Where is asbestos found?
It is not always easy to tell whether a product contains asbestos as modern asbestos-free materials often look similar - remember it is usually older products that contain asbestos. Common places where asbestos could be found include:
* Asbestos cement - cement roofs, wall cladding, downpipes and gutters, cement flues.
* Floor tiles, textiles and composites - textiles in fuse boxes, old fire blankets, heat resistant gloves. Composites can be toilet cisterns/seats and bath panels, window sills, bath panels.
* Textured and sprayed coatings
* Roofing felt
* Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) - commonly used as fireproofing material and also partition walls, fireproofing panels in fire doors, lift shaft linings, ceiling tiles, soffits, panels below windows.
* Lagging and insulation - in or on heating systems such as round boilers, tanks or calorifiers and around pipework.
* Loose fill asbestos - in between cavity walls, under floorboards and in loft spaces.
What are the risks?
When asbestos materials age or become damaged they can release fibres into the air. These can be breathed deep into the lungs where they may stay for a long time, causing possible damage. Some people are exposed to low amounts of asbestos present in the atmosphere with no ill effects.
However when very high levels of asbestos fibres are inhaled there is a risk of developing serious lung diseases including pleural thickening, asbestosis and Mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases can often take between 20-40 years after exposure to materialise.
What should I do if I suspect there is asbestos in my home?
The general rule is to leave asbestos undisturbed. DIY work may result in brief but high levels of exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres. Asbestos is usually safe unless it is damaged or disturbed - for example by removing, drilling, sawing, scrubbing or sanding. If you believe you have asbestos materials in your home, extra care should be taken when undertaking any DIY. We would advise anyone against attempting to carry out work involving sprayed asbestos, lagging or insulating boards as this should always be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.
REMEMBER:
* Avoid creating asbestos dust
* Avoid breathing asbestos dust
* Asbestos materials in good condition should be left alone
* Take extra care when undertaking DIY
* Dispose of asbestos properly
If you would prefer to have asbestos materials in your house removed by regulated specialist removers (and this should always be the case when dealing with pipe lagging, sprayed asbestos or loose fibrous insulation) then there are companies who will undertake such work. They are generally referred to as 'Licensed Contractors' and current information can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive's Asbestos Licence Holders page.
Take Home Asbestos Exposure
What is take-home asbestos exposure?
Second-hand, or take-home, exposure to asbestos is one of the leading causes of mesothelioma in those who do not work in an asbestos-related occupation. It happens when someone who works in close proximity to asbestos carries the deadly fiber home with them after work. Asbestos can be carried on everything from clothing and shoes to skin and hair.
When this asbestos is taken home, it can be inhaled by family members who hug the carrier or wash his clothes. The cancer-causing fibers can even be inhaled by children who spend time playing around contaminated clothes in the laundry room. Today, doctors are seeing a surprising shift in the demographics of mesothelioma victims toward middle-aged adults and older women who were exposed to asbestos decades earlier through a family member.
What if I’ve been exposed to take-home asbestos?
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should discuss their exposure with their doctor at their next appointment. Because mesothelioma is a rare disease that shares symptoms with many common ailments, it is often difficult to diagnose. If you start exhibiting symptoms of mesothelioma and your doctor knows you’ve been exposed to take-home asbestos, he may have a much easier time diagnosing your illness.
What can I do to make sure my family members are not exposed to asbestos?
If you believe that your workplace may contain asbestos, you can protect your family members from take-home asbestos exposure by taking two simple steps:
1. Isolate your work clothes. If you can, change out of your work clothes before you get home. Keep all contaminated articles of clothing in their own sealed laundry bag before washing them.
2. Wash up. Even after you change out of your work clothes, you could still carry asbestos on your skin and hair. Protect your family members by taking a shower either at work or as soon as you get home, before you touch anyone.
Take-home asbestos exposure is too often a tragic consequence of corporate irresponsibility. By working together to ban asbestos and raise awareness of mesothelioma, however, we can start reducing instances of take-home asbestos exposure.
The traditional image of a mesothelioma victim isn’t a mother of young children or a man just entering his prime, but rather a retired auto worker or Navy veteran who was exposed to high doses of asbestos throughout his career. Unfortunately, more and more people who do not fit the stereotype are being diagnosed with mesothelioma. While they may not have been exposed to asbestos through their job, they are the sons, daughters and spouses of people who unknowingly brought asbestos home with them after work.
