Lung, Mesothelioma & Asbestos Information

Asbestos - Mesothelioma


Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in the ground and mined all over the world. It is so small it can only be identified under a microscope. In the past, asbestos was added to various products such as insulation to increase fire resistant properties. Asbestos exposure, especially of an extended duration, has been linked to mesothelioma and other health problems, including lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects cells in the lining of the chest and abdomen. The tissues in these areas are called the mesothelium, and they produce a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move easily and without irritation or injury in the torso cavity.

Asbestos fibers attach themselves to the lining of the lungs or other parts of the respiratory tract and remain there indefinitely. Asbestos is most dangerous when it is airborne. The fibers are small and light and can stay afloat for a long time and can travel great distances from their source. Since asbestos fibers are microscopic and airborne, people can breathe in asbestos fibers for many years without realizing it. Workers in environments in which construction materials, especially insulation, are handled are at greatest risk. Starting in the 1940s, workers, unaware of the danger, regularly handled and were exposed to large amounts of asbestos, often for long durations. Trades that involved especially high levels of exposure included asbestos production related fields like mining, milling, asbestos tile manufacture, and the manufacture of products that used asbestos. Other industries with high levels of possible exposure included shipbuilding, construction, car repair, and any form of demolition. Today, worker's exposure to asbestos has been reduced due to government regulations. Still, however, demolition workers are at risk when they disturb antiquated materials that contain asbestos in older structures. It can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms of an asbestos related disease to surface.

Critics have charged that asbestos manufacturers knew of the dangers of asbestos exposure many years before alerting the public of potential health risks. Despite the dangers associated with asbestos, the substance can still be found in thousands of products today. Because of its airborne mobility, its microscopic size and harmful properties, professional assistance is required to remove asbestos. There are professional abatement services that will remove asbestos from homes or other buildings. Asbestos is most harmful when the structure containing it is disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

Some observers contend that asbestos product liability lawsuits have resulted in over $100 billion in claims and bankrupted over 100 companies.

Wayne Walker is president of CapTran, the leader in litigation financial services. http://www.captran.com

© 2005 Capital Transaction Group Inc


MORE RESOURCES:
Mesothelioma - Google News

MedHeadlines

MicrRNA-based mesothelioma test available from Rosetta Genomics
Mesothelioma News, TX - 5 hours ago
Rosetta Genomics has announced that its microRNA-based test to diagnose mesothelioma is now commercially available to physicians. ...
Mesothelioma Treatments Making Significant Progress MedHeadlines
Report Released About Genetic Factors Involved With Mesothelioma Blogger News Network
Updated Information on University of Minnesota’s Mesothelioma Study Asbestos.com
all 4 news articles


Fresh News

Mesothelioma.com: Compound Produced In Lung Cancer Cells
TransWorldNews (press release), GA - Jan 5, 2009
Worldwide, lung cancer - including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the pleural lining of the lungs- is the leading cause ...
Cell Biologists Identify New Tumor Suppressor For Lung Cancer Science Daily (press release)
Lung Cancer Cells Activate Inflammation to Induce Metastasis Imperial Valley News
UC finds protein that fights lung cancer Cincinnati.com
all 27 news articles


Mesothelioma Victim Puts Hopes in Experimental Treatment
Blogger News Network - 10 minutes ago
A UK woman who contracted the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma has put her faith in Germany to try and help her to fight the disease. ...


Lawyers and Settlements

Asbestos Mesothelioma and New York City Firemen
Lawyers and Settlements - 8 hours ago
Carlos and his brothers should be concerned about the risk of asbestos mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. The latency period can be up to 30 years, ...


Inventor of Mesothelioma Treatment Alimta Donates $1 Million for ...
Asbestos.com, Florida - Jan 5, 2009
Alimta is being used in 92 countries and is the only medication approved for the treatment of mesothelioma. In recent years, Alimta has increased the ...


ChildRC.com Launches The Child Resource Center
PR Newswire (press release), NY - 1 hour ago
The Law Offices of James Sokolove (LOJS) modeled The Child Resource Center on its award-winning, mesothelioma community site (www.MesoRC.com). ...


Mesothelioma Treatment Gets Boost with New Diagnostic Test
Asbestos.com, Florida - Dec 31, 2008
This breakthrough marks the first molecularly-based test that can accurately diagnose mesothelioma from other types of cancers found in the lung. ...
Rosetta Genomics Announces Commercial Availability of Its Third ... Reuters
Rosetta Genomics introduces new cancer test Trading Markets (press release)
Rosetta Genomics reveals introduction of Its Third MicroRNA-Based ... RTT News
RNAi News - Globes
all 25 news articles


Four brothers sue Chevron over father's mesothelioma death
Southeast Texas Record, TX - Jan 2, 2009
... on behalf of their recently deceased father against Chevron and Gulf Oil, claiming the mesothelioma with which he was diagnosed was wrongfully caused. ...


New Mesothelioma Diagnostic Test
InjuryBoard.com, FL - Jan 2, 2009
The test is the first that can diagnose mesothelioma from other types of cancers found in the lung. Harvey Pass, MD, Division Chief for Thoracic Surgery and ...


LegalView Reports Development of a Breakthrough Study Explaining ...
PR.com (press release), NY - Jan 1, 2009
The scientists hope that with the study, they will eventually be able to produce more adequate mesothelioma treatments. Denver, CO, January 01, ...
LegalView Features New Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment ... PR.com (press release)
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Mesothelioma - Google News

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