400,000 New Yorkers Inhale one of the most Lethal Pollutants -Asbestos.

What they did not tell you about 9/11!

A Latest study by the U.S. government provides the recent evidence of a systematic cover-up of the health toll from pollution following the 9/11 catastrophe, which doctors dread will cause more deaths than the attacks themselves.

Belfast Telegraph says, The Bush administration witheld evidence of increasing danger and officially announced that the air surrounding the felled buildings was "safe to breathe".

But results of the government study, conducted by a consortium of researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Columbia University, New York University, Johns Hopkins University, The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, show exposure-related increases in new-onset cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, and bronchial hyperreactivity more than two years after the disaster.

Ambient air samples showed that asbestos levels in the WTC area were significantly elevated consequent to the September 11 attacks, but fell to within federal standards after the first few days.

"More research is required to decide whether long-term exposure to asbestos fibers may lead to an increased risk of lung mesothelioma, a rare cancer that has been linked to asbestos exposure," said Landrigan. "Previous studies have shown the tiny chrysotile fibers found in the WTC dust to be the predominant fiber in lung mesothelioma tissue." It is vital to note that symptoms of mesothelioma may not surface until 30-50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Commonly symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are: shortness of breath, pain in the chest

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:

weight loss, abdominal pain, swelling, bowel obstruction, blood clotting, anemia, fever.

If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

It is extremely important to see a doctor concerning any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Educate yourself on mesothelioma, asbestos and class action lawsuits. Check out latest breaking news on mesothelioma at http://www.mesolink.org

Other Articles by J Farrington http://www.whatyouneedtoknowpage.com

J Farrington, has been writing articles for a number of clients for years. If you would like more information on his work please visit HERE FOR MORE ARTICLES

BLAME IT ON THE ASBESTOS

This disease is not that uncommon anymore.? Yet Mesothelioma is still considered by the medical community to be relatively rare. As a terminal disease it is incredibly hard to diagnose accurately, early and treat it effectively. It is progressive and a killer! Asbestos is seen as the major cause for the disease. Even it we do not quite know how, why it develops spreads exactly and how best to treat or cure it. There is no cure.
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There are other related diseases like lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural disease that can also occur. Malignant cancers develop in the lung itself, moving inward and spreading outward, at the same time. It affects all respiratory functioning and breathing becomes problematic. Some are of the opinion that it is the most common asbestos-related cancer found in present or ex-smokers,? who do have a history of some, daily, occasional or prolonged asbestos exposure.
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Asbestosis on the other hand is definitely attributable to asbestos fibers or dust particles that have been inhaled or ingested somehow. The airborne foreign bodies gets lodged in the inner lung, even alveoli and starts taking its toll slowly but surely. Lung , lining and tissue scarring and damage is inevitable and deadly with this progressive yet stealth-like disease.
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Pleural disease is any scarring of the protective layer or lining of the lung. A patient with this diagnosis will have a significantly higher risk of developing full-blown Mesothelioma or related lung diseases attributable to asbestos.
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The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) recently announced a new developmental stage description and classification system for Mesothelioma. They refer to it as the 'TNM system'. It is more in line and somewhat similar to staging systems used for most other cancers diagnostics.
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The letter T indicates tumor (its size and how far it has spread to nearby organs)
N stands for spread to lymph nodes and M is for metastasis (spread to distant organs).
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In TNM staging, information about the "tumor', lymph nodes, and metastasis is combined in a process called stage grouping. This is then assigned to? a certain stage of development or progression that is described by Roman numerals from I to IV.
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View more articles from http://www.mesotheliomamedical.com/mesothelioma.htm
?Nichole Fowler, the webmaster of http://www.mesotheliomamedical.com/mesothelioma.htm is a part of the Sharing Information Group that provides useful information to the public through the syndication of free articles.

Hidden Asbestos - New Warnings

Mid term exposure to asbestos, a building material causes major health problems related to the respiratory tract. This building material when moved or disturbed causes small particles of fibers to be dispersed in the air, which, when inhaled causes inflammation, scar-tissue build up or in some cases the deadly cancer.

If you have suffered or suffering as a result of exposure to asbestos a few years back, you may be qualified for a compensation claim. If, you or one of your family members have suffered due to this exposure, a claim solicitor can help you get the right compensation and rehabilitation as required.

Asbestos related illnesses

Asbestos has been a blessing to the human race in the fact that the risk suffered from exposure to it is directly proportional to the exposure. The exposure causes Asbestosis, Pleural plaques, Mesothelioma, Pleural thickening, Emphysema or Lung cancer. The symptoms of asbestosis take years to manifest themselves. Since the asbestos industry was at its peak during the 1960s and 70s, the adverse health affects are becoming apparent today. The worst of asbestosis is supposed to peak in 2005 as per medical experts and the British Medical Journal.

Compensation Claims

All workers who have had this exposure to asbestos are eligible to compensation regardless of their current financial situation. Since, people who have been long exposed to this deadly material without any fault of their own are entitled to a rightful compensation for all the pain and suffering they have endured.

Brendan Barber, TUC general secretary, said: "All forms of asbestos are dangerous, no matter what some employers might say.

