Asbestos Data & Information

Mesothelioma Injury

2010-12-02T06:59:00.000-05:00

Here's some background information on Mesothelioma. An excerpt, the source and link are provided below:

Mesothelioma injury can be classified into three main groups, Pleural (chest), Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (heart). All three types of Mesothelioma injury are mainly cause through exposure to an Asbestos related substance.

Mesothelioma injury arises when the Mesothelioma cells surrounding the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs become cancerous. The Mesothelioma cells change to form nodules, which can then clump together to form a tumor, or tumors around the organ.

In more extreme cases of Mesothelioma Cancer, the Mesothelioma tumor can break through the walls of the organs that it surrounds and cause internal damage to the organ. Also, in some cases the Cancer can travel through the blood stream and affect other organs, not directly surrounded by the original Mesothelioma Cancerous Cells.

SOURCE: Avoid Further Mesothelioma Injury Through Prompt Treatment

Asbestos Still in Use in America US Geological Survey Reports

2008-09-02T07:25:00.001-05:00

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

2008-08-09T07:23:00.003-05:00

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

2007-11-26T08:54:00.000-05:00

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

2007-04-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

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

Asbestos at Wiki
EPA's Indoor Air Quality Site - Asbestos page
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.
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

2007-02-02T06:39:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-18T17:04:00.000-05:00

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

2006-09-25T12:17:00.000-05:00

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

Mesothelioma Treatment - Asbestos Illness

2006-09-22T17:06:00.000-05:00

Traditional mesothelioma treatments are the standard treatments for malignant mesothelioma, which is a cancerous disease affecting the mesothelial cells in tissues of the human body. Treatment methods of mesothelioma diverge due to a number of factors, such as the location of the cancer cell, the stage of the disease, and a patient’s personal choices. In general, traditional mesothelioma treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or different combinations of these three treatments.

Surgery or surgical treatment is employed to either remove the cancer from the affected organ or alleviate pain. Sometimes, it may be impossible to remove all parts over which the affliction has spread; however surgical intervention may help in reducing pain. Two major types of surgical treatments include “pneumonectomy” and “palliative procedures.”

Pneumonectomy involves the surgical removal of a lung. This method comes in two varieties, “traditional pneumonectomy” in which the diseased lung is removed, and “extrapleural pneumonectomy” wherein the afflicted lung as well as part of the pericardium, diaphragm or parietal pleura on the same side of the chest, are removed.

In palliative procedures, treatment used does not heal mesothelioma, but eases pain and controls symptoms. “Thoracentisis” and “pleurectomy/decortication” are among the various palliative procedures. In thoracentisis, a needle is put into the chest cavity, either to drain fluid for diagnosis, or to drain fluid to relieve pain. Pleurectomy/decortication removes the pleura so as to lessen pain or prevent the recurrence of pleural effusion.

Chemotherapy is another important traditional mesothelioma treatment used to kill cancer cells by injecting medicines intravenously into the ailed areas. This method also involves the use of drugs to keep cancer cells from multiplying. Side effects can be quite severe in this treatment because chemotherapy may even destroy healthy cell in addition to the cancer cells. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, constipation, decreased appetite and mouth sores are some of its side effects.

Radiation treatment (radiation therapy or radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays (like x-rays) to damage mesothelioma cancer cells in a localized area. Although healthy cells may also be affected, they can repair themselves more effectively. The side effects of radiotherapy as a traditional mesothelioma treatment include fatigue, hair loss, skin irritation, nausea and difficult breathing.

Mesothelioma Treatment provides detailed information on Mesothelioma Treatment, Mesothelioma Treatment Options, Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment, New Mesothelioma Treatment and more. Mesothelioma Treatment is affiliated with Mesothelioma Doctors Info.

By Marcus Peterson

Reviewed by: eoecho | Greg Magnus

Mesothelioma Facts and Information

2006-09-19T09:32:00.000-05:00

Mesothelioma Facts

What is mesothelioma?

2,000-3,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the US, and that number is rising.

Malignant mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in people over 50 and it is more common among men than women. The risk appears to increase with age.

There are three known types of malignant mesothelioma.

pleural mesothelioma, which appears in the chest cavity, about 75% of cases

peritoneal mesothelioma, which appears in the abdomen, about 10-20% of cases

pericardial mesothelioma, which is a very rare form and appears in the heart

Workers exposed to asbestos in the past are most at risk for developing mesothelioma.

Family members exposed to asbestos dust on the asbestos worker's clothing are also at risk of asbestos related health issues.

People with only brief asbestos exposure have developed mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos,

Japan's Asbestos Avoidance

2006-09-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

This BusinessWeek article was published in Sept. 2005, but it contains useful information concerning asbestos use in Japan and the lack of government credibility concerning the issue at that time.

Ever since asbestos was identified as a carcinogen almost 30 years ago, governments across the developed world have grappled with the ugly aftereffects of this naturally occurring building and fireproofing material. Several large American manufacturers have been bankrupted by hefty asbestos liability claims, and the U.S. Congress is considering a $140 billion fund to pay judgments. Not so in Japan, where little was heard for decades about asbestos health concerns. That changed two months ago with the surprise disclosure by equipment maker Kubota Corp. (KUB ) that 79 of its employees had died from asbestos-related illnesses, setting off a parade of other companies coming clean with their own lists of asbestos fatalities.

Read the full BusinessWeek article for more information.

Vermiculite and Asbestos

2006-09-19T09:05:00.000-05:00

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that may, in certain cases, contain asbestos. Vermiculite has the unusual property of expanding into worm-like accordion shaped pieces when it is heated. The expanded vermiculite is a fire-resistant, absorbent and odorless material; popular properties for manufacturing and companies used vermiculite to make products such as attic insulation, packing material and garden products.

