abcmesothelioma com asbestos cancer lawsuit lawyer

"Whom can you trust when your culture is the biggest enemy of your health? Can you trust your culture's leading authorities? Can you trust your culture's government? Can you trust your culture's private industry?" We asked those questions in 1995, at the end of our book, Dressed To Kill: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras. Before writing our book, we sent details of our research to the National Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, President's Cancer Panel, American Women's Medical Association, National Organization for Women, National Women's Health Network, and National Women's Health Resource Center. There was no response. Not one. Given the lack of interest, we decided to publish our findings in a book, getting the information directly to the women who needed to hear it. But are women getting the message? It has been 13 years since our book was first published. Over that time, more than 500,000 women in the US alone have died from breast cancer, with another 2,000,000 having been diagnosed with this terrible disease -- a disease that is in most cases preventable by simply loosening up or eliminating the bra. And yet, this lifesaving information has been actively suppressed and censored by the medical and lingerie industries. Examples of Suppress and Censorship A large public relations firm in New York City was willing and eager to help us release this information to the public. "My wife just had breast cancer, and I'm sure you are right," the head of the firm confessed. A big media announcement and celebration were planned. Days later, however, the firm withdrew its offer to help, stating that one of their clients, a large medical center, objected to their working with us. A Sydney, Australia public relations firm agreed to help publicize our work when we were doing outreach efforts in their country. But it, too, reversed itself. We had asked if they had any conflicts of interest, such as lingerie industry clients. They said they had none. But as it turned out, they did represent a pharmaceutical company that makes a breast cancer treatment drug, and the prevention of breast cancer and its treatment are in conflict, they explained. The Intimate Apparel Council (which is the US trade association for the multi-billion dollar bra industry) threatened our publisher, Avery Publishing Group, with a lawsuit if Dressed To Kill was released. The publisher said the publicity would help spread the word. The lawsuit never materialized. After the book was released, the NBC television news show, Dateline, was interested in doing a story on our work. We were extensively interviewed by a skeptical reporter who became a supporter. The story was then abruptly terminated. The producer confidentially explained that the policy of General Electric, which owns NBC, is to avoid airing news stories that can adversely impact on other GE interests. As it happens, GE is a manufacturer of mammography machines. Women's magazines, such as Glamour, Self, and others, ran critical stories condemning our work, and finding "experts" to encourage women to continue wearing bras. Elle magazine planned a positive story about the bra/cancer link, but was coerced into pulling the story by bra advertisers. In various newspapers around the world, such as the Guardian in the UK, stories were pulled prior to publication because of fear that they may "panic the public", including their lingerie advertisers. The British Fashion Council (which is the UK's equivalent of the Intimate Apparel Council) published the Breast Health Handbook in 1996 to oppose our efforts. They announced the formation of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Foundation, which was to receive donations from bra sales to fund genetic research into breast cancer. The book criticized our work, claiming, "The idea that wearing a bra encourages cancer by trapping toxins was recently put forward by researchers at the Institute for Culturogenic Studies (sic) in Hawaii. Researchers from more august establishments promptly dismissed it as claptrap." Without any medical evidence or research, the book informs women that wearing bras is a health necessity, and should be worn as early in life as possible to prevent breast damage. Our original publisher, Avery, was purchased by giant Penguin Putnam in 1998. The new publisher did not list the book for three years and refused to revert publication rights to the copywrite holders, Singer and Grismaijer. The book was virtually unavailable, and it was thought to have gone out of print. Finally, after repeated requests, the publishing rights were released to us in October, 2001. (ISCD Press has been keeping it in print since then.) A television documentary was produced in the year 2000 by Channel 4 in the UK, called, Bras- The Bare Facts. In the documentary, 100 women with fibrocystic breast disease went bra-free for 3 months to document the effect on breast cysts and pain. Two prominent British breast surgeons conducted the study. The results were astounding, and clearly demonstrated that the bra is a serious health hazard. We were interviewed for the program to discuss the bra/cancer connection, which was considered highly plausible