"The cancers caused by the killer fibres can take years to develop, so someone who breathes in asbestos dust now may not become ill for another 25 years.

"We don't want to see any more people exposed to asbestos in future."

A million stickers and thousands of leaflets will be sent to workplaces, bearing the message: "Asbestos Kills."

Asbestos and the law

With more and more landmark judgments pouring in by the day, the chances of winning your asbestosis compensation claim become brighter. Act today without procrastination, since the time bar on such cases may be running out. Get in touch with a solicitor today.

A few facts

Around 1500 people die around the UK every year due to asbestosis as per the British Medical Journal. Predictions could only worsen the situation since most experts feel that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Julian Hall is the Director of Claims Master Group. Personal injury Claim, Asbestos Claims

Personal injury claims : Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral, which is heat resistant, insulating, and toxic. Asbestos was utilized in variety of everyday used products, such as for insulation of buildings and wiring, floor and ceiling tiles, up to around 1980 in United States. It was used in spite of evidence from early on that it was dangerous. As a result of this, large numbers of people have been exposed to asbestos for long periods. Thousands of people have developed life threatening deceases that have been linked to asbestos, such as asbestosis, peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Scientists have found that asbestos fibers when inhaled get clogged up in the lungs causing scaring and lesions, which in turn leads, to further complications and deceases including cancer, and eventually to death. Most of the asbestos related deceases do not surface for decades, which may explain the recent surge in number of people diagnosed with such deceases. People who were exposed to asbestos before 1980 at work including most construction workers, miners, shipbuilders, floor installers, insulators, auto repair workers and others are at serious risk of falling ill. Anyone who was exposed to asbestos even for a short time can with the help of a personal injury lawyer file a claim for compensation.

Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a non cancerous decease caused due to asbestos exposure. It develops when asbestos fibers get clogged in the lung. The resulting scars and inflammation stiffen the lungs and impede the flow of air through it, causing the symptoms of the decease, such as difficulty in breathing and severe cough. Anyone with asbestosis is considered to have an increased risk of other respiratory deceases. Pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a deadly lung cancer with no cure, caused by exposure to asbestos. The cancer is developed when asbestos fibers cause scars and lesions in the pleura (the membrane enveloping the lungs)

When asbestos fibers cause scars in peritoneum (the membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen) peritoneal mesothelioma develops. This decease is also a deadly cancer with no cure. Both these cancers may lie dormant for years, sometimes up to forty years after the exposure to asbestos. Symptoms when the cancer is diagnosed include chronic cough, stomach and chest pain, coughing of blood , shortness of breath, and weight loss. Presently there is no cure, but the cancer can be treated by surgery, removal of accumulated fluid from chest, chemotherapy, radiation, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and photodynamic therapy.

If a person believes he or she is at risk of developing any of these deceases they should seek medical attention immediately. In addition they should seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer specializing in asbestos exposure related tort cases in order obtain compensation. The compensation may depend on several factors including, how long a person was exposed to asbestos, where he or she was exposed, and the present financial state of the companies legally responsible for the exposure that caused the person injury.

Personal injury resource center. Lots of great aritcles and other information about personal injury cases in areas across the US. Visit us at http://www.personalinjuryplace.com/

Asbestos ? From Miracle Mineral To Mesothelioma Menace

During World War II Asbestos was hailed by many as a miracle mineral. Almost anything could be built or manufactured from this mineral. The building and construction industries used it as an additive to strengthen cement and plastics. Asbestos fibers can be separated into thin threads which do not conduct electricity and are not affected by heat or chemicals.

The four main types of asbestos are: Amosite with brown fibers, Anthophyllite with gray fibers, white Christie, and blue Crocidolite. Chrysotile has curly fibers while the other three have rod like fibers. These fibers break into dust quite easily and drift in the air. They can stick on skin, clothing, and can easily be swallowed or inhaled.

Use of asbestos skyrocketed during World War II. Shipbuilding used asbestos extensively in freighters and support vessels to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes. Asbestos became the miracle construction material as it was easily obtained, processed, and transported.

After WWII cars used asbestos in break shoes and clutch pads. Asbestos found its way into residential and industrial building materials, water supply, sewage materials, ceiling and floor tiles, and vermiculite garden materials to name a few products.

In the 1970?s the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos in several products that could release asbestos fibers into the environment during use, following the discoveries of the health dangers of asbestos dust inhalation. Regulations governing the use of asbestos and concern of public opinion since 1970 have created a significant drop in the use of asbestos in the United States.

In 1989 all new uses of asbestos were banned by the Environmental Protection Agency while any old uses before that year were still permitted. The EPA suggested that schools inspect for damaged asbestos and eliminate any exposure or enclose it in protective barriers. Vermiculite, widely used in horticulture, became a concern of the EPA that recommended outdoor use, limiting the amount of dust used, and keeping vermiculite damp.

Asbestos may create serious health hazards such as coughing, lung damage, shortness of breath, and lung cancer. Most people do not become sick in the early stages of development, but usually need continued exposure, often on jobs such as mining, milling, manufacturing asbestos products, and building construction. Firemen, demolition workers, drywall removers, and any other workers in trades that involve destruction of buildings, ships, and automobiles are also exposed to the hazards and risks of asbestos.

