Myth: Asbestos a Thing of the Past

According to an article on deaths from mesothelioma/asbestos, each year, 10,000 Americans die -- often quite painfully - due to asbestos-related illnesses. Because it takes between 10 and 50 years for symptoms to emerge, these numbers are expected to climb through 2018.

"People think asbestos is a thing of the past," said Harbut, M.D., co-director of the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers, at the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, adding that inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers permanently penetrates the lungs and other tissue, causing cancer and other respiratory diseases. "I wish it were."

This weekend Harbut is increasing awareness regarding early detection at The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization's fourth annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference in Detroit.
His goal is to educate and provide outreach to those impacted by exposure. Scheduled events include a musical performance by Jordan Zevon, son of legendary rock musician Warren Zevon, who died of an asbestos-related illness in 2003.

At 10:30 a.m. today, participants will join people around the globe in celebrating the memory of those who died of related diseases with a candlelight ceremony and brunch at the Detroit Marriot Renaissance Center.

"There's a place you can go to find out if you are at high risk for developing asbestos cancers - and get some help," Harbut said. "Karmanos is generally thought to be at the forefront of asbestos research."

Harbut's research team is recognized for discovering two early tumor markers for asbestos-related disease, as revealed through a blood test.

"Early detection helps people live longer and less painfully -- and hopefully less tragically for the family," Harbut said. "It can take a very brief exposure to be affected. There's no such thing as a safe level of exposure."

Between 4,000 and 8,000 new cases of mesothelioma are discovered in the United States each year. Asbestos is the only known cause. According to Harbut, it's the smallest percentage of asbestos-related cancers. Tens of thousands of others are expected to die of lung cancer, asbestosis and other related illnesses.

Useful asbestos website

The Department of Health and Human Services has a useful website with a great deal of information regarding asbestos, including what it is, types of asbestos exposure, health effects, what you can do if you’re exposed to it, FAQs, info on lung cancer and mesothelioma, plus a variety of links to other valuable resources.

Mesothelioma Q & A

Here is a short version of a Q & A from the National Cancer Institute’s website, with some useful answers to questions readers may have about mesothelioma, asbestos and health-related risks...

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

1. What is the mesothelium?
The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

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

3. How common is mesothelioma?
Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.

4. What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

5. Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?
Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople.

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma.

On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases.

6. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.

If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

7. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

8. How is mesothelioma treated?
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

9. Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?
Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

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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.

Asbestos Exposure Slows Hurricane Katrina Cleanup

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.

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.

$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.

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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.

First-Time Federal Funding for Mesothelioma Research

According to a recent press release on mesothelioma research, the Department of Defense (DoD) Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program was appropriated $50 million in the Defense Appropriations Bill that the President signed in mid-November.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) is excited to announce that, for the first time, mesothelioma will be included as a research priority within the DoD's Medical Research Program, to begin February 2008. As a candidate research area within the program, mesothelioma investigators are eligible to compete for funding through the program's 2008 grant cycle.

"The Meso Foundation has been working with fifteen senators, led bySenator Max Baucus (D-MT), advocating the federal government to respond to the mesothelioma crisis through a commitment of new federal research dollars," said Chris Hahn, Executive Director of The Meso Foundation. "Our advocacy efforts in this area for the past several years finally paid off."

Federal medical research projects must be of clear scientific merit and have direct relevance to military health. Military relevance is a key feature of the Investigator-Initiated award, a connection that will not be difficult for mesothelioma researchers to establish for their grant applications.

There is a long history of asbestos exposure in military service, and a significant elevated risk of mesothelioma in the military population. In fact, approximately one third of mesothelioma cases have been shown to involve Navy and shipyard exposures. Given the long latency of the disease, even if exposures are reduced, mesothelioma will continue to affect the veteran and military population for decades to come.

This funding opportunity can serve as a vital resource to the mesocommunity and is another crucial step toward advancing the research andtreatment of mesothelioma. The Meso Foundation strongly encouragesmesothelioma investigators to consider submitting applications for fundingin 2008, as the interest and engagement shown by the community will likelybe a factor in whether mesothelioma is included as a candidate in future years.

Asbestos turns up in toys, children's clay and other products

Asbestos turns up in toys, children's clay and other products

According to an article on asbestos, the substance that can cause malignant mesothelioma was found in toys and children’s clay.