Lung Cancer Facts - The Matter Of Remaining Alive
Once a patient is diagnosed of lung cancer, it is common for these patients along with their relatives to immediately seek for the facts regarding this ailment. The main facts that these people want to know are the chances of survival and the treatments along with its effectiveness to patients. They are not that interested in knowing its prevention, since it is in contrary to their present situation. Oftentimes they ask these main questions to their doctors, making sure that their confusion will be alleviated.
Contrary to public opinion, other than aggravating the conditions, the association between smoking and mesothelioma. But not to underrate the effects of smoking since it greatly increases the risk of other asbestos motivated cancers.
For their relatives and friends, once they have been informed, these facts are also of concern, but out of a sensitivity to this cancer's victim, they will not ask the victim directly. They'll come to the net to get the answers. So, let's look at some of the direct facts about lung cancer. Having the appropriate knowledge of this certain condition would definitely help you deal with a relative or friend’s situation. Most especially with regards to showing a more suitable sympathetic approach to the person involved.
Lung cancer for a fact is a very difficult condition to detect. Oftentimes, it is discovered too late. This is because our lungs don’t have any pain nerves in it. You cannot normally tell if you have lung cancer until the major symptoms appear, the principal one being the coughing up of blood. X-rays of lungs may show a spot that does not appear to be cancerous, only to become so later on. Late detection of lung cancer makes it even more drastic to the affected person. This means that your relative or friend is in a state of shock when they learn that they have been stricken. It would surely affect their whole being. Their doctor has told them, depending on the cancer's stage, that they have a little time left. The level of anxiety that these people exhibit varies from person to person. Thus, it is very much needed for the people around them to be sensitive to the person’s feelings. Your best first response is to tell them you are sorry to hear of it. Don't hesitate to show your own grief. To know that you are as disappointed as they are will prove to be a comfort.
Allow your friend or relative to disclose their doctor’s prediction of their condition at present. Cancer stage development is the main indicator of how long a patient’s life could be. However, lung cancer survival seems to be colder than it is expected. In some cases, patients may survive and continue to live for a few more years; and in very rare cases, full remission may be possible. However, stage progression for this type of cancer is quite poor. Typically, lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutic treatments may observe a span of 4.8 months with no progression of cancer at all. Yet, in a lot of cases, lung cancer still progresses and the patient survive the utmost of 10.3 months after he or she was diagnosed.
Annually, facts on lung cancer survival keeps on changing, due to a lot of new studies, treatments and drugs being introduced in the market. One of the major breakthroughs in the study of lung cancer survival is the coming up of the drug named Erbitux in the year 2008, wherein it increases the span of survival to 5%, from the previously stated 10.1 months, it is now at 11.3 months. The possibility of surviving for a year or more thus grew from 42 to 47 percent. Even at the time of this writing, new drugs are being developed.
Studies have shown that even people short exposure of 1 to 3 months can put a worker at risk. Naturally occurring asbestos locations are another source of exposure. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial, including roofing shingles, brake pads and linings, cement, insulation, textiles and flooring products.
Many years of asbestos exposure gives way to various lung diseases like asbestosis and the so called asbestos caused lung cancer. Asbestosis, the preliminary condition of an asbestos exposed person, may be defined as the formation of scar tissue also known as fibrosis within the lungs, thus putting a limit to its expansion. Further unrelenting exposure to asbestos significantly leads to pleural plaques, malignant mesothelioma and pleural effusion. Malignant mesothelioma maybe defined as a rare type of cancer mainly caused by asbestos exposure. Most of the people affected by this are known as smokers. Learn more about asbestosis and mesothelioma litigation at asbestosismesotheliomasettlement.com
With the alarming number of people getting these types of occupational diseases, a lot of asbestos settlements, asbestos compensation and asbestos lawsuits are brought out in the open. It is the right of every worker to have a well secured and healthy workplace, as such, it is their sole right to be taken care of by their companies once they get sick because of their company’s mess. Learn more about mesothelioma claims at asbestosismesotheliomasettlement.com
Other fact on chemotherapeutic treatments is that it may cause temporary hair loss in the first few months of the therapy. It also causes anemia and some rashes which are all temporary. The side effects of chemotherapy are based on the therapy itself. It stops once the treatment has ended. Always keep in mind that in whatever you do with your friend or relative, constantly do it with utmost compassion, gentleness and love. Never forget to put a smile on your face when dealing with them because it is one medicine that always lightens the burden that they are carrying at the moment.
