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Archive for August, 2009
Monday, August 31st, 2009
Mesothelioma is a particularly insidious disease because it often strikes decades after the victim has been exposed to asbestos. In a percentage of cases, the asbestos exposure occurred in childhood. Often, until research into the exposure has been conducted, the victim doesn’t even know that they were around asbestos. They’ve unknowingly been carrying the fibers in their bodies for years and the disease completely sneaks up on them. Typically, they don’t know they have it until it is in the most advanced stages.
Our mesothelioma lawyers have become familiar with numerous mesothelioma cases stemming from exposure early in life:
- In the 20th century, some playgrounds were filled with asbestos materials, or asbestos contaminated products were used as safety padding. Even today, asbestos can be found on playgrounds or in parks. Recently, aboriginal children on a reservation playground in Australia were drawing with “chalk” they found on the ground that was actually asbestos.
- Many schools, libraries and other public buildings children frequented contained asbestos.
- The mesothelioma lawyers at Simon, Eddins & Greenstone, LLP recently helped a client settle a case for $2,822,637.27, after fees and expenses, for exposure to asbestos products in her childhood home when it was renovated, among other exposures.
- Secondary exposure in childhood can cause adult mesothelioma. The child’s father, uncle or older brother may have worked with asbestos and brought it home on their clothing or hair.
A quick search on Google for “childhood asbestos exposure” brings up numerous stories of people struck with mesothelioma from childhood exposure.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos at any time in your life, it is extremely important you visit your doctor for regular screenings for mesothelioma. The earlier mesothelioma is spotted, the more treatment options are typically available to you.
Tragically, many of those exposed in childhood are unaware that they could become mesothelioma victims and don’t receive medical treatment until it is too late.
If you were a child in the middle of the 20th century, be sure to ask surviving parents and family friends if they know of any way that you could have been exposed.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, but don’t know when you were exposed to asbestos, our mesothelioma lawyers may be able to help. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
Tags: asbestos, mesothelioma
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Thursday, August 27th, 2009
Over the years, countries such as Canada, Russia and Italy that produce the majority of the world’s chrysotile asbestos have made claims that this type of asbestos is safer than other forms because it gives off fewer fibers.
Our mesothelioma attorneys have found no such evidence for this claim. In fact, regulatory boards such as the Environmental Protection Agency have emphatically stated that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, including chrysotile.
A study published in a recent issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine supports our position. Researchers studied the disease and mortality rates of workers employed in four North Carolina asbestos plants between 1950 and 1973. The team noted, among other data:
- A 47% increase in overall mortality compared to the general population
- A 41% increase in mortality for all combined cancers
- A 95% increase in lung cancer
- Standardized mortality rates (SMRs) for pleural cancer, mesothelioma and pneumoconiosis were elevated.
The article concludes, “This study provides further evidence that exposure to chrysotile asbestos in textile manufacturing is associated with increased risk of lung cancer, asbestosis cancer of the pleura and mesothelioma.”
Learn more about asbestos exposure and its association with mesothelioma.
If you believe you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos, discover when to contact a mesothelioma attorney.
Tags: asbestos, chrysotile, EPA, mesothelioma, study results
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
New mesothelioma treatments are being studied regularly, often in conjunction with other traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery. One of these treatments is photodynamic therapy (PDT). A light-activated drug is injected into a vein, spreading throughout the body and eventually collecting in cancer cells. After several days, typically after mesothelioma surgery, a fixed frequency light is inserted into the cancer site through a fiber optic device allowing the light to be manipulated by the doctor.
The cancer cells die when exposed to the light which activates the drug that has been absorbed. The light exposure must be timed appropriately so that the normal cells have had time to discard the drug, while the cancerous cells are still holding on to it.
The major side effect of PDT is skin sensitivity, as well as nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a metallic taste in the mouth. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate PDT for cancers of the brain, skin, prostate, cervix and peritoneal cavity. While PDT is still undergoing testing, it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment and relief of esophageal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The FDA approved agent is called porfirmer sodium, or Photofrin.
There are hundreds of clinical trials still accepting patients who have malignant mesothelioma. Finding the right clinical trial requires that you have information on all your options, particularly legal and financial. Mesothelioma treatments are expensive and must be received in a timely manner to be most effective. By contacting an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, you will learn what options you have, as well as information regarding good medical facilities. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Tags: FDA, mesothelioma
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
Asbestos is known to be the primary and overwhelming cause of mesothelioma. It is also known to cause other lung cancers as well as asbestosis, a non-cancerous lung condition that can be deadly.
Over the last number of years, there has been increasing evidence that asbestos may also be linked to other cancers, such as throat cancer, esophageal cancer, cancer of the larynx, and ovarian cancer.
Recently, additional evidence has surfaced that supports the idea that asbestos may be even deadlier than previously thought. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization, conducted a study and the research group reported the results of their study in The Lancet Oncology, a leading cancer publication. They note, “sufficient evidence is now available to show that asbestos also causes cancer of the larynx (throat) and of the ovary.” The study also estimates that approximately 125 million people around the world are currently working in offices and factories that contain asbestos.
Read the article from The Lancet Oncology.
Tags: asbestos, mesothelioma, study results
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Monday, August 24th, 2009
Most employees, including judges, of Michigan’s Ottawa County Courthouse were recently busy packing and moving to the county’s new building. The former courthouse, built in 1965, contained asbestos. In addition, the small size of the courtrooms routinely interfered with trial proceedings as the necessary parties tried to squeeze in.
Construction on the new building began in 2007 and will cost $23 million. The new building will be essentially asbestos free and is designed to accommodate the county’s anticipated growing need for space.
The former building will not be immediately demolished. Asbestos abatement is a significant factor in the demolition and will take several months to complete. Federal and EPA regulations require that any construction project where asbestos is present first be managed by a certified asbestos abatement organization to prevent the release of asbestos into the environment.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber that was widely used in construction during the 20th century because of it’s natural insulating and fireproofing properties. Tragically, asbestos is a toxic substance. The microscopic fibers are easily swallowed and breathed in where they lodge in the lining of the lungs and stomach and can lead to asbestos diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial lining of the lungs, stomach and/or chest. It is particularly insidious because it has a long latency period and often victims don’t know they have it until it is in an advanced stage, but not always. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma.
If you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos during a construction or demolition project, it is essential that you consult with your physician right away for a mesothelioma screening.
If mesothelioma is present, you may have certain legal remedies to recover financial compensation for your losses. Contact our mesothelioma attorneys today to learn more. 866-632-7574.
Tags: asbestos, EPA, mesothelioma
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