AboutMesothelioma.Net

Federal Stimulus Money to be used for Asbestos Abatement in Housing Projects

Thursday, April 30, 2009

The Tacoma Housing Authority, a Washington state housing authority, will be putting funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to a good use. They have announced that they will use $4 million of the funds for renovation and asbestos abatement of seven housing projects that cater to low-income senior citizens and disabled citizens. The funds will also go toward the redevelopment of another 140 units.

The repairs will cost approximately $2.5 million and will include new water pipes, awnings, roof repair and replacement, parking lot repair and asbestos abatement.

These funds are going to a great cause, because not only is it providing quality housing for people on a fixed income, it is also helping to prevent asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, and it is helping to stimulate the local economy by providing an estimated 150 new jobs.

Labels: Asbestos, Cancer, Mesothelioma, News

posted by L.Vaughn at 8:19 AM
Link to this article

Mesothelioma News: Safer Asbestos Removal

Thursday, April 23, 2009

ARI Technologies, Inc. has revealed a new process known as thermochemical conversion which could help to ensure a greater amount of safety during asbestos removal. According to ARI, the use of their thermochemical conversion technology (TCCT) completely destroys asbestos and PCBs and turns them into an often recyclable rock-like product.

According to Dale Timmons, the President of ARI Technologies, the process of TCCT involves using heat and chemicals on a rotary hearth to convert the asbestos into volcanic materials. The new substance that is formed can often be used as new construction materials.

Currently, discussions are being held concerning the use of TCCT in Ambler Borough, Whitpain and Upper Dublin townships in Pennsylvania to help rid the communities of their estimated 3 million tons of asbestos. The handling of the asbestos would be inside an air-locked structure which would be built over the contaminated area. The company is required to do extensive monitoring of the worksite, including air quality tests. The cost of the treatment has been estimated at $135 per ton and would likely be funded by the federal government.

The TCCT process has been approved by the EPA for the destruction of asbestos, but it has not yet been giving the green light for use in the removal of asbestos within the towns.

Labels: Asbestos, Cancer, Mesothelioma, News

posted by L.Vaughn at 9:35 AM
Link to this article

Queen's City Education Department Held Accountable for Asbestos Exposure in School

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Asbestos Lawyers representing students and teachers at New York's Public School 256 have filed a lawsuit against the city of Queens alleging the city has taken too long to rid the school of asbestos.

The $500 million suit charges the City Education Department with ignoring for 10 years the many complaints they received expressing concern over the lead-based paint, asbestos, and mold throughout the school. The city began cleanup last August, when the building was closed for a short-time so crews could remove some of the hazardous conditions.

The school, which serves special needs students from kindergarten through 5th grades, reopened in the fall. Administrators have indicated that more funding will be allocated for cleanup and repairs.

Those named in the suit believe that exposure to the toxic environment has caused health damages that cannot be undone.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma and other illnesses. Feel free to explore our website for more detailed information on Mesothelioma, including diagnosis, treatment, and your legal options.

NY Students File Suit

Labels: Asbestos, Cancer, Mesothelioma, News

posted by Your Attorney at 3:06 PM
Link to this article

School Teacher Speaks of Asbestos Exposure in UK Schools

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Mesothelioma has often been associated with blue collar working men. A recent story from the UK has proving that it's not just Navy shipyard workers and construction laborers who have to fear this deadly disease at their job. Carole Hagedorn, a 58- year-old high school languages teacher was diagnosed with mesothelioma after teaching in asbestos riddled schools for 30 years. In what could possibly the last years of her life, Hagedorn is making her voice heard and bringing awareness to the atrocity of asbestos exposure in schools.

Many of the schools in the UK were built to last twenty years, but many are still operating without full repairs 30 to 40 years later. As buildings deteriorate, exposure to asbestos that was used for wall or pipe insulation greatly increases. In the last 25 years, at least 178 teachers in the UK have died from mesothelioma. Countless other teachers and students have possibly been exposed. Since mesothelioma can take 20 to 30 years to form, it will be unknown for quite some time if any children have been affected.

We can only hope that this new awareness to the dangers of asbestos in schools can bring about new policies for change and that both teachers and students alike can attend a classroom free of the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma.

Labels: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News

posted by Your Attorney at 8:00 PM
Link to this article

Texas Senate Passes Asbestos Causation Bill

Friday, April 17, 2009

A Senate bill that was approved with a vote of 20 to 11 will change the establish standards regarding the amount of a plaintiff's asbestos exposure and requirement to prove that the dose was sufficient enough to cause mesothelioma. Senate bill 1123 will require that the burden of proof lay with the defendant to prove that limited exposure to asbestos attributable to the defendant did not cause mesothelioma.

In support of this bill are labor unions and trial lawyers who are fighting to increase the rights of workers who have been exposed to asbestos and for those who have developed mesothelioma. Before the bill was passed, it was necessary for the plaintiff to prove both exposure and to prove that the amount of exposure was sufficient to be a factor in causing mesothelioma.

Labels: Cancer, Mesothelioma, News

posted by L.Vaughn at 10:51 AM
Link to this article

Safe Asbestos Removal

Thursday, April 16, 2009

In the UK, a West Midlands company director Robert Lee Lavender was ordered to pay approximately $28,000 in fines for removing asbestos without the proper qualifications. Lavender allowed his employees to be exposed directly to asbestos fibers which could put them at risk for mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Since it was a popular building material from the 1940s to the late 1970s, many buildings across the United States that were erected during that time still contain asbestos. Because of the dangers that asbestos presents, many states have enacted asbestos notice and removal laws that affect building owners when they plan to renovate or demolish a building. Asbestos removal can be very hazardous and should never be performed by untrained individuals. If your employer is asking you or other workers to participate in unlicensed asbestos removal, refuse, and contact OSHA immediately. This call can be made anonymously if you fear repercussions.

