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At the 2008 President’s Cancer Panel in September, medical experts demanded that the industrial manslaughter of millions of American workers be addressed including the use of asbestos that causes an incurable form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Most comments derived from a professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
Jeanne Mager Stellman, PhD, told the panel that “decades had been wasted on examining the problem of carcinogens” at work and caused health issues among US employees. Dr. Stellman also explained to the panel that the government was responsible for the “lack of the will to prevent occupational disease, death and disability” among workers across the United States.
The President’s Cancer Panel is made up of individuals who with to “improve the investment in preventing cancers” that harm US citizens; the panel is an extension of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
However, Dr. Stellman, who gave a deposition of industrial carcinogens claimed that the toxic effects felt by many workers had manifested through the years and eventually caused the development of cancer among thousands, and basically stated that the panel was not doing enough to protect workers from carcinogens such as asbestos in the workplace.
Where Is Asbestos Used?
Considered a carcinogen, asbestos has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Asbestos was processed from vermiculite mines that were constructed across the country and employed thousands of Americans until they were deemed unsafe and closed in the 1970s and 1980s. The use of asbestos, however, had already been implemented throughout the construction industry in a vast number of products including the following, according to NCI:
* cement
* hot water pipes
* plastics
* insulation
* roofing
* fireproofing
* sound absorption
* boilers
* steam pipes
* vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads
* ceiling and floor tiles
* paints
* coatings
* adhesives
Mesothelioma As ‘Industrial Manslaughter’
Dr. Stellman described to the panel that the carcinogens that industrial workers were exposed to was “ongoing industrial manslaughter” and that through research and records obtained from insulators belonging to a trade union there were and are extreme “cancer risks associated with asbestos and to the widespread control of asbestos that now exists.” safe
The EPA is currently responsible for the safe cleanup and disposal of asbestos in American homes, offices, apartment buildings, universities, schools, hospitals, est. However, according to a Seattle Post Intelligencer article from 2007, the EPA has had a “flawed system of examination and cleanup” of several hundred factories that had at one point processed asbestos or contained asbestos-contaminated vermiculite.
Developing Mesothelioma Cancer
According to the NCI, individuals who are at risk for developing asbestos-induced illnesses include those “exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes.” Individuals who feel they may have been exposed to asbestos should contact a medical professional immediately. Additionally, the NCI explains that several signs and symptoms that indivduals can watch for to determine if they may be developing mesothelioma include:
* fatigue
* anemia
* weight loss, loss of appetite
* swelling of the neck or face
* difficulty swallowing
* pain or tightening in the chest
* coughing up blood
* persistent, worsening cough
* shortness of breath
* continued wheezing and hoarseness
Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos fibers or asbestos dust are advised to contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney who can provide a free legal consultation as to the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit. Litigation that is developed surrounding the exposure to asbestos may be able to provide a return on monetary compensation to assist in paying expensive medical bills commonly associated with mesothelioma treatments.

