الاثنين، 31 ديسمبر 2018
الأحد، 30 ديسمبر 2018
السبت، 29 ديسمبر 2018
الجمعة، 28 ديسمبر 2018
الخميس، 27 ديسمبر 2018
الأربعاء، 26 ديسمبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 25 ديسمبر 2018
الاثنين، 24 ديسمبر 2018
الأحد، 23 ديسمبر 2018
السبت، 22 ديسمبر 2018
الجمعة، 21 ديسمبر 2018
الخميس، 20 ديسمبر 2018
Deadly Holiday Decorations
Many people equate asbestos with heavy industry or construction materials. In truth, the mineral was used copiously several decades ago in numerous consumer products that might still be in use today.
This time of year, many American households busy themselves with decorating for the holidays. Unfortunately, many Christmas decorations either contained asbestos during their production or were exposed to asbestos fibers while in storage.
- Attic storage: Zonolite is a type of loose-fill insulation found in millions of American homes - generally in colder climates such as the Midwest or Northeast states. While this type of insulation is no longer manufactured, when it was, it was extremely popular. Unfortunately, Zonolite is made out of vermiculite and likely contaminated by asbestos by virtue of where the vermiculite was mined. As the insulation deteriorates with age, the asbestos fibers can begin to coat items being stored in attics in homes throughout the United States. Many people, unfortunately, use attic storage space to hide away old clothes or seasonal decorations - only to be disturbed during the holidays every year.
- Vintage decorations: Before the second world war, asbestos was commonly used as fake snow in everything from movie sets to Christmas ornaments. Even though the deadly material is no longer used in this fashion, some vintage decorations are considered family heirlooms - passed down from generation to generation. A decorative wreath, for example, might have originally belonged to your great-grandmother. The fake snow that adorns this item could be a direct link to mesothelioma.
It is crucial that you understand the dangers you face from seemingly innocuous sources. Many homes built prior to 1980 contain asbestos fibers in their insulation, tilework and roofing materials. Additionally, many objects seen as heirlooms could ultimately be hazardous. Antique coffee pots, popcorn makers and the aforementioned ornaments could be the cause of your loved one suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma and other devastating lung diseases.
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الأربعاء، 19 ديسمبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 18 ديسمبر 2018
Things to Consider When Hiring an Asbestos Removal Contractor
Many homes built before 1990 used asbestos in insulation, tiling and other areas of the home. It was (and is) used extensively in public buildings. The idea is that undisturbed, asbestos presents little threat to the public. However, simple home renovation projects can kick up this potentially deadly and devastating carcinogen.
If you suspect or know that there are asbestos-containing materials in your home, it can be tempting to try to remove it quickly and cheaply without the expense of a contractor. However, asbestos removal is complicated and potentially harmful to contractors and residents if done improperly.
How Does California Law Affect Your Asbestos Cleanup?
California has strict laws and regulations regarding asbestos removal. These laws include:
- Only licensed contractors may perform Asbestos Abatement. It is your responsibility to verify a Cal/OSHA-Certified Asbestos Consultant or Contractor's credentials and license information.
- This person must be independent from the related construction/building company.
- California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may not recommend one contractor over another.
- The contractor must use the proper Hazardous Waste Disposal methods (which may be at your expense).
What Will a Contractor Do?
The Cal/OSHA board has access to many asbestos removal consultants who can answer questions in person or over the phone about your situation. A consultant can help direct you to contractors who can perform the following duties:
- Building inspection
- Asbestos abatement (removal) project design
- Contract drafting
- Sample collection, clearance air monitoring (note, this may be done by an independent US EPA Region 9 State Air technician)
- Supervision of project
They may also lead you to contractors who you can choose to hire to remove the asbestos in your home as safely as possible. Be sure to carefully research and consider the following in a potential contractor:
- Professional experience
- Training and certification in the work they plan to do
- Environmental and professional compliance history
Asbestos removal is potentially dangerous and must be done carefully and methodically to protect air quality and community health. It can be complicated, but if you are determined to remove this product from your home no amount of red tape should stop you.