Over a period of years continual exposure to asbestos can cause very serious health problems, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of carcinoma of the membrane that lines numerous cavities of the body, including the lungs, abdomen and heart, and has been associated with exposure to asbestos dust. In mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelioma metastasize and damage adjacent organs and tissues.

Risk of developing mesothelioma takes a long period of time, often as long as twenty-five or thirty-five years before full blown symptoms appear. Not all workers who have been exposed will develop diseases caused by asbestos, but workers who have been exposed to it may bring fibers on their clothing, hair, shoes, and skin home to their families. To circumvent this risk, most industries require workers to bathe and change their clothing before they leave work.

Many studies have been conducted involving the risks of diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. The results of one such study involving the risks of smoking and exposure to asbestos proved extremely hazardous.

For further information on asbestos, such as risks, research, lawsuits and disease support groups visit:

http://www.asbestos-headquarters.com

Myths About Asbestosis Claims

Asbestosis Claims and evidence of the death knell effect of asbestos on people who breathe its fibers is likely to increase in the future with more and more cases coming to the fore.

Asbestos, once hailed as the best and reliable building material available to the construction industries. The properties of being fire resistant, tensile strength, durability, flexibility and heat insulation made it popular since these properties meant that it could save lives and strengthen buildings. The evidence of the first use of asbestos was about 2000 years ago by the Greeks who firmly believed that its fire withstanding properties were too good to let go in spite of the health hazards it posed. The Greeks, in those times knew that asbestos caused health problems.

These health hazards were long forgotten until the turn of the 20th century. The medical research community observed too many unnatural and mistimed deaths in asbestos mining towns in the USA during the beginning of the First World War.

1924 saw the first diagnosis of Asbestosis in a 33 year old woman which led to further studies in the UK on asbestos workers. Research pointed to the fact that more than 30% of the workers in the asbestos industry suffered from lung diseases. This led to the government introducing laws to provide better ventilation and identification of asbestosis as a work related illness in 1931.

Asbestos has been manufactured in over 100 countries and used in over 24 countries worldwide well into the 20th century despite its relationship to the cause of asbestosis. The mind-blowing act that more than 5 million tones of asbestos was manufactured annually in the mid 20th century proves the utter disregard that the producers had for their employees and workers. Shipping, demolition, insulation and building industrial conglomerates failed to take adequate precautions and preventive measures to protect their workforce from workplace injury.

The effects of asbestosis are not apparent immediately. They take time to manifest and unveil the havoc. Diagnosis is often difficult and takes time by which the disease is rendered incurable. Since the height of asbestos usage was in 1960s and 70s, many asbestos workers are awaiting their fate with asbestosis and more and more cases are coming to the fore now.

The victims of asbestosis are entitled to compensation for irregularities of their companies in providing safer working conditions which has left them exposed to the harmful effects of asbestos years ago.

It is advisable that any victims get in touch with an experienced asbestos related solicitor at their earliest to get the right compensation and rebuild their future.

Julian Hall is the Director of Claims Master Group. Personal injury Claim, Asbestosis Claims

Asbestos Related Lung Cancer

For almost a 100 years asbestos was considered to be a surprisingly extraordinary mineral. It was used mostly for insulation in the building industry and woven into most every kind of product that could be manufactured. In the late 1800's it was reported that asbestos could cause severe lung injury to anyone that was exposed to it. Those reports were either ignored or intentionally suppressed. Not until 1931 did the British government start taking action to deal with the possibilities of lung cancer in those who worked with and were exposed to asbestos. In the early 1970's the United States government, following the British, began to document safety rules for handling asbestos. This truly was 50 years to late for many thousands of people who were exposed to asbestos in the environment, the home and especially in the workplace.

The results of exposure to asbestos in the environment and the workplace include pleural plaques, lung scarring, asbestosis, lung cancer and a particularly malignant, more severe cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively related to exposure to asbestos. It's pleura, cancer of the lining around the lungs instead of in the lungs. Even a very short term exposure 10, 20, 30 or more years ago may result in mesothelioma. Smoking increases the risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma dramatically. A patient who was exposed to asbestos that smokes has a 50 to 90 times greater chance of being diagnosed with lung cancer, including mesothelioma than a non-smoker. By contrast, a non-smoker exposed to asbestos has a five times greater chance of being diagnosed.

Asbestos Related lung cancers including Mesothelioma are diagnosed through a coalition of medical history, imaging technologies like x-rays, MRIs and CAT tissue sampling, scans, and biopsy. Those who are known to have been exposed to asbestos should have regular checkups for lung irregularities, as the incubation period between exposure and development of this disease can be as long as 5 decades.

As with any cancer, early diagnosis will give the best chance of recovery. Generally the accepted statistics for patients diagnosed with asbestos related lung cancer or mesothelioma are not good at all. In some cases, a person diagnosed with mesothelioma may be told that he has only 8-12 weeks to live, but there are many extenuating factors that may affect that. Some people in clinical trials that use a multi-treatment approach to treating mesothelioma have approached a 40% five year survival rate - almost as much as those diagnosed with other types of lung cancer.