Man has used asbestos for centuries. However, it is over the last 100 or so years that its use has been widespread – an estimated 500,000 buildings in the UK still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within their fabric.The dangers of asbestos have long been known. First commercially mined in Canada, in 1879, it had been added to a list of dangerous dusts by the UK and French governments by the early 1900s and in 1918 one insurance company, recognising the connection between asbestos and lung disease, refused to provide life cover to asbestos workers. It wasn’t, however, until 1993 when most insurance companies removed asbestos cover from their public liability policies.The health risks associated with exposure to asbestos include asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. These diseases have relatively long latency periods of between 15 – 40 years and the problems created in the recent past will continue to have a significant impact for the foreseeable future. There are some estimates that the mortality rate for asbestos-related diseases will continue to rise from the current 4,000 per year to 10,000 deaths per year by 2016. These deaths are not limited to asbestos workers but include persons accidentally and unknowingly exposed to the harmful fibres released when asbestos containing materials are disturbed. The HSE recently announced that 20 tradesmen, including 4 electricians and 6 plumbers, die every week as a direct result of exposure to asbestos – often because they do not understand the risks of exposure.These frightening statistics are what has driven the HSE’s commitment to redraw the regulations surrounding these harmful products.Since 2004, duty holders (owners, occupiers, managers and those with responsibility for non-domestic premises) have had a responsibility to locate, identify, assess and manage all asbestos-containing materials on their non-domestic premises. It should be remembered that this is a duty to manage, not simply a duty to survey or provide a register, and over 500 local authority officers have now been trained in the requirements of the law and been instructed to raise the issue of asbestos management at every premises they visit. Should an officer be unsatisfied with the answers they receive, they will be taking action, which could result in improvement and prohibition notices or even prosecution. Recent cases where employers had failed to manage asbestos on their premises have resulted in fines ranging from £20,000 to £50,000 even though surveys or registers were in place.Having had a survey carried out by a competent person, duty holders are expected to devise a written management plan outlining what action they intend to take to address high and medium risks, including a budget for the works. They must also state how they intend to monitor the condition of those ACMs they intend to leave in position and draw up emergency procedures to deal with any disturbance or release of harmful fibres.The most recent legislation placed a requirement upon employers to ensure that any employees likely to encounter asbestos as part of their work receive suitable asbestos awareness training in an effort to eliminate accidental and unknowing exposure. There has been some concern over the last few years regarding who carries out this training and what it should include, and employers must satisfy themselves of the competency of the training providers. One way to do this is to check that they are affiliated to UKATA, ARCA or NDTG, where they will have been audited.A health and safety consultancy service can help you establish the presence, location, quantity, nature and condition of any asbestos on your premises by undertaking an asbestos site survey and reporting on the findings. This report will indicate whether further intrusive investigation is required. After analyzing the asbestos survey report health and safety consultants can then put together a management system to allow you to properly discharge your obligations.

Asbestos is everywhere. Even in this day and age, asbestos can cause serious medical problems or even death to those who work around asbestos or inhale it for long periods of time.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, you need to seek the legal advice of an experienced asbestos lawyer Los Angeles as soon as possible after your diagnosis.

Asbestos can lead to serious health issues. Perhaps the two most serious are lung fibrosis disease and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has been linked to long term exposure to asbestos.

The removal of asbestos is a dangerous job. Workers are properly suited and protected from the dangerous fibers. However, many come in contact with asbestos on a daily basis without even knowing it.

Asbestos was first mined because it was discovered to be very heat resistant. Therefore, it was used in many things such as building materials. It was even used in making some clothing because of its ability to retain heat.

Be sure that the Los Angeles attorney you choose is experienced in handling cases of asbestos. Make sure they specialize in cases of mesothelioma and lung fibrosis. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions before selecting the right California asbestos attorney. But don’t wait to long in making this decision as there just may be a restricted time limit in which you can file a claim. Each state may have different limitations.

Asbestos attorney’s will also be aware of any government regulations surrounding the limits to the exposure of asbestos.Which levels may be considered safe and which levels may be life threatening. These levels, per latest regulations are, the amount of fibers one is exposed to in a given period of time. For example, exposure should not exceed 1.0 fiber per cubic centimeter in a 30 minute period and should not exceed 0.1 fibers per cubic centimeter during an eight hour period.

Billions of dollars have been paid out to victims over the years in asbestos law suites and perhaps billions more are pending in our court systems today. But its getting a little harder to win these cases all the time. A qualified asbestos attorney will devote all the time necessary to investigate your case. Was an employer or their company negligent? Many questions need to be answered and a good Los Angeles asbestos attorney knows all the right questions.