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Milan-San Remo winner Filippo Pozzato announces retirement
The 37-year-old announced his departure in an emotional statement
Milan-San Remo winner Filippo Pozzato has announced his retirement from the peloton, aged 37.from Cycling Weekly https://ift.tt/2QB1K62
الاثنين، 17 ديسمبر 2018
الأحد، 16 ديسمبر 2018
السبت، 15 ديسمبر 2018
الجمعة، 14 ديسمبر 2018
الخميس، 13 ديسمبر 2018
FDA Recalls Valsartan
The FDA has recalled some products that contain Valsartan due to levels of impurity over the past four years. Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Not all products that contain Valsartan were recalled by the FDA.
The recalled products contain carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and were manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in China. Some levels of the carcinogen may have been in the valsartan-containing products for as long as four years.
Currently Recalled Products
Find a list of currently recalled Valsartan products here.
Find a list of Valsartan products not being recalled here.
What Should Patients Know?
· Continue taking your current medicine until your doctor or pharmacist gives you a replacement or a different treatment option.
· Not all valsartan-containing medications are affected and being recalled.
· If you are taking any medication containing valsartan, compare the information on your prescription bottle with the information in this list (company, National Drug Code, lot number) to determine if your current medicine has been recalled. If you are not certain, contact your pharmacist.
· If you have medicine included in the recall, contact your pharmacist. The pharmacist may be able to provide you with valsartan made by another company. If not, contact your doctor immediately to discuss other treatment options.
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الأربعاء، 12 ديسمبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 11 ديسمبر 2018
Keep your family safe this holiday: avoid dangerous toys and products
With the holidays approaching, parents should be aware of some hidden dangers in products and toys marketed for kids.
Slime
Some slimes contain high levels of boron. Boron can cause repertory irritation, lung damage, pulmonary congestion, edema, and death.
Toys with small parts
Toys marketed to children 6 and older can include small parts that pose as choking hazards. "Hatching" toys that break apart small parts that can also easily pose a hazard.
Smart Toys
Sites, apps, games and smart toys might be collecting private data from your child, and some could be hacked, posing a safety risk.
Makeup
As we have seen in many cases recently, makeup made for children can often contain asbestos. These products can include talc which also often contains asbestos.
Toys with magnets
Small magnets can cause serious internal damage if swallowed.
Recently recalled products for kids
· H.I.S. Girl's Clothing Sets - Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban (November 8, 2018) The metal pendant on the necklace contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.
· Mountain Warehouse Children's Water Bottles - Choking Hazard (November 8, 2018) The water bottle's spout can detach, exposing a small ring, posing a choking hazard to children.
· Fantasia Accessories Slap Bracelets - Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Target (October 31, 2018) The slap bracelet's metal wristband can pierce the protective fabric around it and expose sharp edges, posing a laceration hazard to young children.
· Children's Toy Instrument Sets - Violation of the Federal Lead Paint Ban; Made by Creative Sto and Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com (Recall Alert) (October 26, 2018) Paint on the maracas, xylophone and carrying case contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.
· i play Infant Rattles - Choking Hazard (October 25, 2018) Pieces of the rattle can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants.
· Abond Group Tubeez Baby Bath Support Seats - Drowning Hazard (October 16, 2018) The bath support seat fails to meet the federal safety standard including the requirements for stability. The bath seat can tip over or an infant can slip underneath the front support, posing a drowning hazard.
For a complete list of recent recalls, click here.
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الاثنين، 10 ديسمبر 2018
الأحد، 9 ديسمبر 2018
الجمعة، 7 ديسمبر 2018
الخميس، 6 ديسمبر 2018
Deadly DIY - Asbestos Exposure and Home Renovations
Whether it's a cost-saving measure or the satisfaction of completing a time-consuming project on your own, many homeowners are choosing to tackle renovation projects themselves. The do-it-yourself, or DIY, movement has been gaining momentum for decades from house flippers to those who simply want to stay busy at home. This can-do attitude and the willingness to get dirty, however, can also lead to devastating conditions.
Unfortunately, homes built before 1990 likely used asbestos in many building materials and finishes.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring material that was found to be heat and fire resistant, was commonly used in numerous building materials for decades. From insulation to tiles to roofing shingles, the material was used widely to ensure the safety of building occupants. Unfortunately, asbestos was found to be carcinogenic - often leading to the deadly cancer mesothelioma, and the deaths of those who handled the material.
While studies have shown that undisturbed asbestos does not pose a significant health risk, as soon as these materials are cut, drilled or sanded the worker is in grave danger. These actions cause the asbestos fibers to become airborne - likely to be inhaled. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis or other devastating lung diseases.