It seems that the best response to Mesothelioma is an aggressive treatment that combines surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, since mesothelioma is so often diagnosed in the later stages, surgery is not often an option, but there are some encouraging new advances in chemotherapy for treatment.

The first medication specifically to treat mesothelioma was approved by the FDA in February of 2004, Alimta manufactured by Eli Lilly. Alimta showed in clinical trials that in conjunction with another drug frequently used for treatment, cisplatin, improved the life expectancy of people diagnosed with mesothelioma. In a time where new advances are happening almost on a weekly basis, even a few months of extended life can propose hope for a cure.

Carlie Edwards publishes online articles & useful information for Women. For more info visit Resource Tips For a variety of related topics visit Health-And-Beauty-Worx.Com

The MACK Group, LLC Completes Asbestos Abatement and Fluorescent Bulb and Ballast Recycling Project in NJ

April 4, 2006 - The MACK Group, LLC ( Website: http://www.mackgrp.com ) recently completed an asbestos abatement and fluorescent bulb and ballast recycling project at a former 300,000 sf leather tannery located in Central New Jersey.

The MACK Group, LLC completed the asbestos abatement and fluorescent bulb and ballast recycling project at a former leather tannery facility located in Central New Jersey. The project consisted of the asbestos abatement of 300,000 sf of asbestos roofing and 6000 lineal ft of asbestos piping. It also included the removal of approximately 3,300 tons of non-friable asbestos contaminated debris. In addition, the project also consisted of the recycling of 5,000 fluorescent bulbs and ballasts. The MACK Group accomplished this project on schedule and without injury.

About The Mack Group, LLC The MACK Group, LLC is an asbestos abatement and demolition contractor that operates on a nationwide basis. Services include asbestos abatement, demolition, Terminator flooring removals, Shot Blast/Blastrac services, Wrecking, Demolition NJ and fluorescent bulb and ballast recycling services.

For More Information

The MACK Group 1500 Kings Hwy. N., Ste 209 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Tel: 973-759-5000 Fax: 973-759-5554 Web: www.MACKgrp.com Contact: Stephen King (973) 759-5000 ext. 302 SKing@mackgrp.com

Mesothelioma - How to Find a Good Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawyer

Without a doubt, ability, experience and reputation, These are important factors in determining an mesothelioma / asbestos lawyer's you can count on and hire. Mind you, If the methotheleoma lawyer is well known as a highly competent lawyer who has settled many mesothelioma cases, his fee is likely to be higher. Remember, the cheapest lawyer may not always be the best. Of course, unless a lawyer takes your case on a contingent basis, he will expect to be paid, win or lose.

The amount of time and labor spent on your asbestos mesothelioma case is what a lawyer will charge you for, his/her time is money. Most lawyers keep very careful records of the amount of time they and members of their staff spend on your case. Different attorneys rate their time differently depending upon their experience, training. skills, and workload.

What about Contingency fees? A contingent fee arrangement is that your lawyer gets a percentage of the compensation money you receive as resolution of your asbestos lawsuit. If you do not receive compensation for the lawsuit then your lawyer collects no fees. However, you may owe charges for court fees, copying, and hiring expert witnesses. A contingency fee is a good option for those unable to pay hourly. Results can never be guaranteed . Nonetheless, some lawyers will handle a lawsuit for money and damages on the condition that they be allowed to take a percentage of the recovery if success is achieved. Under this contingent arrangement, a lawyer does not collect a fee if the case is lost. The client must still pay court costs, however.

Check the lawyers records if possible- Check background, experience, disciplinary record of any potential mesothelioma lawyer candidate. Many states currently require all lawyers to graduate from college and law school, pass a written exam, pass a character and fitness review, and be licensed to practice law. Also, many lawyers take continuing legal education classes each year. You can find out about many asbestos mesothelioma lawyers' backgrounds by checking legal source books in your local law library or public library. Consider the mesothelioma lawyer's training and experience - Ask if the lawyer has handled similar asbestos matters, and what the outcomes were. Also ask if the lawyer has taken any continuing legal education courses regarding asbestos law and asbestos mesothelioma litigation which relates to your legal issue.

GET LEGAL HELP REGARDING Asbestos Mesothelioma

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.legal-help-advice.com

The History and Link between Asbestos and Mesothelioma

If you have Mesothelioma, you are invariably a victim of asbestos, a material whose danger was known as early as the 1930s. The incidence of mesothelioma showed up even in those who had no occupational exposure, but lived close to a facility, which processes asbestos. This reports soon followed many reports of mesothelioma associated with asbestos exposure from various parts of the world. A few of these patients who developed mesothelioma had occupational exposure to asbestos, at pattern had developed.

It is also to be noted that less than 10% of people who had exposure to asbestos develop mesothelioma. In his report, Dr. Baris had identified 185 cases of erionite/zeolite-related mesothelioma in two areas of Turkey with no local asbestos deposits or industry. Recent reports suggest that a history of asbestos exposure can be obtained only in about 80% cases of mesothelioma. It is clear from these observations and studies that malignant mesothelioma is not uniquely related to asbestos exposure.

