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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