An Australian study highlights the shocking prevalence of self-reported asbestos exposure during home renovations.
· 60.5 percent of DIY renovators reported being exposed to asbestos during the project.
· 53 percent reported their partner and 40 percent reported their children were also exposed to asbestos during the DIY renovations.
· 37 percent of DIY renovators reported using a power tool to cut asbestos products.
The Australian Mesothelioma Registry's 2014 Report shows that of the 350 people diagnosed with mesothelioma where there is information about asbestos exposure, 137 (or 39.14 percent) were classified as non-occupational exposure. Of these, 37.2 percent were home renovators and, of those, 33 percent were women.
Before starting any home renovation project, it is wise to consult with a skilled professional. Various companies can be hired to run tests that can detect the presence of asbestos. Do not attempt to remove the material yourself. Instead, trust a certified asbestos professional experienced in asbestos abatement. If you fear your family was exposed to the deadly material, don't hesitate to discuss your situation with trusted medical and legal professionals.
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الأربعاء، 5 ديسمبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 4 ديسمبر 2018
California Appeals Court Revives Airborne Asbestos Exposure Case
The Sixth District California Court of Appeal recently revived a unique asbestos case that had previously involved summary judgment for the defendant asbestos manufacturers.
The appellate court panel's decision paves the way for the surviving family members of Dean Trapp, who died of mesothelioma in 2014, to move forward with their suit against asbestos and asbestos-containing products manufacturers CertainTeed Corp and Calaveras Asbestos, Limited.
Background of the case
This case doesn't involve direct occupational exposure or even secondary exposure to asbestos fibers. Instead, Mr. Trapp, who both lived and worked within a few miles of CertainTeed Corp's cement pipe factory for years (Calaveras Asbestos supplied the asbestos used in those pipes), suffered airborne exposure to asbestos particulates in the air originating from the factory. The case alleges strict liability, negligence, breach of warranty, and failure to warn claims against the defendants for contaminating the ambient air with unsafe levels of asbestos.
Mr. Trapp's surviving family members brought suit back in 2014 following his death. Defendants sought and received summary judgment in 2016. The appeals court decision reverses the summary judgment, stating that defense experts had not shown that airborne particulates from the defendants' businesses could not have caused Mr. Trapp's mesothelioma.
Specifically, the appeals court decision found that take-home exposure and airborne exposure are both proven methods of exposure to asbestos, and "it is certainly not clear, as the trial court assumed, that one method of exposure is more serious and life-threatening than the other."
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الاثنين، 3 ديسمبر 2018
الأحد، 2 ديسمبر 2018
السبت، 1 ديسمبر 2018
الجمعة، 30 نوفمبر 2018
الخميس، 29 نوفمبر 2018
الأربعاء، 28 نوفمبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 27 نوفمبر 2018
The Dangers of Asbestos Are Not New at All
Mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis and other respiratory cancers related to asbestos exposure has been in the news now for about 20 years. We've all seen the late night television commercials advertising compensation for people diagnosed with the condition. Most of us have some familiarity with the topic; enough to know that either breathing asbestos fibers directly into the lungs or absorbing it through the skin into the blood steam can result in a non-curable fatal cancer.
You Have Every Right to Feel Angry
Why do we think it is important for you to know about the history of asbestos and mesothelioma? Because if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with the deadly condition, you have the right to be angry. You have the right to know how long industrial manufacturers and production facilities have known about the condition and its causes. And you have the right to know they are liable for hurting you and your family.
The first medical documentation of the health hazards of asbestos exposure can generally be traced to a published article in the British Medical Journal in 1924, with follow-up medical survey results published in 1930. These published articles, in themselves, provide documented evidence that manufacturers were aware of the health hazards for more than four decades before the first asbestos litigation case was brought to a U.S. court in 1973.
What many people don't realize, however, is that the danger of asbestos is nothing new. Not at all, in fact. While American manufacturers and corporate interests continue to claim they weren't aware, the reality is that they can't hide from documented history.