Other reports followed linking asbestos to malignant mesothelioma amongst pipe fitters in the USA; other reports followed from around the world. The history of asbestos exposure can be the cause of mesothelioma or asbestosis development. And it was not until 1960 that a link between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma was documented. Once the asbestos fibers are inhaled, they may cause significant health problems including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Most people diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos (fibers). Since then, the relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure has been confirmed in studies around the world. This site only provides information about mesothelioma and asbestos, it is not meant to be taken as legal advice.

GET LEGAL HELP REGARDING Asbestos Mesothelioma

Rich C. Perlman For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.legal-help-advice.com

Mesothelioma a cancer caused by asbestos

The internal organs of the human body are encased in a protective sac called the mesothelium. Examples of mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneum (abdominal organs), pleura (lungs), and pericardium (heart).

Under specific conditions, the cells of the protective membrane divide uncontrolled and become cancerous. This disease is termed as Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.

The disease is found to occur among those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos based products, and the heating and construction businesses. Approximately 3,000 cases occur each year in the US, and most patients are between 50-70 years old. Statistics show that males are commonly affected and among them whites more than African Americans.

First studied in the late 1700s in depth studies were only done in the 1960s. Tumors of the Mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. The malignant Mesothelioma are categorized into three types:

* Epithelioid, accounting for 50-70% of mesotheliomas.

* Sarcomatoid, accounting for 7-20%.

* Mixed or bi-phasic, accounting for 20-35%.

When asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs they travel through large air passages to reach the smaller passages and from them the pleura. In the pleura they damage: the mesothelial cells leading to cancer; lung tissue causing lung cancer; and the development of scar tissue within the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are swallowed they reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Research reveals that the disease only manifests 20-50 years after being exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific to the disease but a patient may develop:

* Breathlessness.

* Chest pain accompanied by tightness believed to be caused by accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

* Low back pain.

* Swelling of face and arms.

* Sensory loss.

* Muscle weakness.

* Nausea.

* Vomiting.

* Weight loss that is unexplained.

* Persistent dry cough.

* Sore throat.

* Anemia.

* Fever.

* Constipation.

* Problems with blood clotting.

Since the above are common to minor ailments, patients often ignore the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel you have been knowingly or unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

A doctor will:

* Take down a detailed medical history and try and determine the symptoms and risk factors.

* Do a thorough physical examination and check for signs of:

o Pleural effusion, fluid accumulated in the chest cavity.

o Fluid in the abdominal cavity.

o Pericardial effusion, fluid in the lining of the heart.

* Take a chest x-ray and check for thickening of the pleura, calcifications, and lowered lung fissures.

* Ask for a CT scan to determine clearly the location, size, and extent of the problem if any is suspected.

* Recommend tests of tissue samples and pleural fluids.

Other risk factors are cigarette or cigar smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to zeolite a compound that is similar to asbestos, exposure to or infections caused by SV40, a Simian virus.

Those who work in a risky environment should wear protective clothing, have the surroundings tested regularly for suspended asbestos particles, and ensure that they have regular medical tests and report to the doctor any ailments that persist.

Being aware of the disease and its problems helps.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html

Mesothelioma-Asbestos In My Body?

Mesothelioma is a cancer which is linked to exposure to asbestos fibers in 70 to 80 percent of cases. The National Cancer institute defines malignant mesothelioma as "a rare form of cancer...a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium)." It is one of the most deadly cancers known to man; the average life span of an afflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months.

Mesothelioma developes in approximately 3,000 United States citizens every year. Most of those diagnosed have a history of occupational exposure to asbestos, though a few have environmental or household contact. This cancer has an extremely long latency period; an exposure period of as little as one or two months can result in a mesothelioma up to 50 years later. Patients who had contact with asbestos as far back as the 1940s are now being diagnosed with this disease. In fact, the average time between exposure and the development of mesothelioma is 35-40 years.

When asbestos first came into use, its risks were unknown, and it was widely used as a fire-retardant material. Many people worked with this deadly substance, unaware that it would kill them several decades later. Workers such as bricklayers, insulaters, plasterers, electricians, mechanics, carpenters, and other tradesmen were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis as it was contained in many insulation and construction materials.

Even occassional exposure to asbestos is a health risk, and there have been many cases of mesothelioma developing in patients who only had brief contact, such as wives of asbestos-exposed workers who washed their husbands' overalls.

Due to the long latency period and vague, diffuse initial symptoms, there is often a delay in accurate diagnosis. As with many cancers, early symptoms can be mild and non-specific. Often patients present with only shortness of breath and a persistent cough; some show no symptoms at all in the initial stages, and the disease is first noticed on a routine chest X-ray. One early tell-tale sign is pleural effusion, a collection of fluid in the lungs. The right lung is affected 60% of the time, bilateral involvement being seen in 5% of cases. Less common initial complaints due to lung mesothelioma are fever, night sweats, weight loss, a raspy voice and facial swelling. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal symptoms such as pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia and swelling of the feet. As the disease progresses, patients often develop severe cachexia (wasting).

One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma, pleural effusion, is an accumulation of fluid between the parietal pleura, which covers the chest wall and diaphragm, and the visceral pleura, which covers the lungs. Both membranes are covered with mesothelial cells which, under normal conditions, produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid is removed via blood and lymph vessels, thus maintaining a balance. When more fluid is produced than can be absorbed, an effusion forms.