Asbestos has been found in a variety of consumer products, including one of this season's biggest-selling Christmas toys, according to the nation's largest asbestos victims’ organizations.
The CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit, two brands of children's play clay, powdered cleanser, roof sealers, duct tapes, window glazing, spackling paste and small appliances were among the products in which asbestos was found by at least two of three labs hired by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

The group, which was created in 2004 by asbestos victims and their families, spent more than $165,000 to have government-certified laboratories examine hundreds of consumer products over 18 months to determine whether asbestos was present.

The product that is of greatest concerns to some public health experts is the fingerprint kit, which is a huge seller, according to sales personnel interviewed by the Seattle P-I.

The kit, made in China, is one of several items licensed by CBS after its popular "CSI" science-crime shows. This model has an extensive array of plastic tools, inks and three types of very fine powders -- white, black and glow-in-the-dark. The analysis done for the victim's organization found high levels of two types of asbestos in the white and the glow powder.

Physicians are especially concerned because of the significant likelihood of children breathing in asbestos fibers as they hunt for fingerprints and use a soft-bristled brush to move the powder around.

CBS Consumer Products responded quickly when told of the reported contamination.
"We've asked our licensee to immediately conduct an independent test in the U.S. for asbestos. If the toy is determined to be unsafe, then we will insist that the licensee remove it from the market," a statement from a CBS spokesman said.

The manufacturer and distributor -- Planet Toys in New York City -- said in an e-mail that it frequently inspects the plants in China that make the CSI toys. "We respect anyone's right to test our products and should their or our future tests reveal anything unacceptable, we'll of course take swift action to remove contaminated products from the market."

Another product the labs said contained asbestos was Art Skills' Clay Bucket, where asbestos was found in six colors of clay.

The Pennsylvania-based family business uses clay from Thailand and, Jennifer Hogan said, produces "a safe and hazard-free product" which has "passed all toxicology tests required to conform to applicable United States safety standards."

Hogan says her firm appreciates the seriousness of the organization's concerns "and will pursue vigorously any evidence of hazardous substances in our products."

The laboratories reported asbestos in Scotch High Performance Duct Tape and its All Weather Duct Tape, both of which are manufactured in Canada, according to 3M.

"3M has a policy against using asbestos in our products," said Jackie Berry, a corporate spokeswoman, "and we don't use asbestos in our duct tape."

The labs also said asbestos was found in numerous tests of DAP Crack Shot Spackling Paste and DAP's 33 Window Glazing.

David Fuller, vice president of marketing for DAP, said "neither product contains asbestos. As a responsible company, DAP has been, and will continue to be, in regular contact with our suppliers and will routinely review information and regulations relevant to ensuring the safety and efficacy of our products."

Paul Zygielbaum, a survivor of mesothelioma, and his wife, Michelle, proposed tests of products readily available on U.S. store shelves. "Our reasoning was that, while the continuing legality of asbestos doesn't seem to cause public outrage, the actual, unsuspected presence of asbestos in everyday products might do so," said Zygielbaum, who managed the testing.

After reporting its findings at a news conference in Washington on Wednesday morning, the organization says it will submit its testing information to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the EPA.

Asbestos in the Workplace: The Occupational Time Bomb

A blog posting on asbestos in the workplace asserts that there are entire classes of workers who have been put in danger without even knowing it.

Contrary to popular belief, asbestos when left alone, poses little threat to human inhalation though those asbestos containing materials should be replaced as a rule. However it is when it is damaged by heat, weather, or other force which renders it “friable,” when it is most dangerous.

When the asbestos fibers become loosened or otherwise disturbed by any number of factors they become airborne and inhaled.

Occupational hazards are the most common origin of asbestos related health complications. Duties which engage asbestos materials are those who are the most likely to disturb the particles and inhale them. This can happen in a myriad of occupational situations but is most common in shipyards, construction sites, and some areas of manufacturing.

Asbestos related diseases, such as the lung cancer mesothelioma, are incredibly painful and debilitating ailments, in which in the absence of a cure the body will eventually asphyxiate itself. Often the symptoms of asbestos related respiratory complications will not appear for several years, even decades after an exposure.
This can lead many to be unaware of the causal relationship between a prior occupational exposure and the reality that they now have to deal with.

It is important that if you have been exposed to asbestos, or think you may have been exposed while working in one of the above or related industries that you seek the assistance of a physician. There are medical, emotional, and legal support structures already in place to assist victims of occupational asbestos exposure. Early detection of the disease is the primary variable which can increase treatment and quality of life management options.