A Brief History of Just How Long People Have Known of the Dangers
If you still need more reason to give yourself permission to seek the compensation you deserve, here is a brief history of what the manufacturers knew and when they knew it:
Earliest Known Use
As early as 5,000 B.C.E., ancient Egyptians and other cultures were using asbestos in burial wraps, pottery, lamp wicks and other household items due to its unique characteristics related to fire. Roman historical writer Pliney the Elder (d. 79 C.E.) cited the respiratory problems suffered by slaves working in rock quaries where asbestos dust was known to be present. By the middle ages, asbestos was being woven into table cloths and draperies, in an effort to reduce fires in palaces.
Industrial Revolution Period
By the mid-1700s, there is already documented evidence of respiratory conditions which would likely be diagnosed as mesothelioma in today's medical terminology. A French pathologist autopsied thousands of corpses and discovered two cases of pleural tumors associated with mesothelioma today. Further studies pursued by the medical community in the early 1800s. The researchers attributed the tumors to asbestos exposure as a primary cause, but early manufacturers were already disregarding the conclusions. There was still a sliver of hope that the pleural tumors were related to other kinds of cancers in the body. More studies were needed.
Modern Times
In 1924, Dr. H.E. Robertson of the Mayo Clinic, writing in the Journal of Cancer Research, concluded that the medical community had no reason to suspect that pleural tumors were a secondary cause to other types of cancer. He concluded that the tumors could only be a result of asbestos exposure. By 1930, a medical survey had been conducted, proving conclusively that there was a direct link between mesothelioma and pleural tumors in the lining around the lungs, which today we call mesothelioma.
Subsequent Studies
In the decades since, numerous studies have been conducted and published, proving a direct link to asbestos. Despite proof positive, manufacturers continue to deny the cause-and-effect and workers continue to get sick and die.
We'll say it again: You have every right to be angry.
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الاثنين، 26 نوفمبر 2018
الأحد، 25 نوفمبر 2018
السبت، 24 نوفمبر 2018
الجمعة، 23 نوفمبر 2018
الخميس، 22 نوفمبر 2018
الأربعاء، 21 نوفمبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 20 نوفمبر 2018
Retrial Begins in South Carolina J & J Talc Asbestos Case
The retrial recently began in an asbestos case in South Carolina that ended in a hung jury last May. The case, filed back in 2017, alleges that the original plaintiff, Bertila Boyd-Bostic, developed a rare form of mesothelioma (pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart) after years of using and inhaling asbestos-laced Johnson & Johnson talc products. The products at dispute in the case include the company's signature baby powder and its Shower to Shower powder product. Boyd-Bostic has since passed, but her husband continues to fight on her behalf and on behalf of her estate.
The case was originally against Johnson & Johnson, drugstore retail chain Rite Aid and Imerys Talc America (the company's talc supplier). The claims against Imerys were resolved via confidential settlement prior to the retrial, so they are no longer a party to the case. Jurors back in May of this year cleared Rite Aid of any liability, so only claims against Johnson & Johnson are to be litigated at this time in the retrial.
Science understands that asbestos fibers, whether inhaled or ingested, can stay in body tissues for decades, slowly creating serious conditions like mesothelioma and asbestosis, which cannot be cured. Mesothelioma in particular is an aggressively deadly disease. The plaintiff's case argues that the Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products she religiously used were the source of the asbestos that caused her pericardial mesothelioma.
The retrial is expected to last for several weeks. Hopefully, this time, Bertila Boyd-Bostic's loved ones will finally get the justice they deserve.
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الاثنين، 19 نوفمبر 2018
الأحد، 18 نوفمبر 2018
السبت، 17 نوفمبر 2018
الجمعة، 16 نوفمبر 2018
الخميس، 15 نوفمبر 2018
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Know the Symptoms and Lower Your Risk
Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer world-wide. In the United States, one in thirteen men and one in sixteen women will be diagnosed.
Anyone can be diagnosed with lung cancer. People who smoke are at the greatest risk, but 10-15% of those diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. Smokers can significantly reduce their risk by quitting, even after many years of smoking.
Know the Symptoms
Lung cancer symptoms don't usually become apparent during the early stages of the disease. Symptoms tend to occur only when the disease is advanced.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:
· A new cough that doesn't go away
· Coughing up blood, even a small amount
· Shortness of breath
· Chest pain
· Hoarseness
· Losing weight without trying
· Bone pain
· Headache
Lower Your Risk
There is no sure way to avoid contracting lung cancer, but below are some tips on reducing your risk.
· Don't smoke. If you've never smoked, don't start. Talk to your children about not smoking and the major risk factors for lung cancer. Start conversations your children early so that they know how to react to peer pressure.