There are usually always job openings in the industry for those who are interested in becoming a certified asbestos worker. Asbestos abatement workers remove asbestos containing material (ACM) from school buildings, commercial and/or industrial facilities.  Under the direction of a certified site supervisor working alongside with a licensed asbestos contractor, they will devise and implement a plan of action. An action plan includes detail of containment construction at the work site that must meet or exceed government rules and regulations; the type of facemasks to be used, what type of ACM is to be removed, and to point out any dangerous locations.  The safety of the workers is the site supervisor‘s primary concern. Work conditions involving the combined usage of electricity, water, and chemicals can be hazardous. There is a possible exposure to asbestos fibers lingering mid air should the worker accidentally become unmasked while performing a task.Education requirements–A high school diploma is required to become a certified asbestos abatement worker.There are specific types of training a potential asbestos worker must complete.The primary function of the program is to assure that the people working with asbestos are properly trained. Workers must comply with rules that are designed to protect not only the employee performing asbestos abatement work but also the general public that lives or works in the area where the work is taking place. A certified asbestos worker must complete and pass a fifty question, multiple-choice examination with a passing grade of 70% or higher. One cannot abate ACM without being certified.  This certificate contains the worker’s name and social security number so there will be no chance of mistaken identity. The certification must be on file, present at the job site, and re-certified annually to continue work in this field.Construction trades are being made aware of a new initiative being implemented by the Asbestos Program. This initiative addresses exposure to asbestos-containing materials. The goal is to increase awareness through asbestos safety training. Training–* The course for a certified asbestos worker is 32 hours, taught on four consecutive days. Fourteen of the 32 hours must be dedicated to extensive hands-on training, which includes respiratory fit-testing practices, containment construction complete with a shower and a clean room using six mil plastic and PVC pipes and joints.To qualify to become a certified asbestos worker, an individual must do the following:* Successfully complete an approved asbestos worker-training course. * Achieve a score of at least seventy percent on a fifty question multiple choice closed book examination approved by the department. If an individual does not pass the examination, then another exam may be given after a sufficient period of study. The re-test must not duplicate more than 50 percent of the previous questions used on prior tests.  * Submit to the department a timely application validated by an approved training course sponsor. The application must be received no later than sixty days after completion of the course.

 

* Must also pass a physical exam administered by a doctor.

 

Individuals must not perform any asbestos project work before being issued a certificate and get a clearance from a doctor.

 

* Certificates are issued and mailed to the qualified applicants and will be valid for one year from the date of issue.A certified asbestos worker has to attend an eight-hour refresher course before the annual renewal of a certificate.

Asbestos is one of the most commonly used substances in established Australian homes built before the late 80’s and should be removed if it’s found within your home.

Identification and removal of Asbestos is an important part of keeping your home in top condition to ensure your families health.

To gain a better understanding of the associated risks simply go to Google News and type in “Asbestos Removal”. With over 300 articles results of people directly or indirectly affected it highlights the serious issue with Asbestos.

Trained professionals should be the only people to handle Asbestos to ensure the situation is handled in a highly controlled manor. Asbestos that is present in your roof needs to be removed carefully not to expose the surrounding area to the tiny particles that can indeed cause such severe health problems and terminal illness when inhaled.

Places you could expect to find Asbestos in Australia –

Within the Queensland Goverments website you’ll find the following information:

‘Fibro’ was one of the most commonly used products used in building between 1940s until the late 80s in Australia. Fibro contained approximately 15% asbestos and was generally used in a variety of locations including; wall and ceiling sheeting within houses, businesses and government buildings because of its resistance to chemicals, heat and overall strength.

Asbestos was not only used in Fibro. It was also present in Roofing (known as Super Six Sheeting), ceiling and floor tiles, as insulation for pipes and buildings, as a fire retardant,in fabrics and materials, in cars (gaskets and break lining), and as a chemical and food filter in manufacturing.

Asbestos was once used in insulating homes roofs because of its ability to withstand heat. It was thought of as the perfect material to insulate your home among other products as it was soft and it was practically fireproof.

Why is Asbestos so dangerous?

Although the Link between Asbestos and lung cancer was discovered in 1955 by a Scientist named Richard doll, it took and additional 30 years before the public began to acknowledge the true affects.

Why is Asbestos so dangerous? Asbestos is a silicate mineral. There are many serious health issues (including lung cancer) associated with inhaling of the thin fibrous crystals.

Between the 1940’s and 1980’s Asbestos was used in the construction of most homes and businesses.