and important by the doctors interviewed. Some theorized that, in addition to lymphatic impairment, the bra could also cause cancer by overheating the breasts. The documentary made newspaper headlines in British Commonwealth countries throughout the world, but no mention of it was made at all in the US. The following day, headlines in the U.K. tried to suppress fears of the bra/cancer link, and the doctors in the study quickly distanced themselves from the cancer issue, telling women to continue wearing bras. Their research for the documentary was supposed to be published in a medical journal, but never was. And no further research ever materialized to follow-up on their work, which they said they would do. Extensive news coverage of the program was available on the Internet soon after it aired, but most articles were removed shortly thereafter. No follow-up studies have been done to refute or confirm our research. None. While a Harvard study, published in the European Journal of Cancer in 1991, discovered that bra-free women have a lower rate of breast cancer, the results were not central to the research they were conducting and were considered unimportant and not followed-up. In fact, apart from our initial 1991-93 Bra and Breast Cancer Study, discussed in detail in Dressed To Kill, and our follow-up research in Fiji, discussed in our book, Get It Off!, there are still no other studies on the bra/cancer link. Not even a letter or discussion of the issue can be found in any medical journal. After decades of breast cancer research, the bra is still completely ignored as even being a potential factor for consideration. It's like studying foot disease and ignoring shoes. Keeping the Public Mystified This lack of research, and the consequent ignorance, are then used by cancer organizations to justify further suppression of the issue. As the American Cancer Society states on its website, (ignoring the Harvard study), "There are no scientifically valid studies that show a correlation between wearing bras of any type and the occurrence of breast cancer. Two anthropologists made this association in a book called Dressed To Kill. Their study was not conducted according to standard principles of epidemiological research and did not take into consideration other variables, including known risk factors for breast cancer. There is no other, credible research to validate this claim in any way." And they don't seem interested in funding any such studies in the near future, either. There are other organizations that are similarly critical of the bra/cancer link for lack of research evidence, while at the same time discouraging any research on the subject. Of particular interest is when breast cancer organizations antagonistic to the issue declare the bra/cancer link to be "misinformation" or a "myth", without any scientific study supporting their claims. They say bras are important for women to wear for support, without any evidence showing bras are safe or necessary. They then encourage regular mammograms, cancer prevention drug therapy (not realizing that "prevention therapy" is an oxymoron), and even preventative mastectomies (which means that those who are high risk for breast cancer but who don't want to get it can have their breast removed as a prevention strategy). Of course, it is better to remove the bra instead of the breasts, but bra removal is not a billable procedure. Keep in mind that bras have been associated with other health problems, such as headaches, numbness in the hands, backache and other postural problems, cysts, pain, skin depigmentation, and more. And lymphatic blockage, which is the result of bra constriction, has already been associated with various cancers. Clearly, the bra/cancer link needs further research, while women take the precaution of loosening up. Why the resistance? What harm could there be in following our simple advice, or in even researching this issue? Why the defensive reaction? There are three reasons: 1. The bra industry fears class action lawsuits. Many insiders have admitted to us that for years the industry suspected underwires were causing cancer. They know that tight bras cause cysts and pain. It is only a matter of time until a lawsuit is made against a bra manufacturer. As a defense, the industry is shifting the blame to the customer, claiming that most women are wearing their bras too tightly, and should get professional fittings. (How do you get a properly fitted push-up bra?) Breaking ranks with their industry peers, and trying to capitalize on the bad news, are several bra manufacturers that now offer newly patented bras claiming to mitigate the damage, including cancer, caused by conventional bras. 2. The medical industry is making billions each year on the detection and treatment of breast cancer. As mentioned above, there is a conflict between the prevention and the treatment of disease, especially if the prevention does not include drugs or surgery. The fact is that our treatment-focused, profit-oriented medical system is making a killing treating this disease, and has billions to lose if breast cancer goes out of fashion along with bras. In addition, the bra issue will revolutionize the breast cancer field, embarrassing many researchers. Breast cancer research to date that has ignored the bra issue is seriously flawed as a result, which is why the "experts" are still unable to explain the cause of over 70% of all breast cancer cases. Career cancer researchers who have ignored the bra issue will have to admit this fatal flaw in their work, which they are not inclined to admit in their lifetimes. 