· Stop smoking. Quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you've smoked for several years. Talk to your doctor about strategies.
· Avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid areas where people smoke, such as bars and restaurants, and seek out smoke-free options.
· Test your home for radon. High radon levels can be remedied to make your home safer. For information on radon testing, contact your local department of public health or a local chapter of the American Lung Association.
· Avoid carcinogens at work. Take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals at work. Wear employer-provided protection equipment such as masks, gloves, and coveralls. Ask our doctor what more you can do to stay healthy at work.
· Healthy Diet and Exercise. A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your chances of developing illnesses like lung cancer.
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الأربعاء، 14 نوفمبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 13 نوفمبر 2018
Cancer among Firefighters Increasing
Active and just-retired firefighters in the Boston area are being diagnosed with cancer in astounding numbers. The cancer rate among firefighters is twice the rate of the general population in the area.
Currently, a 41-year-old Boston firefighter named Glenn Preston is being treated for blood cancer and undergoing chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.
In 2002, Preston, along with 200 other firefighters, responded to a massive fire at a power plant. He became separated from his crew during the fire and was coated in chemical and a petroleum-like goo raining down from the roof. Out of the 200 fire fighters that responded to this specific incident, a quarter of them have been diagnosed with cancer or cardiac issues.
The International Association of Firefighters states that cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters. The CDC and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study tracked nearly 30,000 firefighters across the country in 2010 and found higher rates of cancer than the general population.
Researchers site the possible high rate of cancer among firefighters could be due to synthetics, plastics and chemicals in modern homes and businesses that can explode and coat firefighters in toxic soot.
Keeping Fire Fighters Safe
Below is information from The National Fire Protection Association on minimizing contaminant exposure and risk:
How Clean is Clean: While general cleaning procedures have evolved as best practices, scientifically established methods for removing toxic chemicals, biological pathogens and other hazardous substances PPE is lacking. "Validation of Cleaning Procedures for Fire Fighter PPE" (a three-year study due in late 2018) works to identify the contaminants found and the disinfection/sanitization procedures required to remove them. (See nfpa.org/ppecleaning).
Contamination Control and Beyond: It's quickly becoming recognized that contaminants found on fire fighters are also present far from the fire ground: on hand tools, fire hose, apparatus, stations, and beyond - sometimes even into private vehicles and the homes of fire fighters. The "Campaign for Fire Service Contamination Control" (a one year- study due in late 2017) aims to educate the fire service about the health and safety risks of contaminant exposure in all these locations, and to provide steps for controlling contaminants' spread. Go to nfpa.org/contamination for more information.
Long-term Cancer Study: Medical doctors and others don't fully understand which exposures are responsible for cancer in fire fighters, the mechanisms by which exposures cause cancer, nor the most effective means of reducing exposures. The "Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study" is a long-term (30-year) information collection effort led by the University of Arizona to fully address these questions. Updates will be provided at intervals throughout the study's duration. Go to www.ffccs.org for more information.
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الاثنين، 12 نوفمبر 2018
الأحد، 11 نوفمبر 2018
السبت، 10 نوفمبر 2018
الجمعة، 9 نوفمبر 2018
الخميس، 8 نوفمبر 2018
Secondary Asbestos Exposure - Who's at Risk?
For many workers in numerous fields, the thought of asbestos exposure can be terrifying - worrying about the potential of life-threatening illnesses. These workers, however, might have exposed friends, family members and other loved ones without even realizing it. What is secondary asbestos exposure and who's at risk?
What is secondary exposure?
With increased understanding of the dangers of asbestos exposure workers and companies alike often take steps to lessen the hazards. Unfortunately, while the worker might be protected, his or her loved ones might be at risk.
Individuals who come directly in contact with asbestos fibers have suffered primary exposure. A worker who unknowingly brings asbestos fibers home puts the residents of the home at risk. This is known as secondary exposure. Secondary exposure can lead to the same diseases as primary exposure including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.
Many terms can be used to describe secondary exposure, including:
- Household exposure
- Domestic exposure
- Take-home exposure
- Indirect exposure
- Paraoccupational exposure
- Secondhand exposure
It is not uncommon for secondary exposure to be confused with environmental exposure or community contamination. Environmental exposure refers to the situation when people come in contact with naturally occurring asbestos deposits. Community contamination, on the other hand, happens when a processing plant or asbestos mine contaminates a region.