With the discovery of the connection to lung cancer, it was identified as important to remove the substance from a lot of homes carefully not to contaminate the air of the home. This is where Asbestos Removal Brisbane comes in.

Removing Asbestos is considered to be a highly dangerous Job. The only people that should handle Asbestos are full qualified and trained professional to ensure the safe removal of Asbestos from your home. It is important to remember Asbestos fibers are deadly and are the difference between and safe home and workplace.

It is necessary for all the Americans to have an understanding of Asbestos legislation. Asbestos legislation refers to the US government’s attitude towards the asbestos Victims. Asbestos was widely used in the industry for a considerable amount of time. However, asbestos is harmful contaminant and causes harmful diseases such as asbestosis and a fatal cancer known as mesothelioma. It is important for our government to understand the plight of Asbestos victims, and streamline asbestos legislation for providing due compensation to asbestos victims.

Bail out bill:

In spite of the serious nature of Asbestos health hazards, government is taking it very lightly. The last version of the bail out bill of the Asbestos Legislation has provisions that inadequately compensate asbestos victims. The amount proposed in the proposed legislation is not sufficient to take into account the plight of millions of workers, their dependents, reduced life expectancy, and massive medical bills. The companies that have been using Asbestos, in spite of being aware of its ill effects, should be asked to compensate for the lives and health of hapless asbestos workers.

Over the next 20 years, chances are that every year more than 10,000 Americans will die of Asbestos related disease. More than 2,500 Americans are being diagnosed for mesothelioma each year. In spite of these alarming figures, the federal government has not invested in early detection and cure of these diseases. This Asbestos legislation ignores the vital need of funds required for compensation to asbestos victims and research for asbestos related disease. To add to the woes of asbestos victims, mesothelioma patients as termed as ‘beyond help’.

This proposed Asbestos legislation puts the law obeying companies at a disadvantage. According to the proposed bill, the companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure are going Scott free. A public opinion drive is going on wherein all the persons are requested to write to the senators to put some more sense in the forthcoming asbestos bill. This is important because the people who have been wronged should get their due compensation. Moreover, asbestos legislation should contain provisions for stringent measures to curb the use of this harmful contaminant.

Emperors have cherished it. Egyptians had their burial clothes from it. Royals made their prized covers and napkins from it. It was indestructible material and valued as such. Throughout history asbestos has been used and in some empires valued more than gold itself. For all its glory it has one huge downfall. It was killing people and they did not even know it.

Asbestos is a common name describing a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals composed of hydrous-magnesium-silicate groups. Its unique chemical composition makes it an excellent insulator, flame retardant, high tensile strength and resistance to chemicals. Put it simply it was the material of choice with all around purpose.

There are several main groups of asbestos.
Chrysotile, also known as White Asbestos, is obtained from serpentine rocks. Its chemical composition is Mg3(Si2O5)(OH)4. This form of asbestos is less friable, making it the least dangerous of all.
Amosite, also known as Brown Asbestos and Grunerite, is an amphibole from South Africa and its chemical composition is Fe7Si8O22(OH). Its harsh, spiky fibers have good tensile strength and resistance to heat.
Riebeckite, also known as Blue Asbestos and Crocidolite, is an amphibole from Africa and Australia. Its chemical composition is Na2Fe2+3Fe3+2Si8O22(OH)2. The needle-like fibers are the strongest of all asbestos fibers and have a high resistance to acids. This is the most dangerous type of asbestos due to its fibrous structure and composition.

Why is asbestos so dangerous?

To answer this question lets look at the formation and decomposition of asbestos.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Upon crystallization the molecules bind by linear polymerization producing oriented crystalline structure. This three dimensional crystalline structure is very similar to other crystals and gemstones. What makes asbestos different is that two of the planes of this molecular arrangement are much weaker than the third one. Once sufficient force is applied the crystalline structure breaks along its plane with linear fragmentation, producing fibrous material. This breakdown will continue to the molecular level. The average size of respirable asbestos is 3-20 microns and can be as thin as 0.01 microns. To make things worse this small size being airborne is easily dispersed making it that more difficult to contain. With such as small size we can not see it or taste it yet we are breathing it and accumulating it in our lungs.