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.

Benefit Concert for Asbestos Disease Awareness and Research Funds

According to an article on asbestos disease awareness, a concert will be held on December 8th,, Presented by Jones House Music, to Be Held at Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez, CA – Featuring Tributes from Jordan Zevon and Other Well-Known Artists.



WHO:

Friends of Warren Zevon Featuring:
-- Jordan Zevon, Warren Zevon's son and ADAO National Spokesperson whose debut album is scheduled for release in early 2008 on New West Records
-- Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitar player with The Heartbreakers; performed on Zevon's Grammy winning album, the Wind
-- Kenny Edwards, co-founder of the Stone Poneys with Linda Ronstadt and Bryndle with Karla Bonoff; recorded numerous Zevon songs and performed on Zevon's Excitable Boy album
-- Matt Cartsonis, multi-instrumentalist and composer for film, television and various commercials; performed in Zevon's final tour
-- Phil Cody, singer and songwriter; toured with Zevon in the 1990's
-- Plus - up and coming young artists: Crosby Loggins and Paul Cartwright and Friends



WHAT:

Tribute Concert to Warren Zevon, who was taken in 2003 by the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma. Presented by Jones House Music, the concert will include songs from a myriad of performers who played with Zevon in various settings, including for his final album, The Wind, which earned two posthumous Grammy Awards in 2004 for Best Rock Performance By A Group or Duo for "Disorder in the House" along with longtime friend Bruce Springsteen, and Best Contemporary Folk album.

Warren Zevon's legendary career includes over 18 albums, 2 gold records, 1 platinum record, 2 Grammy awards, an honorary presidential award from NARAS, and numerous Songwriter of The Year Awards from publications like Rolling Stone Magazine. His biggest hit, "Werewolves of London" continues to make critic lists as one of the best Rock songs of all time.

Funds will be used to support the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). The occurrence of asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, is growing out of control. Studies estimate that during the next decade, 100,000 victims in the United States will die of an asbestos related disease - equaling 30 deaths per day.

Tickets are $35 and are available starting November 5 at http://www.warrenzevontribute.com/ or at the Maverick Saloon http://www.mavericksaloon.org/.

$250,000 pledged for mesothelioma research

According to an article on mesothelioma research, a study on the cause of mesothelioma — a rare, as-yet-incurable cancer — among some Iron Range miners has been given a financial boost.

A $250,000 appropriation that would help pay for medical examinations of miners as part of a University of Minnesota and state Department of Health study was unanimously approved Thursday by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board at a board meeting at IRR headquarters near Eveleth.

Since 2003, 58 Iron Range miners have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare, fatal form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Iron Range lawmakers have fought passionately to move ahead with a study that would pinpoint whether iron ore dust causes the disease.

The $250,000 IRR appropriation, which Gov. Tim Pawlenty still needs to approve, would be spent locally for x-rays, MRIs or other diagnostic services on miners, Rukavina said.

September 26th is National Mesothelioma Cancer Awareness Day

According to an article on Mesothelioma cancer awareness, September 26th is National Meso (mesothelioma) Awareness Day. Begun by the Meso Foundation, this day is dedicated to raise awareness of the problems, symptoms, and need for research into mesothelioma, one of the lesser-known forms of cancer.

A person with mensothelioma may eventually be suffocated so that breathing is painful, or the heart or other organs can be crushed as the cancer grows. Most people who are diagnosed with meso die within 4 to 14 months.

Meso is caused by asbestos exposure. It can take years (30, 40, or even 50 years) to develop. According to the Meso Foundation, the U.S. EPA identified asbestos as," one of the most hazardous substances to which humans are exposed in both occupational and non-occupational settings."

The EPA estimates that over 20 million American workers have been exposed to asbestos particles. Every year approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma.

According to the Meso Foundation, treatments for mesothelioma were largely ignored. While asbestos was known to be a carcinogenic, businesses were allowed to continue using it. Developing treatments for meso were ignored, perhaps because of potential legal minefields.

With a myriad of reasons behind it, the bottom line is that funding for research into treating meso has lagged far behind that of other forms of cancer. The Meso Foundation hopes to change this by drawing awareness to this rare but painful form of cancer.

Actor Steve McQueen died of meso only 11 months after his diagnosis in 1980. In 2003, singer-songwriter Warren Zevon was also diagnosed with meso. He died one year after being diagnosed with it. The treatment of meso has not changed much since 1980.