How can secondary exposure be prevented?
While secondary asbestos exposure is less common today than it was decades ago, both employees and employers must remain vigilant in protecting others from harm. There are several processes in place, including:
· Employers are required to provide changing rooms in which workers can remove contaminated clothing before going home for the day.
· Employers are required to provide shower facilities so employees can ensure no asbestos fibers are trapped in their hair or on their skin.
· Employers are required to use special laundering services to properly clean contaminated work clothes.
Workers must be aware that a simple hug for a loved one when coming home from work might prove deadly. The risk of asbestos exposure goes far beyond the walls of your workplace.
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الأربعاء، 7 نوفمبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 6 نوفمبر 2018
Asbestos Imports Have Increased Dramatically in 2018
Importation of harmful asbestos-containing products increased over 2000 percent in July and August of this year compared to last year. According to an analysis by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Environmental Working Group, the U.S. imported 341 metric tons of asbestos-containing products in 2017. That amount is expected to at least double in 2018.
The U.S. is one of only a handful of first-world countries that continues to allow the importation of new asbestos products, with more than 60 other countries having banned them outright or significantly reduced their intake. This is in spite of decades of research conclusively proving that asbestos exposure causes irreparable harm in the form of mesothelioma, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and other conditions.
Asbestos is well-known for its fire-resistant qualities, which is why it was widely used as an insulating material on ships and in buildings in the U.S. until the 1970s. Asbestos-containing products were not banned, however, and they continue to be imported at a record pace. Newly proposed EPA regulations would likely add to the number of asbestos-containing products in the U.S. market, covering everything from concrete sewer pipes and construction materials (like roofing shingles and fireproof doors) to automobile and railroad brakes and clutches.
Asbestos fibers, when inhaled or ingested, stay in the body for decades, slowly creating the serious conditions mentioned above. If you or someone you love suffered harm because of asbestos exposure, an attorney experienced in handling asbestos and mesothelioma cases can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve.
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الاثنين، 5 نوفمبر 2018
الأحد، 4 نوفمبر 2018
السبت، 3 نوفمبر 2018
الجمعة، 2 نوفمبر 2018
الخميس، 1 نوفمبر 2018
Asbestos Exposure and Deadly Diseases
Worldwide, asbestos exposure can impact nearly anyone from schoolchildren to auto mechanics to factory workers to miners. When these fibers are inhaled or ingested, the results can be devastating - and often deadly.
With heat-resistant properties, asbestos fibers were used in numerous materials over the course of several decades. From floor tiles to steam pipes to protective clothing, asbestos fibers were woven, painted or blended with other materials. As these products broke down, however, the fibers themselves became airborne - small enough to be inhaled which can lead to serious consequences.
While the symptoms of exposure can vary depending on numerous factors, there are four major asbestos-related diseases.
- Pleural plaques: Often the earliest signs of asbestos exposure, pleural plaques are areas of white, smooth, raised scar tissue on the outer lining of the lung, internal chest wall and diaphragm.
- Asbestosis: After heavy, prolonged exposure to asbestos, individuals might experience shortness of breath, coughing and permanent lung damage. The chronic condition asbestosis is caused by inflammation or scarring in the lungs.
- Lung cancer: Exposure to asbestos coupled with smoking can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. These cancerous tumors mainly occur in the lining of the tubes leading into the lungs, the smaller airways or the middle of the lungs.
- Mesothelioma: With a confirmed history of significant asbestos exposure, individuals are likely to develop the deadly cancer mesothelioma. This cancer attacks the tissue that lines the body cavities, particularly the chest and abdominal cavities.
If you are struggling with an asbestos-related illness, it is crucial that you discuss your situation with an experienced attorney.
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الأربعاء، 31 أكتوبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 30 أكتوبر 2018
Getting the Right Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
People run the risk of developing a deadly condition through the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Due to the heat-transfer and heat-resistant properties of the material, asbestos was historically used in numerous products such as steam pipes, brake lining and various construction materials. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious respiratory conditions such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
When mesothelioma is misdiagnosed, however, individuals can face a worsening, fatal condition. The symptoms are not specific, which means that there are many other diseases that it mimics. An improper diagnosis can lead to delays in treatment and hurt your ability to survive.
