP. LPK has been a pioneer in representing victims of asbestos exposure, and is one of the nation’s premier law firms in the areas of toxic torts, product liability, personal injury, and discrimination law.
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