Companies across the United States are trained and licensed in asbestos removal and disposal. For a full list of authorized asbestos removal companies, please visit this state-by-state directory.

Labels: Cancer, Mesothelioma, News

posted by Your Attorney at 1:47 AM
Link to this article

New Legislation Supports Early Detection

Saturday, April 11, 2009

On Mar 26, 2009, a new Senate bill was introduced that is intended to "modernize cancer research, increase access to preventative cancer services" and "provide cancer treatment and survivorship initiatives."

The 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act/Senate Bill 717 was sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy, and the full text of the proposed legislation can be found here: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s111-717.

The bill is already attracting strong support from high profile groups and individuals across the country, including Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Foundation.

The legislation outlines the following purposes:

(1) To reauthorize the National Cancer Institute and National Cancer Program in order to enhance and improve the cancer research conducted and supported by the National Cancer Institute and the National Cancer Program in order to benefit cancer patients.

(2) To recognize that with an increased understanding of cancer as more than 200 different diseases with genetic and molecular variations, there is a need for increased coordination and greater flexibility in how cancer research is conducted and coordinated in order to maximize the return the United States receives on its investment in such research.

(3) To prepare for the looming impact of an aging population of the United States and the anticipated financial burden associated with medical treatment and lost productivity, along with the toll of human suffering that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

(4) To support the National Cancer Institute in establishing relationships and scientific consortia with an emphasis on public-private partnership development, which will further the development of advanced technologies that will improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

To read the legislation, contact your congressman, and stay updated on the status of the bill, visit: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-717.

You may also download a PDF of the bill in its current format here: http://www.mesotheliomahelp.net/mesothelioma-cancer-research-legislation.pdf

Labels: Cancer, Mesothelioma, Patients

posted by Your Attorney at 10:02 AM
Link to this article

Senate Bill Provides Focus on Cancer Research, Prevention and Early Detection

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) introduced the 21st Century Cancer Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment (ALERT) Act at the end of March.

The bill emphasizes the urgency and need of resources towards the prevention and early detection of cancers.

The bill has received strong support from cancer foundations, physicians, and cancer survivor and 7-time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong of the LiveStrong Foundation.

This bill is the first major cancer legislation introduced since the National Cancer Act of 1971. Senator Kennedy was also the author of that bill.

ALERT establishes a National Cancer Program that will focus on an "expanded, intensified, and coordinated cancer research program." The bill also allows for an increased focus on the prevention of cancer caused by occupational or environmental exposure to carcinogens.

Additional sections in the bill call for development of biomarkers for early cancer detection, support from insurance companies for patients in clinical trials, and for expansion of cancer survivorship activities.

ALERT bill's full text.

Visit our website to find out more about mesothelioma research, diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, doctors and hospitals treating the disease, and your legal options.

Labels: Mesothelioma, News, Treatments

posted by Your Attorney at 5:13 PM
Link to this article

Clean-Up of Asbestos Gives National Guard Renovated Center

Monday, April 6, 2009

After two years in the planning, the Missouri Army National Guard armory in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, will be refurbished to include a new dining area, offices, and parking lot, as well as total removal of asbestos.

The renovations will be completed in May, 2009, and will leave the building 99 percent free of asbestos.

Home to the 1140th Engineer Battalion's Headquarters Company and Forward Support Company, as well as several other units, the 1953 structure will accommodate the full-time employees in 30 newly renovated offices.

The dozens of people that enter the armory each day for assistance for receiving military benefits, will also appreciate the upgraded lighting, heating, and air-conditioning.

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Please explore ourwebsite for more detailed information on Mesothelioma, including diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, doctors and hospitals treating the disease, and your legal options.

Cleanup of Army National Guard Armory

Labels: Mesothelioma, News

posted by Your Attorney at 3:14 PM
Link to this article

Long-term Mesothelioma Survivor Named Volunteer of the Year

Friday, April 3, 2009

Diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1998, Craig Kozicki and his wife have received the Volunteer of the Year award from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation for their continued efforts to raise investment for research and their promotion at the legislative level.

"Craig and Shelly have been a beacon of hope, and of direct action," says the Meso Foundation Executive Director, Chris Hahn. "They have inspired countless patients and caregivers. They have inspired me personally and all of the Meso Foundation staff and volunteers as we work every day to find a cure for this cruel disease."

Featured recently by FOX Business, click here to read more about Craig's successful fight, treatment regimen, and support of other mesothelioma patients.

Labels: Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients

posted by Your Attorney at 9:31 AM
Link to this article

Obama Declares April to be National Cancer Control Month

Thursday, April 2, 2009

President Barack Obama has declared the month of April as National Cancer Control Month. In doing so he urged the people of the United States as well as medical institutions, businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to join in activities to help control cancer. Obama also stated, " ... my Administration will continue to press for increased support for research at the National Institutes of Health, the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and academic and other institutions."

Mesothelioma for the most part is a preventable disease if the containment and removal of asbestos is handled properly and safely. By having an administration in place that has agreed to help raise awareness and education on cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, there stands a good chance that a higher awareness of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure will be seen.

Obama's full press release on National Cancer Control Month can be read here.

The month of April also features:
World Health Day (April 7)
National Minority Cancer Awareness Week (April 19-25)
National Volunteer Week (April 19-25)

Labels: Cancer, Mesothelioma, News

posted by L.Vaughn at 12:13 PM
Link to this article