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer. For this reason, it is often misdiagnosed as other types of cancer. It may be misdiagnosed as lung cancer, for example, even though it's actually affecting the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen.
What should you do if you think you've been misdiagnosed?
The first thing to do anytime that you have a serious diagnosis is to speak with another specialist for a second opinion. It is easy to diagnose a condition as another that has similar symptoms, but by seeing two doctors, you have a higher chance of getting the correct diagnosis faster. It is a good idea to have both doctors look at your test results and to verify them for you.
What are some symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma causes many symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Pleural effusion
- Pain in the chest
- Wheezing
- Dyspnea
As you can see, nearly all of these symptoms can be attributed to other conditions. For that reason, it is vital that the medical provider takes your work history and listens to possible ways you could have been exposed to asbestos.
Your doctor should order numerous tests including blood-marker tests, X-rays, PET scans and MRIs. Biopsies are also helpful, because it is possible for the doctor to see the damage firsthand and to witness the type of scarring and damage that has occurred.
Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, because it is normally not identified until it is advanced. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better your chances are of survival. Depending on the stage of mesothelioma, there may be options to reduce or eliminate the cancer completely. In other cases, medical providers have the option of keeping you comfortable and extending your life for as long as possible with advanced treatment methods.
A misdiagnosis can put your life at risk when it comes to mesothelioma. If you're misdiagnosed, you have a right to speak up and be heard. Discuss your case with a skilled medical malpractice attorney.
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الاثنين، 29 أكتوبر 2018
الأحد، 28 أكتوبر 2018
السبت، 27 أكتوبر 2018
الجمعة، 26 أكتوبر 2018
الخميس، 25 أكتوبر 2018
Florida Supreme Court Reinstates Asbestos Verdict
The Florida Supreme Court recently reinstated an earlier verdict in favor of a Florida man whose mesothelioma is linked to cigarette filters and workplace asbestos exposure.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the $8 million verdict in favor of Richard DeLisle back in 2016 on the issue of the validity of expert testimony. The trial court had used one standard for expert testimony (the Frye standard), while a 2013 Florida law mandated the use of a different one (the Daubert standard). The Florida Supreme Court found that the 2013 law was unconstitutional, as it infringed upon the court's rights in choosing which evidentiary standard was appropriate for expert witness testimony.
The crux of Mr. DeLisle's case centered on his use of filtered cigarettes manufactured by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company dating back to the 1950s, the filters of which contained asbestos for years. He was also exposed to asbestos on the job, having worked manufacturing asbestos-containing sheet gaskets for Crane Co.
He successfully argued to the trial court that the asbestos contained in the cigarette filters and in the sheet gaskets led to his mesothelioma.
As we've discussed in the past, mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin membranous lining around internal organs. It is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. There are treatments for the various symptoms of the disease, but there is currently no cure. It can be in the pleura surrounding the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or in the peritoneum surrounding the abdominal organs (peritoneal mesothelioma).
from California Mesothelioma Law Blog https://ift.tt/2OSLyMM
الأربعاء، 24 أكتوبر 2018
الثلاثاء، 23 أكتوبر 2018
Toxic Metal Found in Jewelry Sold at Nordstrom Rack, Ross, and Papaya
The Center for Environmental Health has discovered that some jewelry made by Tracera and Vibe Sportswear brands are nearly 100% cadmium. Cadmium is a malleable metal known to cause cancer and targets the body's cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Under the California's Proposition 65, businesses must inform consumers about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer or other reproductive harm.
In 2010, Chinese manufacturers were found to be making kids' jewelry out of cadmium. California law currently states that jewelry made for kids can not contain more than .03 percent cadmium. The metal had virtually disappeared from products sold in the US by 2012. No laws address cadmium in adult jewelry yet.
Most of the tainted items were sold at Ross, which has more than 1,400 stores in 38 states. According to the lab tests, 31 adult jewelry items were at least 40 percent cadmium, and most were more than 90 percent. A pendant from a necklace chain was 100 percent cadmium.
Steven Kim, an attorney representing Papaya, said the company has recalled the products where contamination was found and stopped buying from the manufacturer in China.
Nordstrom spokeswoman Emily Sterken said the company is reaching out to the vendors to "make them aware of the situation and get more information on these items."
The manufacturers had no comment.
from California Mesothelioma Law Blog https://ift.tt/2O2ixsq