Clinical Trials For Mesothelioma: Who Are Involved, Stages, And Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Reports
What is a clinical trial?
A Clinical Trial is a research study done on humans following a very strict protocol. The goal of a clinical trial is to develop new drugs and treatments for all types of diseases, most especially fatal ones such as Mesothelioma.
Before any medicine is considered effective and safe for the general public to take, it has to undergo a thorough process in a clinical trial.
Who are involved in Mesothelioma clinical trials?
The people involved in these biomedical studies are the researcher, who make up the very detailed plan of how the procedure shall be done, the volunteer who will be the subject of the trial, and the review board who usually consists of scientists, oncologists, other physicians, and nurses.
The review board is indirectly involved with the procedures, but it monitors the trial and gives an annual formal review. The volunteers who participate are in most cases, patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma and other types of malignant cancer. Most mesothelioma patients resort to clinical trials as their last hope for a cure.
What are the stages a clinical trial undergoes?
To avoid confusing the term 'stages' with the gravity or extent of the disease, we shall use the term 'phases'.
Generally, a clinical trial has three phases, although a fourth phase is now being considered for the purpose of post-marketing studies. The fourth phase basically checks on the effectiveness of the FDA-approved drug which had already gone through all three phases.
The first phase determines the drug's correct dosage and focuses primarily on safety, rather than the drug's efficacy. The test is done on a small group of 20-80 persons for the first phase.
The second phase verifies if the new drug has a definite effect against a particular disease. This is also where the ideal dosage of the drug is evaluated and the results of the first phase is confirmed. The test is conducted on a larger group of people around 100-300 individuals.
The third phase compares the new drug against the existing standard treatment for a particular disease or illness. The new drug is combined with other drugs to determine side effects, and different doses are tested for the same purpose and to check the efficacy of the drug. This last phase is conducted on a large scale where up to 3,000 people are participants.
Do all Mesothelioma patients have to undergo these clinical trials?
Mesothelioma patients are in no way obliged to participate in biomedical studies and researches. Oncologists may recommend these, especially when patients are considering new types of treatment, but the decision is up to the patient and the patient's family.
Trial reports on Mesothelioma cases raise hope for Mesothelioma patients. The report summarizes the results of the research procedure and is normally published in medical journals for evaluation, and to serve as the basis of continued experimentation by other health professionals.
There are different types of Mesothelioma, would a single successful clinical trial be enough for all types of this disease?
There were Mesothelioma Clinical Trial reports conducted for different types and extent of Mesothelioma. A few examples are the following:
For progressive malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (developed in the lining of the lungs), Phase III Vorinostat trial was conducted where physicians use a chemotherapy drug called Vorinostat to kill cancerous cells and stop the cell's division by blocking enzymes that are needed for the cancerous cells to multiply.
For advanced malignant Mesothelioma, Phase II Pemetrexed Disodium with Gemcitabine is a trial conducted to examine the effects of chemotherapy drugs such as Gemcitabine and Pemetrexed Disodium on recurrent malignant Mesothelioma.
For patients with unresectable malignant Mesothelioma, Phase II AZD2171 clinical trial was conducted so doctors can investigate the use of such chemotherapy drugs for inhibiting enzymes and block the flow of blood into the tumor. The trial was dedicated to help patients suffering from advanced, sarcotamous, epithelial, and recurrent malignant Mesothelioma.
If you're an unfortunate victim of asbestos exposure which has caused malignant mesothelioma, you should work with attorneys who've special understanding and coaching in this kind of cases. Each case is various, and of course, there's precedence. It requires an skilled mesothelioma attorney to know the intricacies of the law. With the correct mesothelioma attorney, you'll be able to comprehend your rights and potential for compensation.
The danger of asbestos publicity continues to be known for more than a century. It is difficult to understand that these in cost knew about the hazards, and did absolutely nothing about it. Maybe they didn't know the extent of risk. Where does responsibility ultimately lie? An attorney experienced in mesothelioma cases can trace the responsibility and will serve your greatest curiosity.