These effusions are called either transudates and exudates. A transudate is a clear fluid that forms not because the pleural surfaces are diseased, but because of an imbalance between the normal production and removal of the fluid. Often this is caused by congestive heart failure. An exudate, which contains many cells and proteins and is often cloudy in color, results from disease of the pleura itself, and is common to mesothelioma. To differentiate between a transudate or an exudate, a diagnostic thoracentesis, in which a needle or catheter is used to obtain a fluid sample, may be conducted.

As the volume of excess fluid increases, symptoms develop such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) , chest pain, or a non-productive dry cough. Heard through a stethoscope, normal breath sounds are muted, and tapping on the chest will reveal dull rather than hollow sounds.

A pleural effusion can be seen with a chest X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan. Since pleural effusions are often caused by congestive heart failure, the discovery of an effusion is not in itself immediately suggestive of a malignant process.

A histological examination of pleural fluid is negative in 85% of cases; a definitive diagnoses is more often is obtained by a needle biopsy or surgical biopsy of pleural tissue.

Symptomatic treatment of lung compression caused by effusion is accomplished by application of a sclerosing agent which eliminates the space between the lung and the chest cavity, a process called chemical pleurodesis. Talc is usually used, with a success rate of 95%. It can be administered either as a powder or as a slurry mixed with saline. A surgical team opens the chest wall, removes the effusion, then collapses the lung before applying the talc. Once the lung is fused to the chest wall, an effusion can no longer accumulate and compress the lung. This is strictly a palliative measure to improve the patient's quality of life, and has no effect on the progression of the disease.

Attemps to cure mesothelioma utilize surgery to remove diseased tissue, combined with chemo and raiotherapy. Several new treatment modalities are currently being investigated. These include Photodynamic therapy, which uses light of particular frequencies to target and kill cancer cells which, compared to normal tissue, display increased uptake of photosensitizing drugs; immunotherapy, which fights the abnormal cells through stimulation of the body's own immune system; and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, which is a radiation treatment that attempts to target just the malignancy, thus avoiding damage to adjacent healthy cells and tissue. In addition, some success has been acheived with the chemotherapeutic drug Alitma (pemetrexed). However, despite the number of clinical trials currently underway, as of the date of this article the prognosis for mesothelioma sufferers is still extremely poor.

Peter Hope http://www.lawsuit-abestos-lawyer-abcmesotheolioma.info http://www.life-extension-now.com http://www.youwillquit.com

Asbestos - A Slim and Strong Enemy

For centuries, asbestos was used. Thousands of workers were exposed to the risks of this mineral that has several beneficial properties, but on the other hand can lead people to death.

First, the relation between asbestos and death of some workers wasn't made clear. The Greek geographer Strabo and the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noticed something wrong regarding asbestos workers. Both found a sickness in the lungs of slaves that worked with asbestos.

Despite the evidence, the diseases related to the asbestos use were ignored for a long time. Only in the year 1931, the first laws were created in England in order to create preventative measures.

The use of asbestos

The Greek people named this mineral asbestos uniting two words in Greek: a, for non and sbestos, for extinguishable. So, asbestos means inextinguishable, which can be easily understood after reading about the effects of this mineral on the lungs of workers.

Asbestos was largely used due to its various properties. This mineral is resistant to fire, to some chemical effects and it also is waterproof. Due to this characteristic of being resistant to fire, it was used by unreliable merchants that used to sell crosses - that were supposed to be pieces of the cross where Jesus Christ was hung - made of asbestos. Since asbestos may have an appearance of old wood it could be easily sold and the fire resistance was the perfect excuse to sell it.

During the 1800s, the use of asbestos increased due to the Industrial Revolution. It started to be used worldwide, without any regard to working conditions. More than 3000 branches of industrial production used asbestos in the manufacturing of its products, which just contributed to the development of a disease commonly diagnosed in people that were exposed to asbestos.

The health conditions regarding asbestos exposure

For centuries, asbestos was used. And for decades, its effects were simply ignored. Doctors related some deaths to the exposure to asbestos, but it took years until the first measures were taken.

During the Industrial Revolution and the following years, working conditions were highly despised. By that time, it didn't matter what conditions people worked under, but how fast and efficiently they could do their job. This situation only contributed to the increase in the number of people who had respiratory problems.

The problem and the risk to the health regarding asbestos lies in a simple action: inhaling the particles spread by this mineral. If the particles are not inhaled, it does not represent a risk. But the truth is that, working with asbestos, it is almost impossible not to inhale particles.

These particles inhaled get stuck in the lungs' tissues, causing a type of cancer that is known as mesothelioma or asbestosis. Mesothelioma is the cancer of the pleural and peritoneal linings. When it is diagnosed, it is in general too late to do something: it's often fatal. Besides, mesothelioma has a long period that it remains in a latent state: it can remain unnoticed for 15 up to 60 years.

Asbestosis is a condition that compromises the elasticity of the lung tissue, which makes it difficult for the organs to exchange gases, resulting in a low level of oxygenation of the blood. It restricts breathing and can be unnoticed for up to 30 years.