Once in our system our body can not get rid of it. Our defense systems will fight it and try to get rid of it causing several types of diseases. Two predominant types are Asbestosis and Mesothelioma. The dormancy period for Asbestosis can be as much as 20 years and for Mesothelioma as much as 50 years.

One of the first recorded reports of asbestos dangers was back in 1898.
Chief Inspector of Factories of the United Kingdom reported to Parliament in his Annual Report about the “evil effects of asbestos dust”. In 1918 US government report stating that it was the practice of American and Canadian life insurance companies not to sell coverage to asbestos workers due to the assumed injurious health consequences. In 1926 the Massachusetts Industrial Accidents Board approved the first successful compensation claim by asbestos worker. Since then there are numerous reports of the danger of asbestos yet the big companies continued to use asbestos to great extent. The heydays for asbestos were during the 1940s and 1950s. The profits were much more important than the human lives.

If you suspect that you have asbestos in your surrounding do not try to remove it yourself. Call the appropriate authorities and they will handle it. They are properly equipped to safely dispose it.

Due to the nature of asbestos and the terrible diseases it can cause, asbestos removal is a process that requires a specialized contractor and cannot be done by just anyone.

You’ve probably heard of the terrible things that asbestos can do to your body. You’ve seen it on the news, and in special reports. You know that asbestos causes cancer and lung disease which in many cases can even kill you. Yet many homes and buildings that were built prior the 1990s still have asbestos in them. It is therefore important to find an expert in asbestos removal when you find asbestos in your home or office. Because of the dangers of asbestos, not just anyone can work in the asbestos removal process.

Contractors who work with asbestos removal are required to go through strict licensing regulations. The licensing is a way that the government can ensure that asbestos removal contractors have the right training, experience and skills to ensure the safe removal of the product. In this way they can be assured that the removal work does not become a threat either to the worker o the environment

What are the requirements for an asbestos contractor?

• A person who decides to become an asbestos contractor needs to be at least 18 years of age.

• They have to demonstrate that they are the appropriate person for the license and that means demonstrating the appropriate training and technical knowledge in working with asbestos. This person is required to take an examination for licensing purposes

• They must have 3 years experience in the field.

• They must own the appropriate safety equipment to work with asbestos

• They must have workers compensation insurance and liability insurance which covers working with asbestos.

Once a contractor has applied for a license, it takes about four weeks for approval. They cannot work on an asbestos related projects unless they have a license which must be renewed every two years. The purpose of contractor licensing in this area is to ensure that a contractor has the right skills, and experience so as to avoid environmental contamination or a workers contamination.

When there is a job that requires asbestos removal, a permit is required. The reason for this notification and permit is so that any job involving asbestos can be monitored by government officials. During the term of a license, checks will be made at different intervals to make sure that the appropriate procedures and equipment are being used. Not only that, but a license can be cancelled if it is determined that the contractor is not working in compliance with the regulations.

As you can see, working with asbestos is quite complicated and requires a specialized contractor to remove any traces of this material from a home or building. It is important to remove asbestos, but it must be done by a licensed and qualified contractor, and under no circumstances should it ever be done by the owner himself or by an unqualified contractor.

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor. It affects the epithelium that lines the lungs, heart or abdomen. This condition affects those who are exposed to asbestos and products that contain the same.

Asbestos is used widely in the building industry, factories and sometimes even in homes since it is non-inflammable, resistant to chemicals and acts as a good insulation. It is a fibrous substance and is commonly used in the form of sheets. In the 1970s, following years of research, a ban was enforced since it was found that asbestos was the cause of cancer. Despite warnings of the dire consequences of using asbestos, the material is still popular because of its extensive applications. The high-risk areas are asbestos factories and the surrounding residential areas.