Mesothelioma Uncommon Form Of Cancer
Mesothelioma is really a rare type of cancer which has been shown to have a direct link to asbestos exposure. The mesothelium, which is the protective lining of numerous internal organs, is produced up of cells and connective tissue. Cancer is once the cells begin to divide and mutate without control.
A mesothelioma attorney can guide you through the legal paperwork as well as answer any questions you've. It's important that you have legal representation. If you have already been exposed to asbestos at your workplace, you require somebody who will stand up for your greatest interests. Unfortunately, regardless of what they inform you, your employer does not have your greatest interests at heart.
Some of the symptoms of this rare form of cancer consist of chest pain with dry cough, weight reduction and diminished urge for food, shortness of breath and cyanosis, or bluish fingers and lips.
Know Your Legal Rights
Mesothelioma can occur after only a brief exposure to asbestos. There have been instances of individuals with only three months of exposure to asbestos developing mesothelioma. Actually, there's no known secure or acceptable publicity degree for asbestos fibers. That's according to each the United States Occupational Safety and Well being Administration and the Well being and Safety Executive of Great Britain.
One of the saddest aspects of mesothelioma is that frequently it is not discovered until it is as well late. Some of the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma, including dry cough and general tiredness, mimic those of less severe illnesses. By the time a person includes a biopsy, the cancerous cells have frequently spread to many various areas.
Asbestos Exposure On the Job
Almost 30 percent of these struggling from mesothelioma are veterans. Why? Simply because with the substantial publicity endured while serving on warships and in shipyards. However it is not just our honored veterans who endure from this malignancy. Trades people who've worked in heating and ventilation, asbestos mills and mines, and building function have all created malignant mesothelioma.
Millions of individuals have already been exposed to asbestos and microscopic glass particles. Some, unfortunately, do not even know it. Other people have died of illnesses with out ever discovering where their illness came from. This really is incorrect. Each and every human existence is precious. If you think you've been uncovered to asbestos, or are currently struggling, you should contact mesothelioma attorneys now.
Asbestos, Mesothelioma, The Law, And You
Workers on new construction today have little reason to worry about asbestos. Asbestos-based building materials were phased out several years ago and are no longer commercially available to contractors and the general public.
But only a few decades ago, asbestos was well regarded in the construction industry because of its outstanding fire retardant qualities and its properties as an insulator of both temperature and electrical current. Moreover, it is derived from abundant, inexpensive minerals such as chrysotile and is easy to produce. Thus, hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of buildings still standing today, asbestos can be found in tiles, in insulation, and in flooring and ceiling materials.
What's the problem with asbestos? Quite simply, asbestos consists of exceedingly fine fibers that easily become airborne, especially when asbestos-containing materials are cut or broken. Once they are inhaled, they settle in the lungs, where they will remain for the person's life, since the human body has no means of eliminating asbestos. And unfortunately, asbestos is a carcinogen. In layman's terms, this means it causes cancer.
Brief exposure to asbestos normally does not cause cancer, but prolonged exposure, especially to high concentrations, increases cancer risk dramatically over time. Thus, a person who as handled asbestos is unlikely to develop skin cancer on the hands, but someone who has inhaled the fibers is at risk for lung cancer. Smoking increases the lung cancer risk significantly.
Often, asbestos fibers will work their way through lung tissue and into the chest cavity, where it can become lodged in the protective linings there known as the mesothelium. The resulting cancer is known as mesothelioma.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and have suffered health problems, you can sue the persons/companies responsible. The likelihood of winning your case, like any other lawsuit, depends on many factors. In general, however, it will be crucial for you to be able to prove that your health issues resulted directly from the asbestos exposure. Thus, a person who has been smoking three packs of cigarettes per day, was briefly exposed to asbestos, and developed lung cancer will usually have a harder time of it than a nonsmoker who was exposed to asbestos for decades and developed mesothelioma. After all, lung cancer is fairly common among heavy smokers, whereas mesothelioma is a rather rare cancer in people who were not exposed to asbestos.
If you think that you experienced significant exposure to asbestos; and if you have contracted a related disease such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or asbestosis (a scarring of lung tissue caused by the body's reaction to asbestos, which in time can seriously impair the functioning of the lungs), you may wish to sue the persons or companies responsible for your exposure, even if it took place many years ago.