Even with the preventative measures assured by laws, the number of deaths related to the exposure to asbestos has increased. In 1968, there were 153 deaths caused by mesothelioma but in 2003, statistics shows 1874 deaths. And it is not a world number: it was registered in Great Britain.

MMichael Russell Your Independent guide to Asbestos

Asbestos - What It Is And How It's Used

In this, and a series of articles that will follow, we will cover asbestos, what it is, how it's made, what it's used for, the health risks of asbestos exposure and how to protect yourself against asbestos.

Asbestos isn't actually one thing. It is a name given to a group of minerals. These minerals occur naturally in bundles of fibers that can be separated into thin threads. These fibers are completely resistant to heat and any kind of chemical and do not conduct electricity. Because of these attributes asbestos is has been used in many industries.

There are basically four types of asbestos that are used.

1. Chrysotile, or white asbestos 2. Crocidolite, or blue asbestos 3. Amosite, which usually has brown fibers 4. Anthophyllite, which usually has gray fibers

The problem with asbestos fibers is that they tend to break very easily and the dust made up of these fibers floats into the air and gets on our clothes and in our lungs. When this happens serious health problems can occur.

Asbestos was first mined and commercially used in the United States in the late 1800s. During the second world war its use increased dramatically. Since then it has been used in many industries. To give some examples, the building and construction industry uses it to strengthen cement and plastics. They also use it for insulation, fireproofing and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry uses asbestos to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes. The automobile industry uses it in its brake shoes and clutch pads. There are over 5000 products that contain asbestos including sewage piping, roofing and siding, electric switchboards, table pads, heat protective mats, heat resistant blankets and curtains, paints, adhesives, caulking, and the list goes on and on.

But when the dangers of asbestos became known in the 1970s the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the air from its use. Also during that time, asbestos was removed from electric hair dryers. In 1989 the EPA finally banned all new uses of asbestos. Uses prior to 1989, however, are still allowed. Since that time, the EPA has established regulations that require school systems to inspect for asbestos that has been damaged in order to eliminate, or at least reduce, the exposure to students and faculty, by removing the damaged areas.

In the year 2000 the EPA concluded that the current risk to children from asbestos in schools was very low, however, it was agreed that their products would have to be reformulated within a year. By August of that same year products were being made that greatly reduced the amount of dust that was released during use. The amount of metric tons of asbestos generated in a year dropped from 719,000 metric tons in 1973 to only 9000 metric tons by the year 2000.

In the next instalment we'll go over the health risks from exposure to asbestos.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Asbestos

Asbestos - The Health Risks

In this second article of a series we're going to cover the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos.

Exposure to asbestos can cause a number of health problems including, lung cancer, Mesothelioma, asbestosis and other cancers.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung ailment that can produce shortness of breath coughing and even permanent lung damage.

Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen. While very rare it is also very serious.

The people at risk for these ailments are anyone who has been exposed to asbestos at any time during their life. However, most people exposed to asbestos do not become ill. Only those exposed to it constantly over a long period of time usually develop symptoms. Most of these people are usually those who have a job that requires them to work with or be around asbestos throughout the day.

Since the early 1940's millions of people have been exposed to asbestos. The first workers to show signs of asbestos related health problems were those who worked in shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles, insulation work, demolition workers, drywall workers and fire fighters. Today, improved work practices and regulations make exposure to asbestos in these industries less likely.

Even though it is generally believed that the most seriously ill people from asbestos are those who have suffered from long term exposure, there are cases of those who have only had brief exposure who have become ill as well. The problem is, asbestos exposure related illnesses can take from 10 to 40 years to show up. So a child exposed in school at age 13 may not develop any symptoms until he or she is past age 50.

There is also some evidence that suggests that family members of those who work in asbestos related fields can come down with asbestos related illnesses because of the asbestos fibers that are brought into the house by the worker's shoes and clothes. This type of exposure is called paraoccupational exposure. In order to decrease this risk, workers who are exposed to asbestos should wash their clothes and change before coming home. It is also suggested that they shower first if possible.

So just how great is the risk? Not all workers who are exposed to asbestos develop health problems. A lot has to do with the type of exposure. Asbestos that is encased and unlikely to break apart into the atmosphere presents less of a threat than asbestos that is not encased. Also, the general health of the worker comes into play as well. A worker who already has health related issues or who smokes is more likely to suffer from asbestos related illness. Also, the type of asbestos the worker is exposed to will have a great effect on the worker's health. Some forms of asbestos are more dangerous than others, depending on the concentration and the length of exposure.

In our final article of this series we'll go over how to determine if you might have an asbestos related health problem and if so, what to do about it.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Asbestos

Asbestos in Schools and the Workplace

So what is asbestos really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about asbestos--info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

Asbestos is a special kind of material that was used in building construction and other industries up to the 1980s. At that time, this material was found to be the cause of many health problems suffered by people working in asbestos mines and in the production of asbestos-containing products.

In spite of this, the Western Australian Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances carried out research and reached to the conclusion that the hazardous effects of asbestos are due to human negligence. Evidence shows that if the asbestos is left untouched, it does not pose any risk to health. It is not necessary to remove asbestos materials to prevent health problems.

