MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Asbestos and Mesothelioma News' source. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:32:15 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2966183&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F11%2F06%2Fmount-sinai-medical-center-assessing-mesothelioma-impact-in-libby-montana%2F Researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine have announced that thousands of residents and workers in Libby, Montana are at risk for developing mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore for nearly a century. Libby is the site where W.R. Grace and Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was highly contaminated with asbestos. Several parts of the town were also affected by asbestos exposure including playgrounds, roads and other residential areas. For decades, workers in Libby brought the toxic dust home on their clothes where they unintentionally exposed their families to asbestos. Lead by Dr. Stephen Levin, M.D., associate professor of preventative medicine at Mount Sinai, the research team will lead an investigation into various components of a... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2966183 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:34:42 +0100 2966183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2962298&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F11%2F05%2Fmesothelioma-trimodality-therapy-benefits-patients%2F In a study recently published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, mesothelioma researchers found a trimodality therapeutic approach of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation to be effective in treating malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. A long latency period of 20 to 50 years complicates the diagnostic process and usually leads to a diagnosis at a late stage of cancer development. Because most cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed in a late stage of development, treatment options are often limited to palliative measures intended to improve quality of life. Researchers are avidly searching for a cure for this rare cancer, as current treatment therapies typically fail to fully combat the cancer. According to the studyâ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2962298 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:53:07 +0100 2962298 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2957965&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F11%2F04%2Fmesothelioma-compensation-20-million-settlement-awarded-to-maryland-resident%2F A Baltimore city jury has recently awarded more than $20 million to a woman who contracted mesothelioma cancer after being exposed to asbestos during the late 1960s. Jocelyn Farrar, a 57-year-old nursing professor at the University of Maryland, believes she developed malignant mesothelioma after experiencing secondary asbestos exposure from washing her grandfather’s work clothes as a teenager. John Hentgen, Farrar’s grandfather, worked with asbestos-containing insulation on a regular basis and likely carried home asbestos on his clothes. While doing laundry, Farrar inhaled asbestos fibers which later became lodged in the lining of her lungs. Exposure to asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma, can occur by either inhaling or ingesting microscopic asbestos fibers. If inhaled, the li... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2957965 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:26:54 +0100 2957965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2953651&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F11%2F03%2Fmesothelioma-research-preventing-tumor-growth-at-site-of-chest-instrumentation%2F Mesothelioma researchers recently published a review in the medical journal Lung Cancer on current measures for preventing tumor growth at sites of chest intervention where surgery occurred or where medical instruments such as a catheter were placed. Mesothelioma cancer is a rare disease caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. In the United States approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with the cancer each year. Diagnosis can be challenging because the disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years following exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, mesothelioma treatment options are also compromised by the long latency period since symptoms do not arise until the cancer has reached late stages of development. Printed in the November 2009 issue of Lung Cancer, the study asses... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2953651 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:42:43 +0100 2953651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950077&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F11%2F02%2Fmesothelioma-diagnostic-test-launched-by-pharmaceutical-company%2F Prometheus Laboratories Inc. recently announced the nationwide commercial launch of the diagnostic test ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx, in addition to two other diagnostic products. The company originally received United States rights to the three cancer tests from Rosetta Genomics in April this year. The three tests Prometheus acquired rights to were initially labeled miRview™ meso, miRview™ mets and miRview™ squamous. Now they are called ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx, ProOnc TumorSource Dx and ProOnc Squamous Dx. Rosetta Genomics developed the tests after studying microRNA technology, which consists of non-coding genes that are sensitive to biomarkers. According to Harvey Pass, M.D., Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Division of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at New ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950077 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:35:53 +0100 2950077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942532&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F30%2Fmilitary-veterans-may-be-at-risk-for-mesothelioma-asbestos-related-illnesses%2F According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, thousands of military veterans are now suffering from the asbestos-related illness mesothelioma. Many veterans were exposed to the fibrous mineral asbestos while working on naval vessels where it was used as the main form of insulation. More than 300 asbestos-containing products were used from the 1930’s through the 1970’s, where it appeared on most ships used by the Navy and in the shipyards where ships and vessels were built. Those who served decades ago are beginning to demonstrate symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses, which can take up to 20 to 50 years to develop. The U.S. Navy was not ignorant of the dangers of asbestos and evidence suggesting the hazardous qualities of asbestos was swiftly covered up by asbestos ma... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942532 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:51:56 +0100 2942532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2937864&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F29%2Fmesothelioma-blog-and-cancer-forums-offer-support-to-patients%2F In an effort to find support along their cancer journey, many mesothelioma patients turn to mesothelioma blogs and online cancer forums that help them understand their disease and cope with the emotions involved in a cancer diagnosis. One such mesothelioma blog, “Mesothelioma and Me,” has offered much hope and support to mesothelioma patients. The blog was created by Debbie Brewer, a woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2006. Brewer was exposed to asbestos through hugging her father who came home from work covered in asbestos dust. Her father’s passing from asbestos-related lung cancer in August 2006 prompted Brewer to get a chest X-ray, which revealed an abnormality and mesothelioma cancer was later confirmed. Brewer started the blog just before receiving her diagno... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2937864 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:40:11 +0100 2937864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2933601&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Fcurrent-treatment-options-for-peritoneal-mesothelioma%2F Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the abdominal cavity, specifically in the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. Doctors and researchers have found a clear relationship between this cancer and high levels of asbestos exposure, but they have yet to find a cure. Because of the low incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma, few studies have been conducted on experimental treatments for patients. Most treatment methods have followed those recommended for pleural mesothelioma. A multimodality approach to treating peritoneal mesothelioma has shown encouraging results in some patients. With this method, two or more treatment options are completed at the same time, often involving the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. However, this... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2933601 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:43:50 +0100 2933601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2930108&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F27%2Fmesothelioma-grant-research-helps-to-find-a-cure%2F Since there is no cure for mesothelioma cancer, research grants are extremely important in the fight to discover a cure for this rare disease. A recent increase in requests for a mesothelioma grant highlights the importance of research funding and the need for more grant money. The Meso Foundation Research Grant Program, started in 2000 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF or Meso Foundation), is the primary independent source of mesothelioma research funding in the United States. To date, the Meso Foundation has funded nearly $6 million in mesothelioma-related research projects throughout the world. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. The disease has a long latency period of 20 to 50 years. Mesothelioma statistics report that a... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2930108 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:12:22 +0100 2930108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2926636&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F26%2Fmesothelioma-case-plaintiffs-file-suit-against-84-companies%2F In a recent asbestos suit filed in Jefferson County District Court in Texas, plaintiffs are seeking compensation for either developing an asbestos-related disease or having a loved one pass away from a related condition. The plaintiffs include Alice Faye Galloway, Billy Jean Jones, Floy Elvira Linder and Larry Linder, who are filing on behalf of Johnnie Melvin Linder and Michael Curtis Whisnant, two loved ones that recently passed away. The suit names 84 defendant corporations with the plaintiffs claiming they were forced to work near asbestos-containing insulation and other asbestos products. The plaintiffs in the case are former craftsmen and construction tradesmen who have worked at refineries and chemical plants throughout Texas. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesotheliom... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2926636 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:19:01 +0100 2926636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2919056&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F23%2Fcourts-order-1-5-million-in-damages-to-family-of-mesothelioma-victim%2F An Erie County jury in Buffalo, New York has ordered a former supplier of asbestos-ridden control valves and control packing to pay $1.5 million in damages to a repair man who passed away from the asbestos-related illness mesothelioma. Ronald Drabczyk repaired control valves manufactured by Fisher controls International, a division of Emerson Electric, which contained asbestos gaskets and packing. Drabczyk was a repair man for 18 years and passed away at the age of 70 on November 29, 2005, nine years after his retirement from the Niagara Falls plant. The six-week trial culminated with the jury deciding that the St. Louis-based Corporation was negligent and accountable for the fatal consequences in distributing its products with no prior information or labeling about its asbestos-containing... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2919056 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:18:40 +0100 2919056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2919057&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F22%2Fmesothelioma-diagnosis-electron-microscopy-remains-top-method%2F Despite recent advances in mesothelioma immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy remains the best method for diagnosing mesothelioma cancer from other cancers. Many cancers are diagnosed with the use of electron microscopy, which employs a powerful electron microscope to view cancer cells up close. An electron microscope uses a beam of electrons to shine light on a specimen (such as cancer cells) and produce a highly-magnified image. Specialists then observe the illuminated specimen and look for physical characteristics that denote one type of cancer from another. Electron microscopy has been very useful in the diagnosis of mesothelioma, a cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma statistics report that an average of 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with the c... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2919057 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:38:14 +0100 2919057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2911316&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F21%2Fmesothelioma-death-highlights-risk-for-sheet-metal-workers%2F Sheet metal workers are one occupational group that has faced a history of asbestos exposure. In a recent story from Portsmouth England, Betty Williamson’s husband, a past sheet metal worker, passed away from an asbestos-related disease. Her husband, Tom Williamson, received a mesothelioma diagnosis in October of last year and was informed that he only had a few months to live. The couple initially became concerned after Mr. Williamson developed a bad cough. Mrs. Williamson believes her husband may have been exposed to asbestos during the 20 years that he worked for a sheet metal business. She said, “I cannot believe what has happened in a year. He was always a healthy person. We had lots of plans for our retirement.” The Health and Safety Executive plans to launch a new asbestos... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2911316 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:49:59 +0100 2911316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2907731&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F20%2Fmesothelioma-patient-passes-away-following-asbestos-lawsuit-win%2F Mesothelioma patient Dianne Willmore was awarded more than $390,000 October 14, 2009 when Knowsley Council was found liable for exposing Willmore to asbestos, a toxic mineral known to cause her rare cancer. Willmore passed away from the cancer the following day on October 15, 2009. Willmore was exposed to asbestos in the 1970s during her time as a student at Huyton’s Bowring School in Merseyside, England. Asbestos exposure occurred in the school through ceiling tiles located in the restrooms. The tiles released asbestos fibers when they were disturbed by students who would hide items in the ceiling. Knowsley Council was found liable for her exposure because the High Court determined the Council “knew or ought to have known that any more than minimal exposure to asbestos dust was forese... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2907731 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:01:23 +0100 2907731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2907732&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F19%2Fmesothelioma-and-the-multiple-dangers-of-asbestos-exposure%2F While it is common knowledge that cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, much of the public is unaware that exposure to asbestos can also cause lung cancer. It has been proven that those who have been exposed to asbestos and continue to smoke cigarettes, the risk of developing lung cancer is increased by as much as 90 times. These individuals are also at a greater risk of developing both asbestosis and mesothelioma. There is hope for smokers who have experienced asbestos exposure. Evidence has suggested that asbestos-exposed workers who quit smoking can reduce their risk of developing lung cancer by up to 50 percent within five years of quitting. According to statistics from the Environmental Working Group, about 5,000 people in the United States pass away each year from as... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2907732 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:57:47 +0100 2907732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2902693&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F17%2Fmesothelioma-patients-widow-receives-1-2-million-in-asbestos-case%2F The widow of a man who passed away from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma received $1.2 million following a Texas jury’s ruling October 5, 2009. Danny Puckett and his wife of 23 years filed a lawsuit against several defendants, stating that Mr. Puckett’s mesothelioma diagnosis was due to asbestos exposure he experienced from 1975 to 1985 when he worked for Dowell Company as a member of the cement crew. Puckett, 59, passed away from the aggressive cancer in April 2009, six months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. Prior to his passing, Puckett testified in the lawsuit, stating he was exposed to a “continuous smokestack” of dust from asbestos-containing cement additives used in a cement-mixing hopper. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to the development... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2902693 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:05:20 +0100 2902693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2897765&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F16%2Fcancer-combination-therapy-and-improved-nutrition-provide-hope-for-mesothelioma-patients%2F Recent cancer studies performed by various hospitals and research centers around the world have provided new hope for patients facing the asbestos-related illness mesothelioma. Developed through exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is a rare but severe form of asbestos lung cancer which accounts for three percent of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that lines the area around the heart, chest cavity and abdominal cavity, as well as the outer surface of most organs. Due to an intense latency period associated with mesothelioma, many individuals will not experience related symptoms until 20 to 50 years after exposure, when the disease has already progressed to its later stages. Though a cure for mesothelioma does not e... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2897765 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:52:32 +0100 2897765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2893548&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F15%2Fmesothelioma-a-concern-for-former-automotive-industry-workers%2F The toxic mineral asbestos was widely used in various industries throughout the 20th century, including the automotive industry. Exposure to asbestos is linked to the development of serious illnesses including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma patients may take decades to demonstrate symptoms of the cancer, allowing it to progress and spread inside the body. Those who were exposed to asbestos while working in the automotive industry prior to the 1980s may only now begin to express mesothelioma symptoms. Asbestos exposure often occurred in the automotive industry because the mineral was commonly used in many different auto parts including brake pads and linings, gaskets and hoodliners. Exposure occurs when the asb... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2893548 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:01:37 +0100 2893548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2889508&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F14%2Fmesothelioma-increasing-asbestos-awareness-as-a-preventative-measure%2F Discussions on the proper handling of asbestos materials and educating the public on how to prevent exposure can better prepare those that encounter asbestos. Even those who hire a professional asbestos abatement company to remove asbestos should be educated, as crooked abatement contractors do exist. Certified asbestos companies have been known to illegally remove and dispose asbestos-containing materials in way that causes risk for citizens. Outside of using improper abatement techniques, contractors will sometimes claim that all asbestos has been removed when a significant amount is actually left behind. Hiring an asbestos inspector from another company other than the contractor’s company is one way to maintain proper removal. However, there have been times when inspectors have secret... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2889508 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:17:07 +0100 2889508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2885575&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F13%2Fmesothelioma-patient-participation-requested-for-north-carolina-study%2F FirstWatch of the Carolinas is partnering with Wake Forest School of Medicine to conduct a research study on the progression of asbestos-related cancers and lung diseases, including the rare cancer mesothelioma. According to FirstWatch, a non-profit health care network, the study “examines the associated environmental factors and genetic markers of people diagnosed with mesothelioma, basically identifying how frequently encountered environmental pollutants affect the body and determining the genetic factors that make some families more susceptible than others to mesothelioma and other forms of cancer.” Mesothelioma patients are encouraged to contact FirstHealth Clinical Trials to participate in the study. “The FirstHealth Clinical Trials staff is excited about this opportunity to ass... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2885575 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:06:11 +0100 2885575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2882357&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F12%2Fmesothelioma-secondary-exposure-to-asbestos-results-in-woman%25e2%2580%2599s-death%2F Some of the more common locations for asbestos exposure, especially for men, have included the construction, shipyard, power plant, chemical plant and automotive industries. However, other indirect cases of asbestos exposure, known as secondary exposure, have been noted to affect the lives of women as well. Secondary exposure to asbestos has primarily occurred within the homes of families who have either had a husband or father that worked in an industry where asbestos was prevalent. In these situations, the husband or father would come home after working and his clothes would be contaminated with asbestos fibers, potentially exposing others in the home. Linda Sinnett, who passed away from peritoneal mesothelioma in July, is believed to have experienced secondary asbestos exposure from her... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2882357 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:28:54 +0100 2882357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2878589&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F09%2Fmesothelioma-patients-seeking-medical-care-may-now-receive-air-transportation%2F Patients with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma will now be able to receive the best medical care through a new program that aims to provide air transportation to top cancer centers around the country. While treatment for most patients can be available at local clinics, many top hospitals with programs dedicated to mesothelioma can be hundreds or thousands of miles away. The costs of travel can severely discourage patients from making the trip and prompt the patients to seek alternatives to their treatments. Thanks to Angel Flight, Corporate Angel Network, Pilots for Patients and other organizations consisting of volunteers and pilots, patients who are in need of financial help or are too sick to travel may now be able to fly to the destination of their choice to receive the best ca... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2878589 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:31:35 +0100 2878589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874851&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F08%2Fmesothelioma-claims-life-of-british-space-agency-chief%2F The former chief of the British National Space Centre passed away due to mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Though Dr. Derrick Gould passed away June 22, 2009, an examination that took place several months following his death confirmed that the cause of his death was mesothelioma, which he likely developed due to exposure to asbestos that Dr. Gould experienced during his work as a longshoreman at a shipyard. Dr. Marek Witkowski, consultant pathologist at Furness General Hospital, noted that the examination revealed Dr. Gould had advanced mesothelioma that had spread throughout his body. Ian Smith, a coroner involved in the inquest, attributed Dr. Gould’s mesothelioma development to his time working as a longshoreman, stating, “Of some interest is th... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874851 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:39 +0100 2874851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2868162&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F07%2Fpoliticians-push-national-mesothelioma-awareness-day-into-congress%2F Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects approximately 3,000 Americans each year. The primary cause of this cancer is exposure to asbestos, which occurs through inhaling airborne asbestos fibers or ingesting them. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation established Mesothelioma Awareness Day to spread light on the devastating cancer. Mesothelioma Awareness Day occurs each year on September 26 and the foundation hopes the day soon becomes recognized at the national level. Awareness about malignant mesothelioma is crucial for those who have been exposed to asbestos but have not yet been diagnosed. Most patients become diagnosed during the latest stages of development, a time when curable treatments are no longer an option. This is largely due to the severe latency period of sy... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2868162 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:23:04 +0100 2868162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2864824&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F06%2Fmesothelioma-patient-wants-indiana-asbestos-exposure-law-amended%2F An Indiana woman diagnosed with mesothelioma spoke in front of a legislative committee October 1, 2009, emphasizing the importance of amending an Indiana law that would allow additional time for workers exposed to asbestos to file a lawsuit against those who caused their exposure. Dorothy Kuykendall, 76, and others are working to change the law that currently give those exposed to asbestos 10 years to file a lawsuit after the initial exposure occurs. However, patients with certain asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis can take 10 to 50 years to demonstrate symptoms of their illnesses. Kuykendall and other supporters of a change to the current law want the law amended to allow those diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease to have two years from the time of diagno... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2864824 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:04:22 +0100 2864824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2861662&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F05%2Ffunding-mesothelioma-foundation-receives-increase-in-research-applications%2F With increased awareness about the rare cancer mesothelioma, research efforts are growing each year and treatment options are improving at a very fast pace. Much of this can be attributed to increasing funds raised by local support groups and other organizations. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has experienced a rise in the number of applications submitted for funding for mesothelioma research. In the year 2000, the organization only received seven applications asking for funds. In 2009, they have already received 56 applications from a variety of researchers looking to improve treatment options. The foundation was initially established because of the lack of funding that was in place for the rare cancer. As of today, the foundation has awarded about $6 million to researchers.... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2861662 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:11:27 +0100 2861662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2854511&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F02%2Fmesothelioma-patients-receive-new-hope-from-cancer-center-in-texas%2F With more than 30 specialists dedicated to mesothelioma on staff, the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is a place of hope for patients facing the asbestos-related cancer. Highly regarded for their innovative research methods and initiatives devoted to discovering advanced treatment options and a cure for mesothelioma, the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is one of the few cancer centers around with the world that has a program specifically for mesothelioma patients. Patients at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center receive care in one location because of the Center’s dedication to personalized care through a team of doctors who are each assigned specific roles in various treatment methods. The cancer program not only includes clinical trials, experts in thoracic medical oncology, rad... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2854511 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:23:42 +0100 2854511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2850398&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F10%2F01%2Fmesothelioma-chemotherapy-medication-improves-survival-rate-of-lung-cancer-patients%2F The makers of the drug Alimta announced September 28, 2009 that the medication prolonged the lives of lung cancer patients by three months in a recent clinical trial. Alimta is commonly used in chemotherapy treatment for patients with mesothelioma and lung cancer. The patients receiving Alimta in the clinical trial were compared to patients receiving the best available care for their lung cancer. The study involved 663 patients and those receiving the best available care and Alimta lived an average of 13.4 months, whereas patients receiving the best available care and a placebo lived for approximately 10.6 months. Alimta is often coupled with an additional medication and utilized in chemotherapy treatment through an injection as the primary treatment for those battling advanced non-small c... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2850398 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:02:41 +0100 2850398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2845378&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F30%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-risks-and-prevention%2F Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This typically happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and have released asbestos fibers into the air. In the past, some of the more common locations for asbestos exposure (predominantly for men) have included the construction, shipyard, railroad, power plant, chemical plant and automotive industries. However, other indirect cases of asbestos exposure, known as secondary exposure, have been noted to affect the lives of women and children. Many of the men who worked with asbestos would often carry home asbestos fibers on their skin and clothes, and when their ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2845378 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:10:19 +0100 2845378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2841710&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-exposure-risks-prompts-mother-to-remove-daughter-from-school%2F Following an asbestos violation at her daughter’s junior high school, a Missouri mother removed her child from the school, transferring her daughter to a private school in the area. This is the second removal of a student from a public school due to asbestos-related issues in the Columbia, Missouri area this year. Christine Doerr decided to remove her daughter Maria from Jefferson Junior High School after the school violated a federal asbestos rule and asbestos was allegedly present in the plaster ceiling of a room in the school. On February 26, traces of the mineral were found in a sample from the ceiling following a renovation project, revealing between 3 and 5 percent asbestos in the ceiling sample. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) considers anything greater than... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2841710 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:07:52 +0100 2841710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838272&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F28%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-disease-widow-files-lawsuit-on-behalf-of-husband%2F According to a lawsuit recently filed in Jefferson County District Court, Willie Mae Denson is claiming several companies failed to test asbestos-containing products before distributing them for commerce. Ms. Denson is filing on behalf of her husband, Elijah Denson Sr., who recently passed away from an asbestos-related disease. Ms. Denson believes her husband’s illness was caused by the companies’ negligence. A total of seven companies have been listed in the lawsuit as defendants. Elijah Denson Sr. worked under many different job titles throughout his career, including laborer, furnace worker and carpenter. The suit states he was exposed to asbestos-containing products during these occupations. Ms. Denson says the defendant companies were negligent for failing to notify Mr. Denson abo... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838272 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:26:58 +0100 2838272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2835963&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F26%2Fmesothelioma-surgery-a-closer-look%2F Learning of a mesothelioma diagnosis may result in feelings of confusion, anger and vulnerability. Once a patient understands more about the cancer, treatment options are often explored and surgery may be considered if a patient is a candidate. In terms of mesothelioma treatment, surgery is divided into three main categories depending on the purpose of the procedure. Prior to diagnosis, diagnostic surgery is completed to determine whether or not mesothelioma is present in the body. Palliative surgery is performed to provide a patient with relief from mesothelioma symptoms while curative surgery involves removing cancerous cells and tissue in hopes of curing the patient (though no known cure for mesothelioma currently exists). Following a mesothelioma diagnosis, a variety of surgical proced... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2835963 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:05:53 +0100 2835963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2831083&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F25%2Fmesothelioma-a-concern-for-fresno-police-employees-exposed-to-asbestos%2F According to city officials in Fresno, California, 90 police department employees were exposed to asbestos when the mineral fiber was disturbed during the installation of fire-suppression equipment in the department’s communication center. The construction crews had been working at the site since September 14, 2008 and recently discovered materials that possibly contained asbestos. Officials were aware that asbestos was present in the area, but it had been sealed off due to health and safety concerns. The sealed asbestos was disturbed enough to release hazardous fibers into the air. Exposure to the toxic mineral is linked to numerous illnesses including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Although the work has been halted, many dispatchers and other employees of the Fresn... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2831083 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:39:26 +0100 2831083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2827243&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F24%2Fmesothelioma-case-results-in-1-4-million-for-widow-of-former-pipefitter%2F The widow of a man who passed away from mesothelioma was awarded $1.4 million on September 21, 2009 following seven days at trial. After deliberating for two days, a Hamilton County, Tennessee jury unanimously found North Brothers (National Services Industries) guilty of selling defective products to the company where Wayne Jackson worked, causing or contributing to Jackson’s mesothelioma diagnosis. Jackson’s wife Marian filed a lawsuit against the company after her husband died following a battle with mesothelioma, a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure.  During his work as a pipefitter from 1952 through 1986 at Combustion Engineering in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mr. Jackson was exposed to asbestos-contaminated products. North Brothers sold some of the defective produc... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2827243 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:02:41 +0100 2827243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2818659&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F22%2Fmesothelioma-rate-shockingly-highs-among-construction-workers-in-hanford-washington%2F The September issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine published results from a study that presented information gathered in the Building Trades National Medical Screening Program for Hanford, Washington and three additional Department of Energy sites. The study examined 8,976 workers who participated in the program and completed a screening interview from 1998 through 2004. According to Knut Ringen, one of the authors of the study, “The most significant finding at Hanford was a very high rate of mesothelioma,” a rate that is 11 times more prevalent than the mesothelioma rate of the general population. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer diagnosed in approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Americans annually. The cancer affects a membranous lining known as the mesothelium... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2818659 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:58:49 +0100 2818659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2813947&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F21%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-commercial-use-of-the-mineral%2F The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was widely used in a variety of building components throughout much of the 20th century. Many say asbestos was fitted in nearly every home built before 1978. Even after this date, asbestos was still used in construction materials, but in smaller quantities. The general consensus is asbestos does not cause health problems unless its fibers are released into the air, so the many homes and buildings constructed before the 1980s that still contain asbestos could pose a risk of exposure. Because of this, people should still be wary of asbestos exposure and the future development of an asbestos-related disease. Aging asbestos-containing materials can easily release asbestos fibers into the air. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to several harmful illne... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2813947 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:15:27 +0100 2813947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812064&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F20%2Fmesothelioma-asbestos-contaminated-vermiculite-removed-from-libby-golf-course%2F The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun its cleanup effort in Libby, Montana after declaring a public health emergency for the area earlier this year. Construction crews are currently removing large amounts of asbestos-laced vermiculite dirt from nine holes of the Cabinet View Country Club golf course. The excavation project is being conducted on the older portion of the golf course and the newer nine holes of the course have remained open to the public. Cabinet View Country Club Board Chairman Gene Chappell said, “This project is going a lot better than we really thought, because there’s just a whole bunch of stuff when you start tearing a golf course apart, but planning ahead of time, and having the right things in place, it’s really went well and I can&#821... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812064 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:15:58 +0100 2812064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2809202&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F19%2Fmesothelioma-chemotherapy-and-the-use-of-cisplatin-and-alimta%2F When a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma thoughts about prognosis naturally surface and questions about how to prolong a patient’s life typically arise. When a mesothelioma patient and their loved ones investigate treatment options to combat the cancer, chemotherapy is often explored. The combination of Cisplatin and Alimta, two common chemotherapy medications, is often used in chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma patients. Cisplatin is a platinum-based medication used to treat a myriad of cancers and frequently serves as the backbone of chemotherapy treatment for patients facing these illnesses. Alimta was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005 and is typically used in combination with Cisplatin for patients battling non-small cell lung cancer or malignant pleural ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2809202 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:02:09 +0100 2809202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2806613&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F18%2Fclinical-trial-seeks-mesothelioma-patients-for-study%2F Researchers at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland are seeking 40 patients with the asbestos-related illness mesothelioma, who are not surgery or radiation candidates, to test a new drug known as gefitinib. Gefitinib is used in the treatment of many types of locally advanced or metastatic lung cancer in patients who previously underwent chemotherapy treatments. Gefitinib prevents cell growth in cancerous cells by targeting proteins located in the cells. Proteins are typically high in cancer cells. Malignant mesothelioma is found in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that lines the area around the heart, chest cavity and the abdominal cavity, as well as the outer surface of most of the organs.  The cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2806613 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:08:29 +0100 2806613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803127&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F17%2Fmesothelioma-awareness-day-observed-september-26%2F On September 26, 2009 those affected by the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma and volunteers worldwide will help call attention to the rare cancer on national Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the non-profit organization that started the day in 2005, expects the day to be the most successful awareness day for the cancer since it was organized four years ago. “It is important to spread the word, to let everyone know about the viciousness of mesothelioma, but also to tell them about the resources and services available if they are ever faced with it,” said Bonnie Anderson, a mesothelioma patient and volunteer with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. “I have been a part of the Meso Foundation since my diagnosis and have been very grat... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803127 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:54:39 +0100 2803127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2799396&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F16%2Fmesothelioma-causing-asbestos-exposure-results-in-130-million-to-help-affected-residents%2F After declaring a public health emergency for the town of Libby, Montana in June of this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are planning on spending more than $130 million on cleanup efforts and improving the health care system in the area. To date, approximately 400 Libby residents have passed away from asbestos-related diseases such as malignant mesothelioma. In addition to Libby, the nearby town Troy is also intended to benefit from the public health emergency funds. Asbestos exposure has affected the area because of W.R. Grace & Company’s nearby toxic vermiculite mine that was contaminated with asbestos. Workers in the mine not only exposed themselves, but family members as well by unknowingly carrying home asbest... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2799396 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:06:47 +0100 2799396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2795690&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F15%2Fmesothelioma-a-risk-for-firefighters-fighting-for-workers-compensation-in-pennsylvania%2F Though 31 states recognize that cancer development in firefighters is likely due to conditions the firefighters were exposed to on the job, Pennsylvania continues to fail to recognize cancer as an occupational illness for firefighters diagnosed in the state. In the states that recognize cancer as an occupational illness, firefighters may collect workers’ compensation to aid in healthcare expenses and assist with wage reimbursement. The Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA), an organization representing more than 10,000 professional firefighters throughout the state, is working to change the current law to resemble the law in place in the 31 states that recognize the connection between cancer and occupational exposure to certain health hazards. One such hazard is asb... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2795690 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:13:24 +0100 2795690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2792482&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F14%2Fmesothelioma-automotive-industry-impacted-by-asbestos%2F A recent asbestos-related case in the United Kingdom has highlighted the risks associated with workers employed in the automotive industry. The latest case follows a similar suit involving Kelvin Parker, a former installer of insulation and suspended ceilings at the Longbridge site. Parker, 54, was initially diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2007. After passing away on November 19, 2008, his family continued to pursue legal action against the company responsible for his asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that typically develops in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. In most instances, mesothelioma victims are unaware of their condition until symptoms arise and the cancer has already reached the latest stages of development... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2792482 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:18:11 +0100 2792482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2787884&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F12%2Fformer-pipefitter-welder-names-36-defendants-in-mesothelioma-lawsuit%2F A man who formerly worked as a pipefitter, welder and pipeliner and his wife have filed a lawsuit against 36 companies, alleging that his mesothelioma cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos that occurred in the workplace. Tommy Harrell was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer commonly attributed to asbestos exposure, on July 30, 2009. Harrell says he was previously exposed to asbestos on the job when he worked around the toxic mineral beginning in 1957. Harrell and his wife filed the asbestos-related lawsuit against the numerous corporations on August 31, stating that the companies failed to warn Harnell of the hazards associated with asbestos exposure and did not implement a safety plan to properly handle the mineral. Harnell said he was unaware of the dangers he faced ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2787884 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:12:19 +0100 2787884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2784981&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F11%2Fstudy-evaluates-new-treatments-that-may-help-mesothelioma-patients%2F A study performed by Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire may provide a new hope for patients facing the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma. Completing studies based on past work performed with methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), a missing enzyme linked to several types of cancers including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, Leukemia, Lymphoma and mesothelioma, researchers found that MTAP may be linked to the development of malignant tumors in those who lack the enzyme. Lead by Dr. Martin Lubin and Adam Lubin, researchers from the university utilized two powerful chemical agents to form a treatment which may destroy tumors, while protecting healthy cells. The first agent, thioguanine, is a highly toxic drug that can damage both cancerous and healthy cells, while the othe... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2784981 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:25:35 +0100 2784981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2781113&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Ffamous-columnist-dies-of-mesothelioma%2F Army Archerd, a famous columnist for Variety magazine, passed away September 8, 2009 from mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. Archerd was famous for his column that detailed the lives of famous stars for more than 50 years. Archerd, 87, was diagnosed with mesothelioma five years ago. Doctors say he developed the aggressive cancer due to asbestos exposure that occurred at a shipyard during his service with the United States Navy throughout World War II. Asbestos use was prevalent during the World War II era, as the mineral was touted for its natural resistance to heat, fire and degradation caused by seawater. Approximately 30 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases are veterans. Known in the entertainment industry for his kindness, honesty and ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2781113 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:17:22 +0100 2781113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2777384&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F09%2Fmesothelioma-compensation-awarded-to-family%2F The family of Amanda Satterfield, who passed away from mesothelioma January 1, 2005, has been awarded compensation in a settlement case involving ALCOA Inc. The case stems from 2003 when Amanda was 23 years old and initially diagnosed with the rare cancer. After her passing, Amanda’s parents Doug and Donna Satterfield continued the lawsuit. According to their Web site, ALCOA Inc. is an aluminum company focusing in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, construction and commercial transportation markets. In 2008, the company was 10 times safer to work for than it was in 1991. However, safety levels prior to this date were much lower and the risk of asbestos exposure was prevalent. In 1973, Amanda’s father Doug Satterfield worked for ALCOA Tennessee Operations and hauled asbestos for the ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2777384 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:20:45 +0100 2777384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774016&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F08%2Fdiagnosing-mesothelioma-understanding-the-steps-of-a-mesothelioma-diagnosis%2F Mesothelioma is a rare asbestos-related cancer unknown by many, as less than 3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease annually in the United States. Mesothelioma typically develops in those exposed to the toxic mineral asbestos, and commonly occurs due to occupational exposure in professions where asbestos use was prevalent. Those who served in the military prior to the 1980s were also frequently exposed to large amounts of asbestos, and approximately 30 percent of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are veterans. Mesothelioma patients are often unaware of the cancer’s presence in their body until several decades have passed since the time initial exposure to asbestos occurred. A patient may take up to 50 years to demonstrate symptoms of mesothelioma, which can make the diagnostic proce... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774016 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:22:11 +0100 2774016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2764947&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F04%2Fcalifornia-wildfires-prompt-mesothelioma-and-asbestos-concerns%2F Recent wildfires scorching Southern California have prompted several concerns over citizen safety from asbestos, a highly toxic building material that may still appear in many homes constructed before 1980. Now in its eighth day, these wildfires have destroyed more than 140,000 acres of the Los Angeles forest, 64,000 homes and have forces thousands to evacuate. Many local residents remain scared, unsure when the fires will be sufficiently contained. As the fate of their homes may be in jeopardy, avoiding exposure to asbestos is now a top concern. Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that has been used throughout the 20th century as a form of insulation. Asbestos use was widespread during the industrial revolution when it was utilized as insulation in North America. During the... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2764947 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:54:59 +0100 2764947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2760965&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F03%2Fmesothelioma-claims-life-of-former-pipefitter-police-commissioner%2F A former police commissioner from Pasadena, California passed away August 29, 2009, four months following his mesothelioma diagnosis. Quincy A. James, 76, died from the asbestos-related cancer in his home and was likely exposed to asbestos during his work as a pipefitter in the 1950s. He worked as a pipefitter for seven years to pay for his education at the University of Houston and the South Texas College of Law. Though James passed away due to his mesothelioma diagnosis, he successfully battled a myriad of other health conditions throughout his life. He was diagnosed with polio at 18 months old, but James “never let that disability affect the goals he wanted to achieve,” his daughter, Jala Lavender said. James did not receive treatment for polio for nearly two years after his diagnos... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2760965 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:03:39 +0100 2760965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2756190&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F02%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-awareness-victim-seeks-compensation%2F Gilbert L. Harper and his wife Bonita Harper have recently filed a second asbestos lawsuit against 18 different corporations. Their lawsuit states Mr. Harper’s asbestos-related diagnosis was wrongfully caused. Throughout his career Harper worked as a plumber, carpenter, painter, fire investigator and in heating and air conditioning. Gilbert Harper and his wife believe he was exposed to asbestos during his time working at these jobs. In this new lawsuit, the couple is filing for a different asbestos-related illness from their initial complaint. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to several different illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses are fatal and often lay dormant until they have reached the advanced stages of development. Mesothelioma sympto... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2756190 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:17:26 +0100 2756190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2750868&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F09%2F01%2Fmothers-mesothelioma-death-caused-by-asbestos-contaminated-driveway-son-alleges%2F The son of a woman whose husband worked for James Hardie, a building materials manufacturing company previously involved in the distribution and mining of asbestos-containing products, believes his mother’s death resulted from malignant mesothelioma that developed after she was exposed to asbestos from their family’s driveway. “We put down a asbestos driveway and that certainly would be a contributing factor and we wouldn’t be able to deny that or go away from it,” said John Boyle. Killer Company, a book by Matt Peacock published in the beginning of the year, details James Hardie’s involvement with asbestos and the company’s desire to prevent its employees from understanding the dangers associated with exposure to the toxic mineral. According to a former James Hardie engi... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2750868 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:12:35 +0100 2750868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2750869&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F31%2Fmesothelioma-and-other-asbestos-related-illnesses%2F Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its durability and fire-resistant properties. The substance has been used in a wide variety of building materials, including insulation products, siding, cements, flooring and roofing to name a few. When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed, toxic asbestos fibers can be released into the air. If these microscopic fibers are inhaled or ingested, there are several illnesses that may potentially develop, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses have a latency period ranging from 10 to 50 years. This latency period can have a significant impact on patients diagnosed with asbestos cancer. For example, when mesothelioma symptoms and other signs of disease take several decades to appear, th... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2750869 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:34:24 +0100 2750869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2747317&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F30%2Fmesothelioma-verdict-results-in-2-million-for-family%2F An Illinois jury has recently awarded the family of a deceased woman $2 million for reasons associated with asbestos exposure. In the 1950s, Leslie Corry’s first husband worked at an asbestos and rubber company. During his employment he was exposed to asbestos fibers on a regular basis, which he unknowingly carried home on his clothes. While washing his clothes, it is believed that Corry was exposed to asbestos, which has been labeled the cause of her malignant mesothelioma. Although Corry’s secondary exposure occurred during the 1950s, she was not diagnosed with the rare cancer until several decades later due to the severe latency period of symptoms. Secondary exposure has primarily affected women who used to wash their husbands asbestos-contaminated clothes after work. Children w... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2747317 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:45:25 +0100 2747317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2745369&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F29%2Fleading-mesothelioma-researcher-expected-to-be-appointed-director-of-cancer-research-center%2F A leading mesothelioma researcher is expected to be approved as the new director of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, a group of 15 board members who preside over the internal structure, management and operation of the university. If Michele Carbone, MD, PhD, is approved as the new director, he will begin a three-year term on September 1, 2009. Dr. Carbone is currently serving as the interim director, a position he assumed upon the resignation of the former director in December 2008. “Dr. Carbone, an internationally respected scientist, particularly in the area of mesothelioma, joined the Cancer Research Center in 2006 and has also been serving as Chairman of the Pathology Department at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. We very muc... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2745369 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:21:40 +0100 2745369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2743280&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F28%2Fmesothelioma-continues-to-affect-veterans%2F Many United States military veterans were frequently exposed to asbestos during service and continue to experience the hazardous effects of exposure to the toxic mineral today. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, but highly aggressive illness caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are reported every year in the United States alone, while 10,000 are reported worldwide. Thirty percent of these cases are developed in veterans. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can accumulate and cause inflammation and DNA damage. Asbestos exposure has also been linked to many other diseases, such as colon and gastrointestinal cancer. Veterans were often exposed to asbestos while working on naval vessels where asbestos was used as the ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2743280 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:51:24 +0100 2743280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736933&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F27%2Fmesothelioma-widows-featured-in-photographers-project%2F A compilation of portraits of 14 women who lost their husbands due to mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer, are featured in Breathe, a collection of moving photographs taken by photographer Christopher Ireland. Ireland’s interest in the rare cancer began in his teens when a friend’s father passed away from the disease. He said he learned that mesothelioma “was the type of cancer you don’t get cured from,” adding that the lack of a cure is what makes his assemblage of photographs “a significant project, a significant topic, a significant cancer.” Approximately 10 years after first learning of the cancer, Ireland began to meet with widows affected by malignant mesothelioma to start creating Breathe. Ireland visited with the women and learned about the husbands they lost... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736933 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:10:54 +0100 2736933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736934&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F26%2Fnew-mesothelioma-treatment-undergoes-testing%2F The standard chemotherapy treatments currently offered for mesothelioma patients include cisplatin and pemetrexed or a combination of cisplatin and gemcitabine. Recently though, scientists in Greece have tested the effectiveness of combining gemcitabine and docetaxel for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs. The primary cause of this illness is exposure to asbestos and those who contract this cancer have often worked in industries ranging from shipyards to construction sites to power and chemical plants. Even though someone may have been exposed to asbestos several decades ago, they are still at risk for developing mesothelioma as the latency period for symptoms to arise can reach 50 years. Those who... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736934 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:16:55 +0100 2736934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2729188&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F25%2Fmesothelioma-diagnosis-may-be-easier-with-new-test%2F A new test lead by the Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine at Oxford University may aid in the mesothelioma diagnostic process, providing patients with an accurate and sensitive test to diagnose the rare asbestos-related cancer. Dr. Helen Davies, MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians, UK), leader of the study, said that diagnosing the cause of pleural effusion, the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity (the space surrounding the lung), “can be maddeningly difficult” since “a wide variety of malignant and benign causes exist.” Pleural effusion is often a sign of mesothelioma, a cancer that Davies notes “is rapidly increasing on a global scale.” More than 90 percent of mesothelioma patients also experience pleural effusion. The new test examines the fluid ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2729188 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:15:14 +0100 2729188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2726722&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F24%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-exposure-at-power-plants%2F Throughout the majority of the 20th century, power plants were a common location for asbestos exposure. Before the 1980s, asbestos was considered an ideal material due to its insulating properties and ability to withstand high temperatures. Areas within power plants that often contained the hazardous substance included floors, walls, pipes, cables, valves, pumps and turbines. If these materials were damaged or disturbed at any time, either because of age or use, they may have released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air where they could be inhaled. The effects of using asbestos are still being felt today as many past power plant workers are being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases such as malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Ev... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2726722 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:17:47 +0100 2726722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2722659&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F21%2Fmesothelioma-patient-former-handyman-receives-2-million-in-asbestos-lawsuit%2F A former Illinois handyman who spent most of his time working with asbestos-containing materials has been awarded damages for his wrongful exposure to asbestos which caused him to develop mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. William Willis, 69, worked as a United States postal worker from 1966 through 1992, when he retired. He also worked as a handyman, where he was frequently exposed to construction applications which contained asbestos. Willis alleged that pipes and joint compounds manufactured by Bondex International Inc. and other companies did not include warnings of the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure. The defendants stated the amount of asbestos in their products was not enough to provide sufficient warnings about the risks in handling asbestos. Asbes... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2722659 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:03:58 +0100 2722659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2718846&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F20%2Fmesothelioma-patient%25e2%2580%2599s-death-prompts-investigation-of-civic-center%2F After Sharon LaDuke, 57, passed away from mesothelioma, her family filed a lawsuit, naming 68 defendants they say are responsible for her death. LaDuke’s work as a senior clerk at the Potsdam Civic Center, located in a Victorian village in northern New York, may have exposed her to toxic asbestos fibers that lead to her development of the rare cancer. Lawyers representing LaDuke’s family are investigating an asbestos removal project that occurred at the center in 1999 and 2000, where an old boiler and asbestos-wrapped pipes were removed. Improper removal of asbestos-containing materials can cause toxic particles to become airborne, where anyone nearby could inhale or ingest them into the body. Once in the body, the fibers can become lodged in organs or body cavities, causing inflammati... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2718846 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:21:59 +0100 2718846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2715135&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F19%2Fmesothelioma-lawsuit-issued-against-woolworths%2F After her husband passed away from an illness related to asbestos in August last year, Verna Sarjeant has decided to take legal action against Woolworths, the company that employed her husband. Les Sarjeant was first hired by Woolworths, a retailer that sold discounted merchandise, at the age of 16 as a stock room worker. After moving in 1964, he worked at several different Woolworths locations throughout his employment with the company. Before passing away at the age of 74, Mr. Sarjeant was ill for 18 months but only received a mesothelioma diagnosis shortly before his death. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Diagnosing this cancer can be very difficult because mesothelioma symptoms often resemble less serious conditions. Another contributing fa... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2715135 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:04:25 +0100 2715135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2711230&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F18%2Fnurse-mesothelioma-patient-to-be-honored-at-asbestos-disease-awareness-conference%2F A nurse diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2002 will be honored at the 6th Annual Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Asbestos Disease Awareness Conference in 2010. The conference will take place in Chicago, Illinois from April 9 – 11 and will present June Breit, RN, with the Alan Reinstein Memorial Award, an award created to honor former ADAO president Alan Reinstein, who passed away from mesothelioma in 2006. Following her mesothelioma diagnosis, Breit became extremely active in the mesothelioma community, advocating for stronger awareness about the asbestos-related cancer and meeting with the governor of Pennsylvania to implement Mesothelioma Awareness Day in the state. Breit worked for nearly 30 years as a registered nurse and was familiar with the poor prognosis t... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2711230 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:04:06 +0100 2711230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2708062&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F17%2Farmstrong-world-industries%25e2%2580%2599-mesothelioma-trust-fund-expected-to-receive-boost%2F TPG Capital has reached an agreement with Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI) to buy 7 million shares of Armstrong World Industries. In addition, TPG Capital will also purchase 1,039,777 shares from Armstrong World Industries Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust. The transaction should be complete within the next several weeks and will result in about $180 million of proceeds for the trust. The trust is set up to compensate victims of asbestos exposure who have developed mesothelioma and other related illnesses. Michael D. Lockhart, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Armstrong World Industries, said, “TPG has a proven record of helping companies increase their value through operational improvements and by providing an environment in which the company can better realize i... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2708062 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:07:35 +0100 2708062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2701526&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F14%2Fmesothelioma-claims-life-of-veteran-who-joined-royal-navy-at-15%2F A man who joined the Royal Navy at 15 years old passed away from mesothelioma approximately 15 months after learning of his diagnosis. As the son of a Naval officer, Michael Hales was one of the last 15-year-old entrants in the Royal Navy when he enlisted in 1959. He remained active in the Navy until 1984, when he left as a Petty Officer. He continued to work with the Royal Navy Reserve as a Chief Petty Officer. Hales was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, in May 2008. Hales thought his symptoms were the result of a collapsed lung, but his doctor explained that his condition was “a bit more serious than that.” Mesothelioma typically affects the lining of the lungs and develops when toxic asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested int... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2701526 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:29:47 +0100 2701526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2701527&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F14%2Fdoctor-and-author-of-leading-mesothelioma-textbook-joins-comprehensive-cancer-centers-of-nevada%2F Renowned cancer researcher Dr. Nicholas J. Vogelzang has joined the United States Oncology Research network where he will serve as the Medical Director and chair of the Developmental Therapeutics Committee. Dr. Vogelzang will now be able to treat and care for patients at the acclaimed Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN). According to Dr. Vogelzang, joining the network will provide many opportunities which would otherwise be unavailable, including larger access to clinical trials, communication with other experts and the opportunity for more breakthrough research. With a longstanding reputation as one of the leading cancer oncologists for illnesses such as mesothelioma, this move may pave the way for additional research and care for mesothelioma patients. His 2005 book titled “M... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2701527 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:59:36 +0100 2701527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2698515&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F13%2Fmesothelioma-patient-found-walking-therapeutic%2F In March 2006, Danny Huffman was out on one of his daily walks when he experienced difficulty breathing and could not make it up a hill. Upon his arrival home he told his wife he wanted an appointment with his doctor to find out why he could not complete his routine walk. “That was the start of the worst four months of our entire lives,” said Huffman’s wife, Karen. Huffman was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Huffman passed away July 31, 2006, four months after he received his mesothelioma diagnosis. Though battling an extremely aggressive disease, Huffman continued his daily two- to three-mile walks. His wife notes that he walked every day but Sunday. “He loved it,” she said, explaining th... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2698515 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:26:56 +0100 2698515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2694346&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F12%2Fmesothelioma-making-an-impact-on-the-shipyard-industry%2F From the beginning of World War II to the 1980s, shipyard workers were routinely exposed to asbestos-containing materials. During this time, asbestos was considered an ideal material due to its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand high temperatures. However, the effects of using asbestos are strongly felt today as many past shipyard workers are still developing asbestos-related diseases. The majority of the ships that were constructed or repaired between World War II and the 1970s were heavily contaminated with asbestos-containing materials. Areas aboard vessels that typically included these hazardous materials were boiler rooms, sleeping quarters and areas that required insulation such as piping and walls. Because of the close quarters and continuous use of ships during the wa... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2694346 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:59:51 +0100 2694346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2690631&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F11%2Fcanadian-distribution-agreement-for-mesothelioma-diagnostic-test-determined%2F An exclusive agreement was reached between Rosetta Genomics, the leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, and Warnex Medical Laboratories for the distribution of three diagnostic tests in Canada. Rosetta Genomics developed three minimally-invasive molecular tests by studying microRNAs, a group of non-coding genes sensitive to biomarkers. The tests, known as miRview ™ tests, may be used in the diagnostic process for mesothelioma and other malignancies. The distribution agreement was announced August 10, 2009 and notes that Warnex will market the tests and samples gathered from the tests in Canada will be sent to Rosetta Genomic’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based laboratory for analysis. “We are pleased to add these new tests to our growing portfolio of pharmacogeneti... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2690631 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:04:39 +0100 2690631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2687485&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F10%2Fmesothelioma-clinical-trial-tests-effects-of-immunotoxin-and-chemotherapy-treatment%2F A new clinical trial conducted to test the effects of an experimental immunotoxin on patients with pleural mesothelioma aims to improve the life expectancy of patients combating the rare form of cancer. Phase I of the clinical trial will test the efficacy of the immunotoxin known as SS1(dsFv)-PE38, or SS1P, a genetically engineered substance created for use in the treatment of disease. The immunotoxin works by linking a toxic substance (made by bacteria that can be modified to kill cancers cells while preserving healthy cells) to an antibody that recognizes mesothelin. Mesothelin is a protein found in large quantities on the surface of epithelial mesothelioma cells. “Mesothelin is highly expressed in epithelial malignant mesothelioma, making it a good target for tumor-specific therapy wi... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2687485 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:00:38 +0100 2687485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2681048&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F07%2Fmesothelioma-case-involves-dupont%2F The family of a man who passed away from mesothelioma and pleural asbestosis has recently filed a claim against DuPont, alleging he was exposed to asbestos throughout his employment. Albert Abshire’s wife and son, Margaret and Richard Abshire, are blaming DuPont for Albert’s asbestos exposure because the company allowed employees to work around asbestos even though they knew the risks associated with the toxic mineral. According to the complaint, Margaret and Richard Abshire believe DuPont failed to warn employees about the dangers of asbestos and as a result, Albert Abshire experienced a “terrible and painful death.” Margaret and Richard Abshire are seeking exemplary and punitive damages as well as additional costs they may be entitled to receive. In terms of revenue, DuPont is th... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2681048 Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:10:00 +0100 2681048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2677834&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F06%2Fmesothelioma-patient-files-lawsuit-calls-for-more-asbestos-related-research%2F After George Winterton visited his doctor complaining of difficulty breathing, he was told he likely had hay fever and was encouraged to return in two weeks for a follow up examination. Less than six months later Winterton learned he had mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Winterton, 67, says his mesothelioma symptoms progressed rapidly and he went from feeling “slightly out of breath to not being able to walk up the stairs” within a two week time frame following his first doctor’s visit. After an emergency X-ray revealed that one of his lungs collapsed, Winterton said he “had a horrible fear” that he developed malignant mesothelioma after watching friends suffer from the same disease. When his doctor informed him of ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2677834 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:05:39 +0100 2677834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2673599&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F05%2Fmesothelioma-diagnosis-prompts-shipyard-worker-to-file-asbestos-case%2F A man diagnosed with the rare cancer mesothelioma in January 2008 filed a lawsuit against BAE Land Systems, alleging the asbestos exposure he experienced on the job lead to the development of the cancer. David Armistead, 60, is seeking more than $500,000 from the global defense, security and aerospace company, stating he was not provided proper protection from asbestos exposure or warned of the dangers associated with the mineral while working at BAE Systems’ Barrow Shipyard. Armistead began working at the Barrow Shipyard in 1965, spending most of his time in the machine and engine shops. Both shops had asbestos-lined roofs and cladding on the walls. Armistead then worked on the construction of a submarine, in close proximity to workers mixing and applying asbestos covering. The Barrow S... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2673599 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:03:20 +0100 2673599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2670024&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F04%2Fspecific-growth-factor-overexpressed-in-certain-mesothelioma-patients-study-reveals%2F Recent medical studies reveal that slowing or stopping vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumors may pave the way for potential treatment options to reduce and slow the progress of cancers such as mesothelioma. VEGF is a protein created by cells that stimulates the formation of new blood vessels. Scientists have focused their efforts to stop VEGF growth in hopes of reducing the size and halting the growth of tumors. A specific type of VEGF is a placenta growth factor, known as P1GF, which scientists believe may be specifically linked to mesothelioma, a rare but severe form of asbestos-related cancer. Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that lines the area around the heart, chest cavity, and the abdominal cavity, as well as the outer surface of most ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2670024 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:12:20 +0100 2670024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2666568&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F08%2F03%2Funique-biopsy-method-may-be-useful-for-diagnosing-mesothelioma%2F Research conducted by S. Sasada and colleagues in Osaka, Japan may shed light on a new pleural biopsy technique using an insulated tip diathermic knife during pleuroscopy. Pleuroscopy, also referred to as medical thoracoscopy, is an evaluation of the pleural area. During this procedure, visual inspections, drainage of pleural effusion and biopsies are commonly performed. Pleuroscopies are generally performed by a pulmonologist. According to researchers conducting the study, the biopsy obtained with standard flexible forceps (SFF) is often insufficient for analyzing. Instead, they suggest using an insulated-tip diathermic knife (IT knife), which provides a safer resection of a larger lesion. In order to validate their reasoning, the researchers compared the diagnosis of 20 subjects with une... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2666568 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:57:19 +0100 2666568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2659945&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F31%2Fmesothelioma-case-results-in-700000-for-family-of-mechanics-assistant%2F A South Carolina jury awarded $700,000 to the family of a man who passed away from mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer, following the asbestos exposure he experienced on the job in the 1950s. Thomas Firth was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2006 and passed away from the cancer on July 13, 2007. Firth and his family filed a lawsuit against Garlock Sealing Technologies, a global leader in high-performance fluid sealing products for the world’s processing industries, alleging the company was responsible for his exposure to asbestos that occurred when he worked as a mechanic’s assistant in Sparrows Point, Maryland at a Bethlehem Steel Corporation plant. Firth worked with Garlock gaskets and packing on many pumps and valves found on a variety of coke ovens, used to heat and... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2659945 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:05:34 +0100 2659945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2656468&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F30%2Fpleural-mesothelioma-patients-survival-rate-may-improve-with-trimodality-therapy%2F Results from a study reported in the June 20, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology states that the survival rate of patients with pleural mesothelioma may improve following a trimodality therapy treatment approach. Patients with Stage I through Stage III pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, may benefit from the trimodality approach, which uses three different forms of treatment to combat the cancer. The study evaluated 77 patients with Stage I – III pleural mesothelioma, and began the trimodality therapy approach with neoadjuvant (pre-surgery) chemotherapy using Alimta and Platinol medications. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy aims to reduce the size of the cancer prior to surgery. Following chemotherapy, three patients demonstrated a pathological c... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2656468 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:05:16 +0100 2656468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2652812&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F29%2Fmesothelioma-patients-may-benefit-from-new-imaging-software%2F According to recently published findings in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, researchers at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’s National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers (NCVAC) have found a probable reason for chest pain associated with asbestos-related diseases. Michael Harbut, co-director of the NCVAC and chief of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, reported the results after analyzing a patient who was exposed to taconite dust as a child. Taconite, similar to asbestiform minerals, is a silicate mineral found among layers of shale rock. Some scientists have already agreed that the fibers in shale rock resemble those found in asbestos, one of the primary causes of mesothelioma. By using a new radiogra... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2652812 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:23:23 +0100 2652812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2648102&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F28%2Fmesothelioma-patient%25e2%2580%2599s-family-receives-34-million-in-asbestos-case%2F The family of a former Johns-Manville worker received $3.4 million July, 22, 2009 after a jury deliberated for one day in San Francisco, California and determined that Richard Worthley, Sr. was exposed to asbestos on the job, which lead to Worthley’s mesothelioma diagnosis and subsequent death. Worthley’s family stated that Advocate Mines Limited, an asbestos mining firm located in Baie Verte, Newfoundland, was negligent and failed to warn of the hazards associated with the toxic mineral. The company supplied asbestos to the Johns-Manville plant where Worthley worked from 1968 to 1984. Worthley’s career with Johns-Manville began in May 1968 at a plant in Waukegan, Illinois where he worked as a painter, then a planner and finally as a millwright. After the Waukegan plant closed down i... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2648102 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:27:01 +0100 2648102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2644303&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F27%2Fmesothelioma-risk-inspires-environmental-emergency-declaration%2F According to a press release issued by the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, an environmental emergency has been declared in Carlisle County for a demolition site near Arlington, Kentucky. The property, located at KY 51 North, is a former electroplating facility that was known as Deena Products, which manufactured lamp fixtures. The Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Waste Management is working quickly to remove the asbestos-contaminated debris from the site. Deena Products stopped operating at the facility in the late 1980s, meaning those who worked in the buildings before their closing may have been exposed to asbestos around the height of asbestos use. The buildings left on the property were recently scrapped for metals and testing revealed asbestos was p... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2644303 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:28:10 +0100 2644303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2637134&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F24%2Fmesothelioma-prompts-leave-of-absence-for-former-veteran-michigan-commissioner%2F A former United States Navy Officer and current Commissioner for Kalamazoo County in Michigan announced he is taking a leave absence to battle the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. Grady Biby joined the Navy when he was 19 years old and for 20 years worked predominantly aboard nuclear submarines. Unaware to Biby and numerous veterans at the time, many pipes, boilers and valves aboard Navy vessels contained asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of serious illnesses such as mesothelioma if the toxic fibers are inhaled or ingested. More than 300 products containing asbestos were used by the Navy and other military sectors from the 1930s through the 1970s, exposing thousands of military personnel to the toxic mineral during their service. Biby, 69, began feeling pain ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2637134 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:25:57 +0100 2637134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2633330&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F23%2Fseven-year-mesothelioma-survivor-passes-away%2F A man diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2001, who outlived his mesothelioma prognosis by seven years, passed away from the asbestos-related cancer July 11, 2009. Following his mesothelioma diagnosis, James Rhio O’Connor’s oncologist said he had less than one year to live. After discussing several treatment options, it was determined that surgery to remove the cancerous tumor was not an option because of the tumor’s position. O’Connor opted not to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment and instead created his own treatment plan with the help of professional clinicians. O’Connor’s plan consisted of consuming more than 100 supplements daily, following a nutritious diet and practicing holistic, mind-body medicine. O’Connor was inspired by Hippocr... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2633330 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:21:25 +0100 2633330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2629180&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F22%2Fmesothelioma-patients-in-libby-montana-receive-medical-grant%2F The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has issued a single source award to the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) in Libby, Montana to provide additional care for Lincoln County residents with asbestos-related diseases. Many within the area have been affected by airborne asbestos released from a vermiculite mine once operated by W.R. Grace & Company. In addition to this, others have experienced asbestos exposure from asbestos-containing materials within their home. Some of the illnesses that residents have contracted include lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer. The latter is especially harmful due to the severe latency period associated with the disease. In most cases, patients unexpectedly develop symptoms of mesothelioma as late as 20 to 50 years aft... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2629180 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:41:11 +0100 2629180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2624861&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F21%2Fmesothelioma-patient-plumber-receives-nearly-290000-in-asbestos-lawsuit%2F A 61-year-old plumber received nearly $290,000 in compensation following his mesothelioma diagnosis. Alan Ward was diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer after working for years in several hospitals where he was exposed to asbestos. Ward worked in several hospitals in Wakefield, England from 1964 through 1972. He removed asbestos lagging from pipes and boilers and was never warned of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Ward was not provided with any protection while carrying out his duties at the hospitals. Exposure to asbestos occurs when fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body and become lodged in organs or body cavities. This can cause inflammation or infection and, overtime, the development of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma. “Employers need to identify and ma... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2624861 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:26:44 +0100 2624861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2619864&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F20%2Fmesothelioma-case-involving-navy-veteran-results-in-12-million-for-family%2F Family members of a retired Navy man recently received $1.2 million from John Crane, Inc. due to the passing of Gerald Gray from mesothelioma. Gray was previously Command Master Chief for the Atlantic Fleet, the second-highest ranking position in the Navy. The jury’s decision involved five asbestos manufacturers for a total of $4 million. However, prior to the verdict, four of the five defendant companies made settlements outside of court, relieving them of the jury’s decision. John Crane, the only remaining company in the trial, was apportioned 30 percent of the blame for Gray’s mesothelioma diagnosis, resulting in a verdict of $1.2 million. Gray initially joined the Navy in 1951 and worked on several ships throughout his Navy career. During this time, Gray was exposed to asbestos, ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2619864 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:08:11 +0100 2619864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2613087&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F17%2Fmesothelioma-a-serious-concern-for-veterans-exposed-to-asbestos%2F According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, thousands of veterans were exposed to asbestos during their service. More than 300 asbestos-containing products were utilized by many sectors of the military from the 1930s through the 1970s and those who served years ago are beginning to demonstrate symptoms of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, today. Asbestos appeared on most ships used by the Navy and in the shipyards where ships and vessels were built. Asbestos, a toxic mineral, was commonly used as insulation in piping, boilers, sleeping quarters and navigation halls since it possesses a natural resistance to heat and fire. Manufacturers of asbestos often knew of the dangers surrounding the mineral, though military personnel were typically unaware. According... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2613087 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:39:23 +0100 2613087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2609977&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F16%2Fmesothelioma-death-caused-by-secondhand-asbestos-exposure%2F The husband of a woman who passed away from mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer, is warning others of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Trevor Ryder, a 65-year-old man from Welwyn Garden City, England, said his wife Maureen was exposed to asbestos as a result of his employment with Norton Abrasives, the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of abrasives for technical manufacturing and commercial applications, household and automotive refinishing solutions. Ryder worked for the company from 1963 through 1985 and said he was unknowingly exposed to asbestos dust on the job. Upon returning home at the end of the workday, Ryder recalls his wife brushing the dust off his clothing. “She would brush the dust from my clothes every evening and then hand wash them ready for the n... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2609977 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:46:12 +0100 2609977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2605114&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F15%2Fmesothelioma-study-shows-promise-for-radiation-therapy%2F According to a recently published study in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, using treatment planning techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) could be beneficial for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. Pleural mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The majority of cases take at least 20 years to occur after the initial exposure to asbestos and most patients are unaware of the development of the disease. If the disease is caught early enough, multiple forms of treatment can be used to combat the cancer, known as multimodality therapy. A multimodality therapy approach involving a surgical procedure called an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), chemotherapy and radiotherapy is often recommended for patients diagnosed during ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2605114 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:58:25 +0100 2605114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2600534&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F14%2Fmesothelioma-patients-among-those-involved-in-advanced-cancer-clinical-trial%2F A pharmaceutical company completed patient enrollment in a Phase I clinical trial in the United States, testing the effectiveness of bavituximab, an antibody, as a therapy option for patients with advanced cancers that do not respond to treatment, known as refractory cancers. The study, conducted by Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc., aims to determine the safety and tolerability of the antibody in patients with advanced cancer and characterize the pharmacokinetic profile (how the body handles and responds to a drug) of bavituximab. The clinical trial will also examine the maximum tolerable dosage amount of bavituximab and the effective dosage level. According to Joseph Shan, Vice President of clinical and regulatory affairs for Peregrine, the completion of patient enrollment in the study is ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2600534 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:09:30 +0100 2600534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2597326&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F13%2Fmesothelioma-and-the-hazards-of-asbestos-exposure%2F As a result of the recently declared Public Health Emergency in Libby, Montana on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos awareness has been on the rise. Considering the presence of asbestos-containing materials in older homes and buildings, and the fact that asbestos is not banned in the United States, public health officials advise citizens to educate themselves on the risks of asbestos exposure to avoid any health hazards. The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was used in a variety of construction materials throughout much of the 20th century. This unique mineral is fire-resistant and acts as an excellent insulator. Because to these qualities, manufacturers of construction materials mixed asbestos into paints, glues, cements, fiberboard, insulation, roofing, siding, f... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2597326 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:11:57 +0100 2597326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2590537&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F10%2Fnew-drug-therapy-may-improve-mesothelioma-survival-rate%2F The results of a study performed by the National Institute of Cancerologia in Mexico City may raise new hopes for patients diagnosed with the asbestos-related illness, mesothelioma. The study, which followed 30 patients with pleural mesothelioma from September 2007 until April 2009, aimed to determine whether the use of liposomal doxorubicin and cisplatin, two chemotherapy medications, would improve the survival rates of the patients. Cisplatin is a drug  approved by the Federal Drug Administration in 1976 and is often used in combination with the drug Alimta in the treatment of mesothelioma. Researchers of the Mexican-based institute hope the liposomal form of doxorubicin, combined with cisplatin, will allow patients to remain stable for a longer period of time.  The chemical makeup of ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2590537 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:25:51 +0100 2590537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2587256&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F09%2Fmesothelioma-drug-alimta-helps-lung-cancer-patients%2F Eli Lilly and Company has recently received its fourth approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its drug Alimta (pemetrexed), a chemotherapy drug used to treat mesothelioma. The most recent approval allows Alimta to be utilized as a maintenance therapy for locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Maintenance therapy for NSCLC is a new type of treatment that is given after chemotherapy, but before new tumor growth. Richard Gaynor, vice president of cancer research and global oncology platform leader for Eli Lilly, said, “This FDA approval is encouraging news for non-small cell lung cancer patients, their caregivers and doctors. Previously, patients received best supportive care following their chemotherapy. Now physicians and patients have a new o... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2587256 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:37:23 +0100 2587256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2583246&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F08%2Fmesothelioma-patient-retired-police-officers-memory-honored-in-102-mile-challenge%2F A man will walk 102 miles in honor of his friend, retired police officer Graham “Len” Hutton, who passed away from mesothelioma in December 2008. John Barnes will embark on the lengthy walk August 26, 2009 and plans to finish the trek on August 31, logging approximately 20 miles each day. Barnes is walking to raise money for the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, an organization that supports mesothelioma research projects, contributes to clinical trials and assists with seminars and literature produced for mesothelioma patients and caregivers. Barnes hopes to raise more than $8,000 for the Fund and has currently raised nearly $3,000. The 102-mile journey follows Cotswold Way, a long-distance footpath in the Cotswold Hills in England. Barnes will complete the entire walk ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2583246 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:49:02 +0100 2583246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2579291&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fmesothelioma-risk-and-asbestos-hazards-prompt-testing-in-spokane%2F Due to the recent public health emergency declared in Libby, Montana, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun testing residential yards near a former W.R. Grace & Company insulation factory in Spokane, Washington. EPA work crews are testing for the presence of asbestos, a toxic mineral associated with the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Vermiculite Northwest, which produced Zonolite insulation at the factory, used asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from Libby in their insulation. Two men wearing hazmat suits and respirators recently collected 30 soil samples from the yard of Kandi Smith, a residence near the site. “It was kind of embarrassing,” Smith said in reference to the slow car traffic caused by the peculiar appearance of the testing. She wondered if... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2579291 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:51:32 +0100 2579291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2575591&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F06%2Fmesothelioma-patient-gambles-on-life-wins-money-and-a-date%2F Mesothelioma patient Jon Matthews placed a series of bets following his diagnosis, betting bookmakers he would outlive his doctor’s predictions. In addition to the $16,000 he has already won, Matthews stands to win something he did not anticipate… a hot date. After Lee Woong-jin, chief executive of Sunoo, a match-making company in Seoul, South Korea, learned of Matthew’s story, he was inspired, stating, “I wanted to tell him personally that his actions not only affected his life, but also gave hope to people worldwide who are dealing with devastating life situations.” The company has arranged for a woman to fly to Britain, where Matthews lives, and enjoy a date with the gambler at “an expensive restaurant with fine wine” in August. The woman will be selected by the compan... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2575591 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:07:29 +0100 2575591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2568391&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F02%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-awareness-cyclists-receive-support-on-1200-mile-journey%2F Three cyclists riding 1,200 miles to raise awareness about asbestos-related diseases are receiving support from those impacted by asbestos illnesses along the way. Katrina London, Paul Glanville and Jason Addy departed June 20, 2009 from Glasgow, England and will conclude their journey July 4 in Southampton. The three activists are riding to raise money to be donated to the search for a cure for asbestos-related cancers. During their journey, the cyclists will deliver a petition to the Canadian consulate in Birmingham, calling for an end to the mining of asbestos in Quebec. They will also stop in London to meet Members of Parliament who are campaigning for increased asbestos awareness. The cyclists have already stopped in Derby, England and received a warm welcome from those affected by as... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2568391 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:50:15 +0100 2568391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2559640&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F07%2F01%2Fmesothelioma-study-set-to-test-the-effects-of-taconite%2F In an attempt to distinguish the relationship between mesothelioma cancer and taconite dust, a team of researchers from the University of Minnesota are conducting a study that will involve 1,200 taconite and Iron Range workers and 800 of their spouses. The Iron Range region is located in the northeastern section of Minnesota. Taconite, similar to asbestiform minerals, is a silicate mineral that is found among layers of shale. Some scientists have already agreed that the fibers in shale rock resemble those found in asbestos, one of the primary mesothelioma causes. The $4.9 million study being supported by Minnesota’s Department of Health is in its beginning stages. Current and former Iron Range taconite workers will soon receive letters inviting them to participate in a screening program.... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2559640 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:55:52 +0100 2559640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2555240&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F30%2Fmesothelioma-risk-asbestos-concerns-prompt-indictment-of-massachusetts-brothers%2F Arthur and Shaun Amaral were indicted by a Massachusetts grand jury on charges alleging that the brothers violated the Clean Air Act on five counts related to the improper removal of asbestos. Arthur, 49, owns Northeast Demolition and Removal while his brother Shaun, 37, serves as a site foreman for the company. The charges against the men state the brothers failed to file the proper notice with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) prior to completing asbestos removal and demolition projects. According to the state attorney general’s office, the brothers also instructed workers to demolish buildings that they knew contained asbestos-contaminated products prior to removing the products according to guidelines created by the Environmental Protection Agency and... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2555240 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:01:49 +0100 2555240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2552303&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F29%2Fmesothelioma-patient-fears-lawsuit-may-be-affected-by-wisconsin-budget-provision%2F A man diagnosed with mesothelioma fears he will not recover damages from a lawsuit his family filed due to a provision added to the Wisconsin state budget. Caden Johnson, 67, learned of his mesothelioma diagnosis years after working in a boiler room of a hospital. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Johnson’s lawsuit alleges he was exposed to asbestos particles while working at the hospital. The Johnson family is seeking damages from the companies who may have manufactured asbestos used in the boiler room. Johnson’s wife, Debra, believes a new provision in the Wisconsin budget would limit the amount of lawsuits victims of asbestos exposure can file. She, and other supporters of asbestos lawsuits, claim the provision is worded in a w... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2552303 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:46:18 +0100 2552303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2520323&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F26%2Fmesothelioma-victims-concerned-about-james-hardie%25e2%2580%2599s-move-to-ireland%2F After stating their move to the Netherlands from Australia was ineffective, James Hardie has announced intentions to move its headquarters to Ireland for tax benefits. The decision to move stems from changes between Dutch and U.S. tax laws and a dispute involving the U.S. Internal Revenue Service about whether James Hardie has “substantial presence” in the Netherlands. Currently, a large portion of the company’s profits come from the United States and instead of keeping management stationed in the United States, James Hardie was being forced to have their management spend more time in the Netherlands in order to keep the tax costs low. As a result, the company felt they were unable to operate effectively in the United States. The move has many asbestos victims worried about the compa... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2520323 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:40:52 +0100 2520323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2514929&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F25%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-risks-result-in-fines-for-three-louisiana-companies%2F Three Baton Rouge, Louisiana companies face fines of $112,000 proposed by federal safety regulators after they failed to protect workers from possible asbestos exposure during renovations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stands to collect money from Louisiana Health Care Consultants, LLC, Dean Building Holdings and Bob Dean Enterprises, Inc. after the companies allegedly violated 13 health and safety regulations during renovations at the State National Life Building. Asbestos regulations were put in place to protect workers and the public from the hazards associated with asbestos exposure. If toxic asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body and become lodged in organs, the particles may cause inflammation and infection. Overtime, an asbestos-related illn... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2514929 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:14:10 +0100 2514929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501412&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F24%2Fmesothelioma-and-the-potential-costs-of-nanotechnology%2F According to a report by the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN), eight loopholes in the current system of securities and accounting regulation prevent honest recording of a company’s potential liabilities. The IEHN is a partnership of investment managers responsible for more than $25 billion in assets. The report states that billions of dollars in potential litigation costs, much like that of asbestos litigation, are hidden from nanotechnology investors due to weak regulations governing disclosures and liabilities. Fortunately for investors, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Accounting Standards Board are in the process of examining disclosure requirements and solving the eight loopholes identified in the report. Many feel the litigation and heal... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501412 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:23:12 +0100 2501412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501413&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F23%2Fmesothelioma-patient-former-drywaller-receives-84-million-in-asbestos-lawsuit%2F A mesothelioma patient was awarded $8 million in non-economic damages and more than $400,000 in economic damages following an asbestos lawsuit filed against a manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing joint compound. Jack Reynolds was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2008 after serving in the United States Navy for 10 years before working for a fellow Navy serviceman’s business installing and finishing drywall in residential construction. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Reynolds used asbestos-containing joint compound, a product manufactured and supplied by Hamilton Materials, Inc. The company was the supplier of Red Dot brand asbestos-containing joint compound from 1963 through 1977. The joint compound was used to... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501413 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:26:29 +0100 2501413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501414&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F22%2Fmesothelioma-tolls-rise-in-israeli-town-due-to-asbestos-exposure%2F A new study presented by a senior Israeli health official has revealed that a town located in Northern Israel has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. Dr. Micha Bar-Hana, director of the Israeli Health Ministry’s Cancer Registry, elaborated on his findings at a conference held at the Rabin Medical Center. The town of Nahariya, centered in the northern part of Israel, had a mesothelioma rate of 5.72 people per 100,000 from 2002 to 2008. A total number of 19 patients were diagnosed with mesothelioma during that time. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Genoa, Italy is the city with the highest rate of asbestos-related diseases in the world, with a rate of 5.8 cases per 100,000 residents. The city was once home to a prominent asbestos plant that w... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501414 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:26:14 +0100 2501414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501415&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F19%2Fmesothelioma-update-epa-declares-public-health-emergency-in-libby-montana%2F The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently issued a public health emergency for the town of Libby in northwest Montana. The decision stems from the significantly high rate of asbestos exposure and the development asbestos-related diseases in the area. The town of Libby is the site where W.R. Grace & Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was contaminated with asbestos. In addition to the mine, several parts of the town were contaminated with asbestos as well, including fields, roads and playgrounds. Asbestos also reached people’s homes as W.R. Grace provided asbestos-contaminated soil for gardens and supplied an asbestos-contaminated insulation called Zonolite. Previously in May, Senator Jon Tester proposed a new plan to clean up Libby and promote a better he... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501415 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:16:30 +0100 2501415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501416&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F18%2Fmesothelioma-claims-the-life-of-father-and-son-family-holds-fundraiser%2F The family of a father and son who both passed away from mesothelioma is holding a fundraiser to raise money for mesothelioma research through a charity they began after the passing of their loved ones. Harry Gray, 67, and his 45-year-old son Stephen both died after they were diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The Gray family then founded the Harry and Stephen Gray Mesothelioma Snowdrop Memorial Fund, and have already raised more than $16,000 to be donated toward mesothelioma research. The family is hosting another fundraising event on June 27, 2009, the two-year anniversary of Stephen’s passing. Carole Orton, Stephen’s sister, noted the event will be “about remembrance while also raising money for the charity and rais... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501416 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:22:27 +0100 2501416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501417&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F17%2Fmesothelioma-study-examines-the-effects-of-erionite-exposure%2F According to state health officials of North Dakota, enough volunteers have signed up to study the health hazards of erionite, an asbestos-like mineral. Terry O’Clair who is in charge of the air quality division for the state Health Department, said 33 people signed up for the study, which will determine whether or not they have been affected by long-term erionite exposure. Initially, state health officials and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had hoped for 50 people to sign up for the study to receive chest X-rays and CT scans, which will be sent to a team of researchers at the University of Cincinnati. “Our target number was at least 42, but with 33, it’s still enough to go forward,” O’Clair said. In addition to receiving chest X-rays and CT scans, ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501417 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:01:10 +0100 2501417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501418&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F16%2Fmesothelioma-lawsuit-results-in-2-million-for-family-of-asbestos-exposure-victim%2F The family of a woman who passed away from mesothelioma received $2 million after a jury deliberated for three days following a three-week trial. Juanita Rodarmel of Bloomington, Illinois passed away after developing mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The case stated Rodarmel was exposed to the toxic mineral when she washed the clothing of her first husband, Leslie Corry, a former employee of Union Asbestos & Rubber Company. Secondhand exposure to asbestos frequently occurred when workers who handled asbestos-containing materials unknowingly brought asbestos fibers into the home in their hair or on their clothing and skin. If the fibers were inhaled or ingested by the family members of the workers, they could become lodged in the body, causing i... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501418 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:47:45 +0100 2501418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501419&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F15%2Fmesothelioma-treatment-phase-ii-clinical-trial-offers-hope%2F The biotechnology company MolMed, based in Italy, has announced positive results for their Phase II trial of NGR-hTNF for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The trial consisted of 57 malignant pleural mesothelioma patients that were previously treated with chemotherapy. According to MolMed’s Web site, NGR-hTNF is a compound based on the combination of a tumor homing peptide (NGR), peptides that hone in on tumors, with the human Tumor Necrosis Factor (hTNF). The resulting molecule increases vascular permeability and has a direct biological antitumor activity, making NGR-hTNF useful as both a therapeutic option and as a part of a combination therapy with most chemotherapy methods. In 2008, NGR-hTNF was granted Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of malignant mesotheliom... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501419 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:52:55 +0100 2501419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501420&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F12%2Fdeceased-mesothelioma-patients-daughter-coordinates-cancer-survivors-day-event%2F The daughter of a man who passed away from mesothelioma coordinated the 12th annual Cancer Survivor’s Day event at a Spartanburg, South Carolina hospital June 7, 2009. The event, hosted by Gibbs Cancer Center, a nationally recognized cancer treatment and research facility associated with Spartanburg Regional Medical Center (SRMC), took place in the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium from 2 to 5 p.m. Lori Anne Morrow, a nurse at SRMC, coordinated the event but noted this year’s event was a little bittersweet since her father passed away in May 2009 and could not attend. In the past, Morrow’s father volunteered at the event and operated a spotlight. Before the event Morrow stated that although her father wouldn’t be there physically, she knew he would be there in spirit. The event, ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501420 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:00:47 +0100 2501420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2501421&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F11%2Fmesothelioma-claims-life-of-high-school-wrestling-coach%2F A former high school wrestling coach passed away from mesothelioma at the age of 83, and is remembered as a coach who, according to a rival coach, “could teach you how to win.” Bert Kraus was a guidance counselor and coached wrestling for 14 years at Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois, building an impressive winning record. He also officiated matches at the NCAA Division 1 Championships and earned honors by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. Kraus died May 27, 2009 at his home in Frankfort, Michigan where he was retired and enjoyed playing golf regularly. Kraus passed away after a year-long battle with malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Kraus was a co... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2501421 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:41:03 +0100 2501421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2467315&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F09%2Fmesothelioma-patient-says-hospice-care-is-a-lifesaver%2F A man diagnosed with mesothelioma is singing the praises of hospice care, stating his time at St. Helena Hospice in Essex, England has given him a new lease on life. David Shirra was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, in late 2007. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and Shirra worked with asbestos frequently as a docker. Following his mesothelioma diagnosis, 71-year-old Shirra and his wife, Doreen, were shocked, stating the news hit them like “a bolt out of the blue.” His family, especially his teenage granddaughter, took the news very hard. Shirra’s time at St. Helena’s not only helped enjoy his life again, but it helped his granddaughter accept his diagnosis after she enrolled in an art therapy course offered by St. He... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2467315 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:21:26 +0100 2467315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2467316&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F08%2Fmesothelioma-and-other-diseases-urge-students-to-ban-canadian-asbestos%2F Three tenth-grade students from British Columbia recently designed a bill intended to end Canada’s mining and export of asbestos to developing countries. The students include Hayley McDermid, Claire Hinchliffe and Chloe Staiger. Twenty of Canada’s most noted health, environment and labor organizations support the students’ endeavors and have asked Canadian Parliamentarians to truly consider the bill. Nathan Cullen, a Member of Parliament, presented their bill to the House of Commons. Diana Daghofer, Co-Chair of Prevent Cancer Now, said, “We support these students 100 percent. We hope that Canada’s political leaders are listening to them and to the massive Canadian and international backing for a ban on the production, use and export of this deadly substance.” Preven... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2467316 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:43:19 +0100 2467316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2454911&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F05%2Fradiation-may-increase-risk-of-mesothelioma-development%2F Results from a recent study suggest that radiation treatment used for patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may actually increase the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. Past studies have revealed a relationship between radiation and an increased risk for developing mesothelioma, a rare, but highly aggressive cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs. In a recent study, 2,567 patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma were examined by researchers for an increased mesothelioma risk. Patients were at least five-year survivors of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and were previously treated with chemotherapy or radiation or a combination of both. Follow up after 18 years revealed that 13 patients developed mesothelioma at least five years after they were treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2454911 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:11:19 +0100 2454911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2454912&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F04%2Fmesothelioma-patient%25e2%2580%2599s-family-receives-45-million-in-asbestos-lawsuit%2F The family of a Kansas City, Missouri man who passed away from mesothelioma received a $4.5 million settlement June 3, 2009. The lawsuit was filed against several companies by Robert Wagner who alleged that the asbestos exposure he experienced on the job working with asbestos-containing products and materials resulted in his mesothelioma diagnosis, which eventually led to his death. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The disease develops when tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body where they become lodged in organs or body cavities, causing inflammation or infection. Wagner worked installing tiles, wood and other asbestos-containing materials in buildings in downtown Kansas City, including the Crown Center and Kansa... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2454912 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:28:56 +0100 2454912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2454913&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F03%2Fmesothelioma-risk-arises-through-faulty-asbestos-abatement-scheme%2F An environmental lab in New York was recently indicted for supplying contractors fake test results in an effort to hide shady asbestos removal techniques within homes, colleges and businesses. The 16-count indictment came from a federal grand jury and accused Certified Environmental Services Inc. of conducting false air quality tests over the past 10 years. It is believed that the false air quality tests enabled contractors to mislead building owners into thinking asbestos was properly and fully removed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Benedict said, “The air monitors were giving them false air results to cover up rip-and-runs. Laboratory reports were being generated and given to building owners to tell them that there was at or below detectable levels in their buildings. In other words, &... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2454913 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:27:34 +0100 2454913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2454914&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F02%2Fmesothelioma-patient-gambles-on-life-wins-again%2F A mesothelioma patient who bet bookmakers he would outlive his doctor’s predictions collected his second round of winnings June 1, 2009. Jon Matthews received more than $8,000 yesterday, bringing his total winnings to more than $16,000 so far. The 59-year-old Buckinghamshire, England resident was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2006 and even after undergoing a series of treatments including lung surgery, doctors told him not to make any plans for Christmas of that year. The negative prognosis inspired Matthews to make a bet that he could live longer than the doctors thought. He placed a 50-1 accumulator bet with bookmakers William Hill and collected his first winnings in June 2008. “I gave myself an incentive by placing a bet on how long I would outwit modern medicine. William... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2454914 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:21:03 +0100 2454914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2454915&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F06%2F01%2Fmesothelioma-and-the-effects-of-asbestos-exposure%2F With the recent trial involving W.R. Grace & Company, the federal government and the citizens of Libby, Montana, the topic of asbestos-related illness is receiving additional national attention. There are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the United States and those numbers are expected to climb in the near future. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. In some cases though, reports have documented a small number of patients that have contracted the disease without ever being exposed to asbestos fibers. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This typically happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or distur... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2454915 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:05:45 +0100 2454915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2445676&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F29%2Fasbestos-activist-to-raise-mesothelioma-awareness-by-cycling-1200-miles%2F An asbestos campaigner in Great Britain is preparing for a 1,200 mile bicycle journey in hopes of raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Jason Addy, an activist with the organization Save Spodden Valley, hopes to raise money to be donated to  the search for a cure for asbestos-related cancers.  Addy will be joined by two friends and plans to cycle through parts of the country that have been greatly impacted by asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma. The journey will begin in the town of Glasgow on June 20, 2009 and will  conclude in Southampton on July 4. Addy says he cannot wait for the lengthy trip to begin. “It will be tough going as we will be cycling up to 100 miles a day, but it is for a very important cause and promises to be a breathtaking journey to ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2445676 Fri, 29 May 2009 18:39:31 +0100 2445676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2439350&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F28%2Fmesothelioma-symposium-to-be-held-in-washington-dc%2F The 2009 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma will be held Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 in Washington, D.C. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The event is organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and will feature international mesothelioma experts, patients, advocates and caregivers. The specialists participating in the three-day symposium will update attendees on the latest developments in treatment, research and clinical trials and each day covers a different topic. Day one focuses on advocacy, noting the importance of communicating with federal leaders about the need for funding for mesothelioma research and the banning of asbestos use. The topic for day two is “Renewing the Spirit,” and will address support issues. The day also includes a seri... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2439350 Thu, 28 May 2009 14:29:20 +0100 2439350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2439351&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F27%2Fmidtown-plaza-in-rochester-to-receive-asbestos-abatement%2F According to a press release issued by the city of Rochester, New York, the Empire State Development Corporation has approved the asbestos removal contracts for Midtown Plaza. The two companies that were awarded the contracts include Cambria Contracting, Inc. and Paradigm Environmental Services, Inc. The funds for the asbestos abatement and air monitoring project stem from the Empire State Development (ESD) through a $55 million Upstate City-by-City grant. ESD Upstate President Dennis Mullen said, “ESD is very pleased with the selection of these two companies for this important component of the Midtown redevelopment effort. Without Governor Paterson’s continued support of this effort, we would not be able to continue moving forward with our goal to revitalize downtown Rochester.”... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2439351 Wed, 27 May 2009 20:16:38 +0100 2439351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2435810&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F26%2Fasbestos-violations-result-in-fines-for-oregon-city%2F The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined the city of Central Point $815 for violating several asbestos-related regulations. Though only a small amount of asbestos was found in the debris remaining from the demolition of a 100-year-old house in February 2009, the city was given three multipart citations for issues ranging from not informing employees of the potential presence of asbestos to not providing adequate training and clothing to workers handling asbestos-contaminated materials. “Basically, they were supposed to have told the employees there was potentially asbestos there or that the material could have contained asbestos. They were then supposed to have actually tested for it before they started working,” said Oregon OSHA spokesperson Melani... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2435810 Tue, 26 May 2009 18:19:56 +0100 2435810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2431496&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F22%2Fcongressman-dennis-kucinich-proposes-asbestos-reduction-bill%2F This report is a necessary first step toward reversing that trend,” added Kucinich. Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News) Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2431496 Fri, 22 May 2009 18:39:51 +0100 2431496 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2431498&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F21%2Fmesothelioma-treatment-for-libby-residents-remains-funded-by-wr-grace%2F W.R. Grace & Company has recently announced their renewal of a $250,000 donation to the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby, Montana. Grace, who operated an asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mine in the area, is contributing the donation for the tenth consecutive year. St. John’s is a charitable medical facility that provides healthcare to all the residents of South Lincoln County. Over the past 10 years, the donations have accumulated to more than $2 million and have been used to establish a clinic for those affected by asbestos-related diseases. One such illness is malignant mesothelioma, which is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. This particular cancer usually affects the lining of the lungs, but it can also occur in the lining of the heart and abdomen. In additi... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2431498 Thu, 21 May 2009 18:11:02 +0100 2431498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2426638&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F20%2Fsenator-tester-proposes-asbestos-cleanup-plan-for-libby%2F Senator Jon Tester has suggested a new plan that will help clean up the town of Libby, Montana and promote better health care for victims of asbestos exposure. The town of Libby is the site where W.R. Grace & Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was contaminated with asbestos. Outside of the mine, asbestos contaminated nearly every part of the town, including fields, roads and even playgrounds. Asbestos also reached the yards of people’s homes as W.R. Grace would often provide asbestos-contaminated soil for those that wanted to use it in their gardens. During a recent hearing, Tester asked Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administer Lisa Jackson to join the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and work to eliminate asbestos contamination througho... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2426638 Wed, 20 May 2009 16:52:00 +0100 2426638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2421961&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F19%2Fmesothelioma-patient-inspires-fundraisers%2F Several friends have been gathering Sunday evenings to prepare delicious meals as part of “Cook for the Cure,” a charitable group organized to raise money for mesothelioma patient Shanna Kurtz. Though members from Cook for the Cure have been meeting for only a month, the group has raised more than $1,100. The money collected will be donated to help with Kurtz’s mounting medical expenses. Diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma 10 years ago at the age of 20, Kurtz was told by her doctors that 80 percent of mesothelioma patients pass away soon after diagnosis. Kurtz preferred to look at this information in a more positive light and focused on becoming part of the 20 percent who survived longer. Core members of Cook for the Cure include Gay Wickham, Cheri Travis and Kelly Young, t... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2421961 Tue, 19 May 2009 15:10:28 +0100 2421961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2421962&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F18%2Fgrant-awarded-for-asbestos-clean-up%2F Several Massachusetts cities were awarded stimulus grants to aid in the cleanup of polluted sites. The funding is provided by federal stimulus money, enhanced with money available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Act was designed to help communities clean up sites containing hazardous chemicals or pollutants. Massachusetts grants include $2.7 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $4.4 million from the Environmental Protection Agency general program funding. Announced May 12, 2009, the grants are intended to renew and improve conditions of former industrial and commercial locations. The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission received $400,000 for the cleanup of the former Worcester Technical High School, while the city of Worcester re... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2421962 Mon, 18 May 2009 16:57:33 +0100 2421962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2411902&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F15%2Fnew-texas-asbestos-bill-will-aid-mesothelioma-victim-compensation%2F Victims of asbestos exposure may experience greater ease in filing asbestos lawsuits due to a new bill introduced in the Texas Senate. Dubbed the “mesothelioma Senate Bill 1123,” this new legislation, if passed, may ease the requirements for plaintiffs who file a lawsuit to seek compensation following an asbestos-related disease diagnosis. Introduced by Senator Robert Duncan, the bill will significantly lower standards that are required to demonstrate proof that exposure to asbestos was the cause of a patient’s cancer development. Senator Duncan said recent court rulings have made filing an asbestos-related lawsuit extremely difficult for mesothelioma patients who must provide evidence for the cause of their cancer. The bill is currently pending and officials have noted that ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2411902 Fri, 15 May 2009 18:14:00 +0100 2411902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2411903&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F14%2Fmesothelioma-patient-us-navy-machinist-receives-12-million-in-asbestos-lawsuit%2F A mesothelioma patient and former United States Navy machinist won $12.1 million in damages after filing a lawsuit against a manufacturer and supplier of an asbestos-contaminated product. Charles H. Cundiff, 66, was awarded $10 million May 6, 2009 by a Los Angeles County jury for pain and suffering and $506,000 in economic damages for lost wages. Cundiff’s wife received $1.5 million for loss of consortium. Following five days of deliberation, the jury ruled that manufacturer John Crane, Inc. and supplier Lone Star Industries failed to warn Cundiff of the health risks associated with asbestos-contaminated insulating cement known as Insulag. The cement was delivered to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where Cundiff worked for nine months on the USS Kitty Hawk during a four-year tour of duty from... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2411903 Thu, 14 May 2009 15:44:34 +0100 2411903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2411904&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F13%2Flargest-asbestos-penalty-issued-for-iowa%2F According to a news release issued by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, Equitable L.P. has been forced to pay a $500,000 fine for failing to perform safe asbestos renovations while working on the historic Equitable Building in downtown Des Moines. “This is the largest civil penalty by far in Iowa for asbestos violations,” said Miller. “We alleged Equitable L.P. completely ignored asbestos-handling requirements during renovations from 2005 to 2007, until the Iowa Department of Natural Resources became involved.” Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used in construction materials before the 1980s. Heavy use of this mineral has caused great concern for the construction industry as exposure to the toxic substance can cause sarcomatoid mesothelioma and other serious i... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2411904 Wed, 13 May 2009 17:52:49 +0100 2411904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2411905&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F12%2Fsurgery-component-of-mesothelioma-treatment-plan-deemed-effective-in-study%2F A specific type of surgery performed as a component of a treatment plan designed for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma was deemed effective prior to chemotherapy treatment by a study presented at the 2009 European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology. The surgical procedure known as a pleurectomy/decortication (a type of surgery involving the removal of the outermost lining surrounding the lungs) was evaluated in the study. The study examined the procedure in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation in a trimodal treatment approach. A team of professionals including Dr. Servet BölĂĽkbas and Dr. Horst Schmidt Kliniken designed the study to test the effectiveness of pleurectomy/decortication as the surgical component in malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment rat... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2411905 Tue, 12 May 2009 16:09:13 +0100 2411905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2411906&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F11%2Fjury-announces-first-verdict-in-wr-grace-asbestos-trial%2F A jury near Libby, Montana has recently acquitted W.R. Grace & Company and three of its former executives of knowingly exposing mine workers and Libby residents to asbestos. Fred Festa, who is chairman, president and CEO of W.R. Grace, said, “We at Grace are gratified by today’s verdict and thank the men and women of the jury who were open to hearing the facts. We always believed that Grace and its former executives had acted properly and that a jury would come to the same conclusion when confronted with the evidence.” Festa also stated that while Grace owned and operated the Libby mine, “the company worked hard to keep the operation in compliance with the laws and standards of the day.” A written statement and response by the office of public affairs and the Departme... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2411906 Mon, 11 May 2009 16:43:47 +0100 2411906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2402037&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F08%2Fbishop-dies-of-mesothelioma%2F The Bishop of Peterborough, Right Reverend Ian Cundy passed away suddenly May 7, 2009 while traveling to a family event. After collapsing abruptly, Bishop Cundy was taken by ambulance to Swindon General Hospital in the United Kingdom where he was pronounced dead. Bishop Cundy was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, in October 2007 at the age of 62.  Though a cure for the cancer does not exist, patients with malignant mesothelioma may elect to combat the disease through various treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Bishop Cundy had previously undergone chemotherapy but was recently informed that the cancer had spread significantly. Bishop Cundy had announced plans to retire in July 2009 due to his battle with me... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2402037 Fri, 08 May 2009 15:48:56 +0100 2402037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395905&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F07%2Fknown-mesothelioma-cause-found-in-nbcs-washington-dc-headquarters%2F Management at NBC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters warned employees May 3, 2009 that the presence of asbestos was found on the first floor of the building. An e-mail sent to staffers stated, “Please be advised that we have discovered that glue on the back of baseboard material in the first floor across the back of the buildings has been found to contain asbestos.” The e-mail noted there are plans to remove the contaminated baseboards as a safety precaution and a contractor was hired to handle the abatement process. Asbestos is a toxic mineral known to cause serious health conditions such as malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually and prognosis is generally poor since the disease i... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395905 Thu, 07 May 2009 17:00:14 +0100 2395905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395906&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F06%2Fmesothelioma-risk-still-a-problem-in-schools%2F Five Arizona charter school operators have recently been fined $35,700 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. The fines result from the EPA discovering that operators failed to inspect for the presence of asbestos. In addition, the operators failed to develop asbestos management plans, which are a requirement for all schools by federal law. The schools have since completed inspections and have developed asbestos management plans. Katherine Taylor, associate director for the Communities and Ecosystems Division in EPA’s Pacific Southwest region, said, “All schools, including charter schools, need to conduct asbestos inspections and have asbestos management plans. We are pleased that these schools have now conducted inspe... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395906 Wed, 06 May 2009 17:58:44 +0100 2395906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395907&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F05%2Fmesothelioma-patients-post-surgery-prognosis-predicted-by-gene-expression-ratio-test%2F Researchers from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital completed a study of a four-gene expression ratio test that potentially differentiated mesothelioma patients with a statistically longer survival period from patients reporting a shorter survival time. The study, published in a paper titled “Four-Gene Expression Ratio Test for Survival in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Mesothelioma” in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, aimed to validate a previous study that also measured four-gene expression ratios. The preceding study discovered that measuring expression ratios of four genes could differentiate mesothelioma patients with a favorable prognosis after surgery from patients with a poor prognosis. Generally, a mesothelioma diagnosis is accompanied by a poor prognosis sin... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395907 Tue, 05 May 2009 16:09:57 +0100 2395907 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2395908&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F05%2F04%2Ffaulty-asbestos-abatement-addressed-in-yamhill-oregon%2F The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently issued a penalty to Able Contractors Inc. for multiple violations related to an asbestos removal project in Yamhill, Oregon. Able Contractors Inc. is a Brush Prairie, Washington-based company that specializes in asbestos removal and demolition. The penalty issued by the DEQ totaled $17, 588. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was fitted in nearly every home or building built before 1978. Generally though, asbestos does not cause health problems unless its fibers are released into the air. Evidence has proven that inhaling microscopic, airborne asbestos fibers is one of the leading mesothelioma causes. Although most cases of mesothelioma occur in the lining of the lungs, other areas that can be affected by the cancer includ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2395908 Mon, 04 May 2009 18:38:30 +0100 2395908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2379559&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fscientists-declare-all-forms-of-asbestos-toxic%2F Through the development of the Chrysotile Asbestos Fact Sheet (CAFS), the Environmental Information Agency (EIA) and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization have concluded that chrysotile asbestos is a carcinogenic substance. In addition, the EIA and ADAO stated there is enough evidence to support that all forms of asbestos can be responsible for causing asbestos-related lung cancers, laryngeal cancer and ovarian cancer. Chrysotile, among other forms of asbestos, is listed as one of the few mesothelioma causes. According to their Web site, the EIA is a multidisciplinary association that collects, generates and disseminates information concerning environmental health hazards to occupants of buildings, industrial sites and other facilities. The ADAO is an organization founded by asbestos... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2379559 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:30:03 +0100 2379559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2379560&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F29%2Fmesothelioma-sufferers-addressed-in-james-hardie-case%2F An Australian civil court ruled last week that building materials manufacturer James Hardie Industries NV misled asbestos victims into believing the company had set aside sufficient funds for future mesothelioma and other asbestos-related claims. The civil case was filed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), who is seeking maximum fines of $141,670 U.S. dollars against 10 former James Hardie executives. In addition, the ASIC is seeking to prevent and disqualify the executives from managing any other company in the future. Justice Ian Gzell of the New South Wales state Supreme Court said the 10 James Hardie officials breached their obligations as executives when they previously announced in February 2001 that established funds would provide compensation for future ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2379560 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:27:59 +0100 2379560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2373600&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F28%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-awareness-to-hopefully-increase-with-new-memorial%2F A memorial dedicated to workers who lose their lives on the job will break ground April 28, 2009 just outside Washington, D.C. in Silver Spring, Maryland. Located on the National Labor College campus, the National Workers Memorial is expected to be completed by September. The memorial will include brick pavers engraved with the names of those who passed away at work or as a result of work-related injuries or illnesses. Bricks will feature the name and occupation of the workers and may be purchased by anyone for $125. Circular in design, the monument will be surrounded by granite benches. The first brick was purchased by Richard Trumka in honor of his father Frank who passed away from black lung disease as a result of working in a Pennsylvania coal mine. The memorial will hopefully increase... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2373600 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:50:23 +0100 2373600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2373601&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F27%2Fasbestos-removal-delays-opening-of-us-olympic-committee-headquarters%2F The completion of the new headquarters for the U.S. Olympic Committee’s (USOC) office in Colorado Springs has been delayed two months due to lengthy asbestos abatement. The offices are set to open in late September 2009 rather than July 30 as originally planned.  The asbestos removal process at the two-story facility was more extensive than expected, said David Schneider, an official with LandCo Equity Partners, the developer involved in the project. Christopher Dann, spokesman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Air Pollution Control Division said serious concerns have surfaced during the abatement. Dann noted that the containment of asbestos was inadequate and asbestos was disturbed by a demolition worker in an area that was supposed to be clean. The proje... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2373601 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:11:25 +0100 2373601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2366887&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F24%2Fmesothelioma-and-asbestos-related-fatalities-remain-high-in-the-united-states%2F According to health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fatalities from asbestos-related diseases are continuing to rise in the United States. The organization reported more than 18,068 fatalities between 1999 and 2005 occurred as a result of malignant mesothelioma, an illness directly associated with asbestos exposure. During this time frame, the frequency of mesothelioma deaths annually rose from 2,482 to 2,704 – an average increase of 222 deaths per year. Maine reported the highest number of mesothelioma fatalities with 173 deaths (27.5 deaths per million people). The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report also stated that the majority of mesothelioma fatalities involved white men. Several initiatives have been put into action to regulate to the use of ... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2366887 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:46:51 +0100 2366887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2363160&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F23%2Fmesothelioma-patient-gambles-on-life-and-wins-big%2F A mesothelioma patient bet bookmakers $145 that he would live longer than doctor’s predicted. Buckinghamshire, England resident Jon Mathews could collect nearly $51,000 if he continues to win his battle with mesothelioma through next summer.  Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. After undergoing mesothelioma treatment, including lung surgery in 2006, doctors told Mathews there was nothing more they could do and encouraged him not to make any plans for Christmas that year. Mathews placed a 50-1 accumulator bet with bookmakers William Hill, betting he would live longer than the doctor’s prognosis. “I asked for the doctor’s prognosis in writing and she explained they had never heard of anyone surviving mesothelioma beyond t... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2363160 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:17:32 +0100 2363160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2357330&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F22%2Fprosecution-in-wr-grace-asbestos-trial-calls-on-final-witness%2F The prosecutors representing the government in the W.R. Grace & Company trial have recently called on their final witness to testify against the company. Dr. Richard Lemen, a former assistant surgeon general, stated to jurors that asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mined by Grace posed “an imminent risk” to those living near the mine and within the town of Libby, Montana. “Because the materials were so widely spread out being put on things such as the high school track, being used in gardens, being used as covering roads, being used for playgrounds, being used for multiple purposes throughout the community there was a very widespread distribution of this material throughout the community,” said Lemen. “The more pathways they’re exposed to, the greater the accumulations o... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2357330 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:42:55 +0100 2357330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2352695&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F21%2Fasbestos-found-in-high-school-by-student-journalist-and-teacher%2F A student journalist and teacher published a story April 17, 2009 in an Indiana high school newspaper, reporting that samples collected from a science classroom indicated the presence of asbestos. Published in Central High School’s student newspaper, the story, titled “Questions persist over air quality,” prompted administrators to contact students and parents stating that the student and teacher were “involved in the unauthorized disturbance of the encapsulated asbestos.” “Two classrooms were involved in the unauthorized sampling of encapsulated asbestos,” stated Central High School Principal Christopher Smith. “As a safety precaution, the two classrooms have been closed until independent asbestos contractors can be retained to clean the classrooms and to encapsulate asbes... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2352695 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:05:15 +0100 2352695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2346464&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F20%2Fmesothelioma-patients-receive-help-from-texas-senate%2F The Texas Senate recently passed a bill that would make it easier for those diagnosed with mesothelioma to recover personal injury damages as a result of being exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer typically developing in the lining of the lungs, is almost strictly attributable to asbestos exposure. In the majority of cases, exposure occurs through inhaling airborne asbestos fibers after asbestos-containing materials have been disturbed. The bill was formulated to withhold a more reasonable standard for mesothelioma patients who wish to make a claim in the state of Texas. According to Senator Robert Duncan, Texas once had the most lenient standard of proof in the nation. However, a Texas Supreme Court ruling from 2007 has made filing a claim difficult for both asbestosis... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2346464 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:38:05 +0100 2346464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2338695&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F17%2Fgreen-modifications-lead-to-reduction-of-asbestos-exposure-in-homes%2F With a growing amount of resources devoted to eco-sustainable technologies, many homeowners are removing asbestos and replacing the substance with environmentally friendly alternatives. On February 17, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. This package has given homeowners tax incentives to implement the use of environmentally sustainable forms of insulation as replacements for asbestos. Included in the act are extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Existing homes are eligible for a series of efficiency measures that pertain to a home’s insulation, windows and sealing. The stimulus package is having a direct impact in reducing the... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2338695 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:29:29 +0100 2338695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2338696&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F16%2Fmesothelioma-diagnostic-test-rights-granted-to-pharmaceutical-company%2F Rosetta Genomics, a molecular diagnostics company announced a license and collaboration agreement April 16, 2009 with Prometheus Laboratories Inc., granting the pharmaceutical and diagnostic company rights to three microRNA-based cancer diagnostic tests in the United States. The agreement between the two companies includes payments to Rosetta Genomics through milestones, research funding and royalty payments on net sales in the Unites States. Additionally, Prometheus will make an $8 million equity investment in Rosetta Genomics at $4 per ordinary share (a 41 percent premium over the closing price of the company’s stock over three days). The companies have also agreed to work together to develop two additional microRNA tests, with funding provided by Prometheus. The three tests Prometheus... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2338696 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:51:44 +0100 2338696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2338697&cid=s_36962_55_f&fid=36962&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asbestos.com%2Fnews%2F2009%2F04%2F15%2Fepa-adds-borit-asbestos-site-to-superfund-list%2F The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced that the BoRit asbestos site in Ambler, Pennsylvania has been added to the Superfund National Priority List (NPL). According to the EPA, the NPL is a “national list of sites where hazardous contaminants could impact public health and/or the environment.” Once a site has been investigated by the EPA, the agency begins cleaning up the contaminated area as funds and time allows. To date, more than 1,500 sites have been added to the NPL. These sites may be contaminated with toxins such as arsenic, chromium, copper, cyanide, lead, mercury, sulfuric acid and asbestos. Though all of these substances can pose a serious health risk, asbestos is one of the largest concerns for Superfund sites. Exposure to asbestos can cause a numbe... Asbestos and Mesothelioma News news http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2338697 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:15:42 +0100 2338697