But be forewarned: because of the significant financial risk to the defendant in such cases, it's highly unlikely that the person(s) or corporation(s) you are suing will spare no expense in hiring a competent defense attorney. While you can theoretically file a mesothelioma lawsuit yourself without a lawyer, this is probably not a good idea, since an "amateur" is no match for the legal "big guns."
Therefore, if you're contemplating such a lawsuit, you would be wise to consult a competent attorney who preferably has extensive experience with asbestos lawsuits. Such an attorney will be able to advise you as to the merits of your case. If he or she believes that your case has a good chance of succeeding, you may be able to sue on a contingency basis. This means that the attorney will not bill you by the hour "up front," but rather will share in the proceeds if you win. This eliminates your risk of paying big legal bills for an unsuccessful suit, but promises a much bigger payout to your lawyer if you prevail, which also creates an incentive for your lawyer to fight for as big a settlement as possible. If you don't have a lawyer, you can consult your local bar association, and they will refer one to you.
By: Ed Garrison
Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective membrane covering the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. This rare cancer is frequently caused by exposure to asbestos or other lung irritants. A highly aggressive disease, mesothelioma is frequently resistant to most common cancer treatments. There is no cure for this serious illness, but many researchers are focused on this field. Inducing remission has been successful in some patients, and there are treatment options to relieve pain, extend life expectancy, and improve a patient's quality of life.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
The primary symptoms of early stage mesothelioma are chest pain, coughing, and fatigue. Although caused by asbestos, symptoms of this cancer may not appear until up to fifty years after exposure to the irritant. In general, mesothelioma does not appear until at least twenty years following initial exposure. Due to the fact that the early symptoms are mild and can be caused by many other diseases, combined with the late appearance after exposure, mesothelioma often goes undiagnosed until symptoms worsen and the cancer becomes more serious. Later symptoms can include anemia, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea or constipation, chest pain, bowel obstruction, and night sweats. The prognosis is much better when the disease is caught in early stages. As such, anyone that has been exposed to asbestos should see a doctor immediately if they experience persistent chest pain, coughing, or fatigue.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms overlap with symptoms of many other diseases. As a result, diagnosis can be difficult. Patients presenting symptoms of this serious cancer will undergo a complete physical, imaging tests, tissue biopsies, and lung functioning tests. Further tests, such as fluid biopsies, magnetic resonance images, and blood tests may also be ordered by an oncologist to get a complete picture of the disease.
Types of Mesothelioma
As noted above, the mesothelium covers the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. Any organs that are covered by this protective membrane can be affected during the course of mesothelioma. Three primary types of mesothelioma, that target three different regions, have been identified. Over 75% of all mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma, which is centered in the pleural lining of the lungs. These patients are likely to experience shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain, and muscle fatigue. Peritoneum mesothelioma is centered in the peritoneum, or membrane covering the organs of the abdomen. Peritoneum mesothelioma causes fever, diarrhea and constipation, weight loss, blood-clotting abnormalities, fluid accumulation, and bowel obstruction. The final and most rare type of mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or membrane surrounding the heart. Rare and aggressive, pericardial mesothelioma causes severe chest pain, heart palpitations, respiratory problems, chest pain, and coughing. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma are frequently not candidates for surgery as this form of the disease is not typically diagnosed until later stages.
Who Gets Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos. The irritants are breathed in, traveling to internal organs throughout the body. Depending on where the asbestos lands in their travels, the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs can be affected. Anyone who works with asbestos materials for a living is at an increased risk for this serious disease. Examples of professions dealing with this dangerous substance include: some military veterans, construction workers, renovation crews, mechanics, insulators, asbestos mine workers and millers, boiler workers, and asbestos manufacturing employees. Due to the serious nature of this disease, anyone employed in these professions, as well as others who have worked with asbestos, should seek medical attention immediately if they display the above listed symptoms.
Living With Mesothelioma
Although mesothelioma is classified as an aggressive cancer, some patients have lived many years with this disease. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques are all important for maintaining a high quality of life. While mesothelioma cannot be cured, the proper treatment and a positive outlook can help ensure the happiness and comfort of most patients.
By: Gabe Switzer
Source: http://www.articledashboard.com