What is vermiculite insulation and where does it come from?

Vermiculite is mined throughout the world. In the U.S., active vermiculite mining operations are in South Carolina and Virginia. When heated, the vermiculite ore expands into a light and fluffy material, which is fire resistant, inert, absorbent, and odorless. The properties of the vermiculite make it useful in lawn and garden, agricultural, and horticultural products. It is commonly used as an ingredient in:

potting soil,

thermal and sound insulation,

construction material,

insulation material and

lightweight, absorbent packaging material.

How is W.R. Grace Co. involved in this issue?

the W.R.Grace company owned and operated a vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana for several years. Much of the vermiculite from this mine was used to make Zonolite attic insulation. They sold this product from 1963 to 1984. More than 75 percent of the vermiculite ore mined in the world came from the Libby mine, which has been closed since 1990.

EPA has found it impossible to estimate the number of homes, businesses and schools that may still contain Zonolite attic insulation.

Asbestos Monitoring at the World Trade Center Site

2006-09-19T08:54:00.000-05:00

Asbestos Monitoring at the WTC Site by OSHA
(September 13 - 27, 2001)

Financial District
OSHA has taken approximately 40 air and bulk samples in the Financial District (the location east of Broadway and south of John Street). Results ranged from "non-detected" to 0.041 fibers per cubic centimeter (f/cc). Further analysis showed all fibers to be non-asbestos. Results showed levels consistent with safe and acceptable standards. OSHA ceased sampling in the Financial District on Sept. 21.

Warm Zone
A 90-square block surrounding the World Trade Center complex and plaza has been designated a secure area with controlled access. It extends south of Chambers Street, west to Broadway, south to Rector Street and east to near the Hudson River. OSHA continues to collect samples; more than 150 bulk and air samples were taken in the "Warm Zone" through Sept. 24. Asbestos levels remain safe and consistent, ranging from non-detected to 0.086 f/cc.

Hot Zone/Rubble Pile
What has come to be known as "ground zero", the hot zone is the World Trade Center complex area itself. It includes the remains of both WTC towers, 7 WTC, and other partially collapsed buildings.

During this time period, OSHA took 65 air samples and seven bulk samples in the hot zone. Results showed levels ranging from 0.004 to 0.140 f/cc. The level of 0.140 revealed 90 -95% mineral wool fibers and is below safe levels.

All sampling has resulted in what OSHA considers safe levels of exposure; still, the agency is recommending workers in the immediate area of the rubble pile wear respirators. OSHA continues to conduct monitoring for asbestos throughout the warm and hot zones. Results will be posted periodically on this page.

To see a grid map showing asbestos monitoring at specific sample locations in New York click here.

Asbestos in Your Home

2006-09-18T13:55:00.000-05:00

Most products made today do not contain asbestos; however, if you own an older home you may encounter asbestos because until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation materials used in homes contained asbestos. Some unscrupulous builders continued using the products beyond this time.

Common products that might have contained asbestos in the past and conditions which may release the fibers into the air include:

STEAM PIPES, BOILERS, and FURNACE DUCTS insulated with an asbestos blanket or asbestos paper tape. These materials may release asbestos fibers if damaged, repaired, or removed improperly during renovation or maintenance work.

RESILIENT FLOOR TILES (vinyl asbestos, asphalt, and rubber), the backing on VINYL SHEET FLOORING, and ADHESIVES used for installing floor tile. Sanding tiles can release fibers, which can easily spread throughout your house. So may scraping or sanding the backing of sheet flooring during removal and renovation.

CEMENT SHEET, MILLBOARD, and PAPER used as insulation around furnaces and woodburning stoves can contain asbestos. Repairing or removing appliances may release asbestos fibers into your home. So may cutting, tearing, sanding, drilling, or sawing insulation which contains asbestos.

DOOR GASKETS in furnaces, wood stoves, and coal stoves may contain asbestos. Worn seals can release asbestos fibers during use or repair.

SOUNDPROOFING OR DECORATIVE MATERIAL sprayed on walls and ceilings may contain asbestos. Loose, crumbly, or water-damaged material may release fibers into your home. As will sanding, drilling, or scraping the material during a renovation or other project.

PATCHING AND JOINT COMPOUNDS for walls and ceilings, and TEXTURED PAINTS may also contain asbestos. Sanding, scraping, or drilling these surfaces may release asbestos into the air. Their use was banned in 1977, but a former home owner or contractor may have used an outdated product years later.

ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOFING, SHINGLES, and SIDING. These products are not likely to release asbestos fibers unless sawed, drilled, cut, or broken into pieces; caution should be used when handling these products.

ARTIFICIAL ASHES AND EMBERS sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.

Also, other older household products such as FIREPROOF GLOVES, STOVE-TOP PADS, IRONING BOARD COVERS, and certain HAIRDRYERS may contain asbestos.

AUTOMOBILE BRAKE PADS AND LININGS, CLUTCH FACINGS, and GASKETS.

Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.

Asbestos and How it Causes Health Problems

2006-09-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that is heat resistant. As such, it has been commonly used in fire-proofing materials, insulation products, and other building materials, as well as other products such as automobile brake linings and clutches. Asbestos has been shown to cause serious health problems when inhaled into the lungs.

When products containing asbestos are disturbed, thin, lightweight asbestos fibers can become airborne (released into the air). Persons breathing the air may breathe in asbestos fibers resulting in fibers deposited in their lungs. Fibers embedded in the lung tissue over time may result in lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. Smoking increases the risk of developing asbestosis and lung cancer.