There are many schools and workplaces that have been built at the time when asbestos was very popular. Contrary to what has been said, there are some occasions when asbestos material needs to be disturbed. For example, if the material is not in good condition due to weather conditions, or if there are modifications in the buildings, asbestos should be removed.

Now that we've covered those aspects of asbestos, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

There are some procedures to follow when removal of asbestos material is pursued.

The asbestos removal must be directed by Contract Management Services and performed in agreement with the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations. Before asbestos removal works starts, meetings must be held between the project manager, school directives and stakeholders.

Removal tasks must not be performed while students and employees are at the school. Prior to the return of employees and students to school supervision of the work must be carried out.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Articles for Website ContentJames Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, A site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information

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Asbestos Terminology

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about asbestos in the following paragraphs. If there's at least one fact you didn't know before, imagine the difference it might make.

Many things have been said about asbestos, but also many times we do not know nor understand the definitions of some terminology related to it. For that reason we have gather some of the most common words used when we speak about asbestos.

Is everything making sense so far? If not, I'm sure that with just a little more reading, all the facts will fall into place.

Here you are:

Abatement: This is method that has been accepted with the intention of handle materials that contain asbestos (i.e., enclosure, removal, and encapsulation).

Asbestos Building Survey: By this survey, it is possible to recognize, estimate and measure the ACM in a certain location (i.e. building, factory).

Asbestos Encapsulation: This means the act of cover a material that contains asbestos. This can be done whether by penetrating an encapsulating agent or by covering the contaminated object with a material impregnated with an agent which was previously latex encapsulated.

Asbestos Enclosure: When we talk about asbestos enclosure we are making reference to the act of physically enclosure those materials contaminated with asbestos right on the place where this material was found. The enclosure is made by placing a hard permanent barrier. One thing to be considered to be enclosed in case that the walls are not pulled down, are the insulates straight up heating risers that are located at the back of outside perimeter walls.

Asbestos Containing Material: (by NYCDEP) A material is considered asbestos containing when it contains 1% o greater asbestos according to laboratory tests.

Asbestos Removal Project : This means the objective elimination of materials contaminated with asbestos. Just a certified service provider who employs skilled and authorized personnel who follows the applicable regulations, can do this. If you've picked some pointers about asbestos that you can put into action, then by all means, do so. You won't really be able to gain any benefits from your new knowledge if you don't use it.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos
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James Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, A site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information

Mesothelioma and Asbestos
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Asbestos in the Home

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

Surely you already know what the asbestos is, but just in case let us remind you some important points. The asbestos are a type of mineral fibers that used to be utilized in some products in order to make them more resistant to cold and hot temperatures. Nowadays it is known that this material releases particles produce lung cancer when they are inhaled and it is forbidden.

Once you know this, another thing you have to know is that the asbestos is not just in factories but also in your home. The fibers of asbestos are in some roofs and tiles built up with asbestos cement. They also can be found in paintings and substances to cover holes in walls or ceilings. Some old hot water pipes might be covered with asbestos too. Ask a professional to take a look to your house in order to know if you and your family are in risk.

You can see that there's practical value in learning more about asbestos. Can you think of ways to apply what's been covered so far?

But asbestos can also be in smaller things that are closer to you. For example, chemical cleaning products like detergents, lubricators, disinfectants, etc. These products are part of your life and you can find hundreds of them in every home.

One of the most important things we can do is just follow the use instructions. If we do it, most of these products are inoffensive to us and to the environment. Besides, buy just the necessary, not else; keep the product in its original package and never through liquids into de trash can. Using, keeping and eliminating them well, will keep you safe.

Don't limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about asbestos. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what's important.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Articles for Website Content

James Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, A site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information

Mesothelioma and Asbestos
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Information on Asbestos

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of asbestos, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of asbestos.

Asbestos is a term used to refer to a natural mineral that was largely used in the past as a building material due to its heat-resistance properties. There are different kinds of asbestos and the most common is the serpentine group which consists of chrysotile, also known as white asbestos. The other type of asbestos is the amphiboles group which comprises crocidolite, also called blue asbestos and amosite, known as brown asbestos.

Many years passed before asbestos was discovered to be the cause of some serious and deadly diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. The risk posed by asbestos materials cannot be denied but it is important to highlight that asbestos become hazardous when the fibres develop into airborne and, thus, are likely to be inhaled or ingested. Consequently, asbestos materials are not a menace if they are in good condition.

If you find yourself confused by what you've read to this point, don't despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Apart from the industrial uses of asbestos, this material has been widely used in house building and other appliances which now can pose a hazard to people living there or handling those devices. The reason for asbestos extensive use was the material ability to tolerate high temperatures. This material offered protection against cold, fire, noise, dust, corrosion, etc.

Health consequences associated with asbestos material were not discovered but after the damage was done. Asbestos-related diseases have a latency period of more than 40 years, in most cases, and this is the reason why the risks were known after asbestos material had been widely used.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Articles for Website Content

James Mahony is the founder of Mesothelioma and Asbestos Information, A site dedicated to mesothelioma and asbestos information