Asbestos Still in Use in America US Geological Survey Reports

The U.S. Geological Survey reported on the use of asbestos in a 2005 study and found that asbestos was being used in several everyday products. LegalView has published a press release concerning the report; the following is an excerpt:

Denver, CO (PRWEB) September 1, 2008 -- LegalView, the number one legal resource for everything and anything legal on the Web, recently notified mesothelioma information blog readers of the import of thousands of tons of asbestos being used in products such as cement, packing materials, and roofing products, as well as in an array of other materials. The information was derived from a 2005 U.S. Geological Survey report on asbestos that has been highly attributed to be the cause of an incurable form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a mineral that has been in use for nearly 3,000 years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It has been used in an array of products but became widely mined and used during the 19th and well into the 20th century. It was considered an inexpensive and fire-retardant material that could be used in the construction industry especially as insulation for homes, apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, universities, offices and government buildings. However, the use of the material was linked to a severe form of lung cancer that remains dormant for years in a victim upon initial exposure to asbestos. After symptoms become present, sometimes nearly 20 or 30 years after exposure to asbestos, the victim's health rapidly declines and inevitably leads to a painful death, as there is no cure for the cancer.

Those suffering from mesothelioma can use the LegalView mesothelioma information portal to better understand the condition as well as how to protect them from asbestos exposure. Victims of mesothelioma can seek out relief from expensive medical bills by contacting a mesothelioma law firm that employs a experienced mesothelioma lawyers, who can assist in retrieving monetary compensation for the disease through a potential mesothelioma lawsuit.

Asbestos - Questions and Answers

Updated: The National Cancer Institute has an excellent question and answer page about asbestos exposure. They are frequently updating the info. It is a great "Asbestos Fact Sheet" - check it out if you are looking for un-biased info:

Here's the link: Asbestos Exposure Questions and Answers

Another excellent resource is a website provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, EPA and the American Lung Association (The Christmas Seal People) titled, "Asbestos In The Home."

Asbestos Exposure Questions and Answers

A fact sheet about asbestos, asbestos-related diseases, and who to contact for more information has been published by the National Cancer Institute. Fact Sheet 3.21. provides a wealth of information about asbestos and cancer:

• What is asbestos?
• How is asbestos used?
• What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos?
• Who is at risk for an asbestos-related disease?
• What factors affect the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease?
• How does smoking affect risk?
• How are asbestos-related diseases detected?
• How can workers protect themselves from asbestos exposure?

It is an excellent publication on asbestos you can find here.

Asbestos Defined - Resources

If you are looking for a comprehensive description of asbestos, its origin and health affects, a good place to look is:

1. Asbestos at Wiki
   
   
2. EPA's Indoor Air Quality Site - Asbestos page
   
   
3. OSHA Safety and Health Topics - Asbestos
   Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard and is highly regulated. An estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. Heaviest exposures occur in the construction industry, particularly during the removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition. Employees are also likely to be exposed during the manufacture of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction products, insulation, and other building materials) and during automotive brake and clutch repair work.
   

4. NIOSH Publications On Asbestos

Health Effects

No immediate symptoms, but long-term risk of chest and abdominal cancers and lung diseases. Smokers are at higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung cancer. Integrated Risk Information System description on Asbestos - www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0371.htm#I.A. (Chemical Abstract Service Registry Number - 1332-21-4).

The most dangerous asbestos fibers are too small to be visible. After they are inhaled, they can remain and accumulate in the lungs. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings), and asbestosis (irreversible lung scarring that can be fatal). Symptoms of these diseases do not show up until many years after exposure began. Most people with asbestos-related diseases were exposed to elevated concentrations on the job; some developed disease from exposure to clothing and equipment brought home from job sites.

_______________________________
Call EPA's TSCA Assistance Line at (202) 554-1404 to find out whether your state has a training and certification program for asbestos removal contractors and for information on EPA's Asbestos programs or visit the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxic Substances Asbestos Home Page - www.epa.gov/asbestos

Posted by Greg Magnus | AMG Market

Brake and Clutch Auto Repair Preventing Asbestos Exposure

Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Auto Brake and Clutch Repair Workers

• Why should auto mechanics be concerned about asbestos exposure?
• How do you know if you have asbestos brake or clutch components on your car?
• As a home, DIY, or professional mechanic, what can you do to protect yourself from asbestos exposure?