If you have queries about the material and the health hazards of using asbestos, if you are working in or living near an asbestos manufacturing unit, the best person to address your issues to is an asbestos specialist. He has the authority to publicize the threat the use of asbestos poses to human health. Besides warning people, the consultant will enlighten you on the precautionary measures to be taken to prevent conditions precipitated by the proximity of asbestos. Mesothelioma and other life threatening diseases like asbestosis are directly linked to being exposed to asbestos.

Besides spreading awareness about the ill effects of working in an environment where asbestos is used or manufactured, and advising them about preventive measures, the consultant makes people aware of government strictures on how and where asbestos and products containing the fiber should be used.

These specialists also work closely with the management in factories to implement the laws and strictly abide by them. A series of safety precautions are laid down which are to be followed to the letter. This helps in safeguarding the laborers from contracting diseases as a result of their vulnerability to asbestos.

The consultant is also responsible for inspecting commercial property and residential complexes to locate if and where asbestos or products containing asbestos have been used. When he finds that asbestos has been used, he examines the material to check what state it is in. After a thorough check if he finds that the product is in mint condition, he will leave it as it is, but he will lay down guidelines on how to manage the situation without disturbing the area in and around the asbestos. On the other hand, if he finds that the product is in bad shape and in need of repair, he will instruct you on how to go about the repairs or suggest that the offending sheets of asbestos be removed entirely.

If the latter is recommended, it involves a great deal of expenditure. Moreover, it poses the gravest danger since during the operation, the fibers released are breathed in by those in the vicinity or even ingested by some. This could trigger off diseases of the respiratory organs. Therefore, this operation is resorted to only if all other methods fail. Even if removal is advised, experts should be called in to carry out the procedure.

Asbestos is a kind of mineral fiber and is used for strengthening and insulation. Until the year 1973 it was used as a raw material for different products. Its use was later discontinued due to its hazardous qualities. Asbestos fiber is said to have very harmful qualities that can prove to be fatal. Any person who comes in contact with asbestos fiber at work may be at the risk of contracting diseases that are asbestos related.

The fibers of asbestos, when inhaled, cause mesothelioma cancer. In this condition the mesothelium lining present in the stomach, lungs and various other internal organs in the body get affected. Exposure to asbestos may also cause asbestosis and lung disorders that may be very serious. The problem with asbestos symptoms is that the disease cannot be detected in its early stages to be cured, as the symptoms are hardly noticeable.

The symptoms that are related to asbestos are subtle and not easily identifiable. It can take many years from the time of exposure to asbestos fibers for the symptoms to become noticeable. So the person suffering from the ill effects of being exposed to asbestos may not be aware of anything being wrong for a long time.

There are different kinds of asbestos symptoms that can be experienced by an individual. These symptoms may vary in degree depending on the kind of asbestos affliction one is suffering from. Asbestosis is non cancerous and is progressive in nature. Asbestosis may affect a person as soon as he is exposed to asbestos fibers. However the symptoms may not appear until fifteen to thirty years after the person has been first exposed to asbestos. This disease causes a build up of tissues that replace the tissues present in the lungs’ lower half, obstructing normal functioning. The common signs are chronic cough, dyspnoea or shortness of breath, chest pain and difficult in breathing.

Malignant mesothelioma is another very serious asbestos disease. The symptoms of this disease are not noticeable up to fifty years from the first instance the person was exposed to the asbestos fibers. The symptoms depend largely on the kind of mesothelioma it is. A person suffering from this disease may experience chest pain, dyspnoea, weight loss, anemia, swelling, bowel problems, night sweats, fever and persistent cough.

It is very difficult to detect asbestos symptoms, especially when the disease is in its early stages. The abnormalities that develop when the disease begins may not appear in the x-ray of the lungs. It is only at a much-advanced stage of mesothelioma or asbestosis that the abnormalities appear distinct and more prominent.

In advanced asbestosis, the chest x-ray will be able to show up the abnormalities and the evident opacity in the affected lung. These symptoms could appear as linear shadows that the x-ray will reveal.

The treatment options will vary depending on the kind of asbestos disease the patient is suffering from. Mesothelioma can be treated with the appropriate surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.