This article helps automotive technicians and home mechanics who repair and replace brakes and clutches understand and avoid asbestos exposure.

Asbestos In Your Home - Don't Give Your Kids Cancer

What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fibre that is known for its heat resistance and strength. It is also very resistant to acid.

Asbestos can only positively be identified under a microscope, however, asbestos in the home and workplace is very easy to identify. As asbestos ages it starts to crumble and break, the fibres which are deadly are then released into the air and breathed in.

What Illnesses are caused by Asbestos?
The tiny fibres that are released by the asbestos penetrate deeply into the lungs and remain in the individuals lungs for the rest of their lives.

Constant or regular exposure to high does of asbestos fibres can cause scarring of the lung tissue and respiratory disease asbestosis. Exposures to low amounts of asbestos are still highly dangerous and can cause lung cancer. Direct contact with asbestos can also cause Mesothelioma – a form of cancer exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.

Symptoms of asbestos exposure usually take 20 – 40 years to develop and 100% of cases are fatal. All types of asbestos cause cancer and all types of asbestos cancers can kill. Children are especially prone to developing cancer after exposure to asbestos.

What Products Contain Asbestos?

• Floor Tiles
• Ceiling Tiles
• Sprayed on Textures Ceilings
• Wrapping For Pipes
• Boiler Insulation
• Fire Proofing
• Surfaces and Similar
• Roof Tiles
• Roof Tar
• Heaters (Gas & Electric)

What To Do If You Suspect You Are In Contact With Asbestos
Should you discover or suspect that you have asbestos in any part of your home or business you need to make a decision based on the amount of exposure and the condition of the asbestos.

The most important factor is the general condition of the asbestos. If it is crumbling or broken it must be removed immediately as it will be releasing deadly asbestos fibres into the surrounding area. You must not remove the asbestos yourself. The asbestos needs to be removed and disposed by a properly qualified and protected individual. Call your local government office or council immediately and seek advice on recognised companies that can remove the asbestos safely.

If you are a home owner or a tenant you must make arrangements immediately to have the asbestos encapsulated or removed. You are liable for any person who develops cancer as a result of exposure in your home.

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Pink Panther Begins Bankruptcy Action Plan

WASHINGTON- Owens Corning will finally emerge from bankruptcy following nearly 5 years operating under creditor protection.

United States bankruptcy Judge Judith Fitzgerald praised both sides for finally reaching an agreement following tension and sometimes chaos created by both asbestos victim’s attorneys as well as representatives from company bondholders.

The company filed for protection claiming that the costs of asbestos litigation were destroying the company’s financial assets.

Under the plan set to go into affect on October 30th, Owens Corning will have $7-billion USD in asbestos claims wiped from their balance sheet and shifted into a special trust. The creation and finalization will take time that some asbestos claimants (especially those with asbestosis and mesothelioma) complain they will be dead by the time they are eligible to receive compensation.

The judge countered that if claimants filed individually, the resulting bottleneck would destroy the company and many of the victims would not receive compensation given the time needed for each individual case compounded with the company’s non-existent assets.

The Ohio based building products manufacturer will pay for than $5-billion USD for asbestos claims with another $2.27-billion USD to creditors. Existing equity will be erased and the company will issue millions of new shares.

In 2000, Owens Corning filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in an effort to shield itself from billions of dollars in claims related to their manufacturing of asbestos containing construction materials decades ago.

• Asbestos does not pose a risk unless it becomes damaged or loose particles become airborne during mining and manufacturing. The inhaled fibers then become stuck in the lungs and over time can cause cancer when other cells try to digest them. -Beginning in the early 1980s large judgments have been awarded to victims and their families affected by asbestos related ailments. The resulting legal rush has bankrupted a number of large firms and created a backlog of cases that may not be decided before a victim dies.



• Plans on how to better handle asbestos litigation have become popular topics for legal review journals as well as Congressional proposals including the controversial FAIR Bill of 2005.



• Owens Corning is also synonymous with the cartoon character The Pink Panther who has served as the mascot for their insulation division since 1980.

By William Gallahue, an internet journalist who covers a number of topics.

Reviewed by: eoecho | PR News Media, Greg Magnus