3. Finally, there is the dogmatic, fearful resistance from some women who find their personal identity so connected to their bras that they would rather risk cancer than be bra-free (which some women have actually told us.) Women are cultural entities, and so long as our culture scorns a natural bustline, many women will submit to the pain, red marks and indentations, cysts, and even the threat of cancer rather than face potential public ridicule (which never really happens.) There are also women who believe the myth that bras will prevent droopy breasts. The bra industry admits this is a myth, while it still promotes it to improve sales. In fact, bras cause breasts to droop, as the breasts become dependent on the bra for support and the natural supportive mechanisms atrophy from non use. Despite the resistance, however, some women have gotten the message. And many health care professionals, who have also suspected bras for years, are now spreading that message. As women hear the news and discover that eliminating the bra also eliminates cysts and pain, the news further spreads by word of mouth. There are now thousands of websites on this subject, many from health care professionals including medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, osteopathic doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, lymphatic specialists, nutritionists, and others who care about women and helping end this epidemic. Grassroots efforts to keep this information alive and spreading have supplanted the traditional medical research approach, which has disqualified itself for lack of interest and conflict of interest. When a disease is caused by the culture and its habits, attitudes, fashions and industries, there is bound to be resistance to change. Industries that contribute to disease will be defensive, and industries that profit from disease will be conflicted. However, the truth has a way of getting out, despite the resistance and suppression. Thank Goodness the truth does have a way of getting out.

Parts of the House Which Need Asbestos Removal

Many older buildings contain asbestos which up until the late 70s was usually applied with a sprayer and used as a flame retardant or as insulation. In some cases it was sprayed above false ceilings and inside certain ducts. The production of asbestos was banned in the early 70s but the ban did allow for the use of existing stock, so houses still used asbestos until the mid 80s. Today these homeowners are faced with the need for asbestos removal in these older homes, and the only way to tell if these houses have asbestos in them is by having an asbestos removal expert take a sample and have it tested by a specialized lab. Other possible ways of recognizing asbestos: Asbestos is generally an off white material, although sometimes it was made in blue or brown and the appearance changes depending on the material it was mixed with. Sometimes it was mixed with cement, asphalt, starch, polymers and other adhering materials. A common place where asbestos material might be found is in the heating ductwork. Some ducts were made of asbestos and others were wrapped in a form of asbestos. These old ducts look a bit like corrugated cardboard and some insulation has a similar appearance but without being corrugated. When you find this type of material, you should call an asbestos removal specialist to come in and take a sample. Duct work made of asbestos is of special concern because as it begins to deteriorate the fibers are blown into the house by the air conditioner. Some duct wrapping can be encapsulated so as to avoid having any of the fibers blown into the house. Otherwise asbestos removal is your best bet. Although somewhat expensive it is preferable to make this expense rather than have to deal with the problems that come from asbestos exposure. Another likely place to find asbestos is in or near a furnace. The furnace may have an asbestos lining or it may even sit on an asbestos pad. Wear and tear to these items will cause the fibers to float around, so it is best to remove it, or to encapsulate it. At one point, pipes where lined with asbestos, especially pipes that connected to radiators or heating systems. If you find a white surface material, then it is probably best to repair it with glass cloth. Be careful with old wiring. There were some old knobs and tube wires that had a white coating material that was covered with black fabric. Don’t pull these out, just bypass with new wiring. Artificial fireplaces that were made prior to 1978 used asbestos as ashes. If these still exist it is essential to remove them. Vinyl flooring and roofing tiles were also made of asbestos. In some cases you should apply asbestos removal, but in others you should place an overlay and lay your floor on top. It really depends on what the asbestos contractor suggests. Depending on the way asbestos was applied, it may or may not pose a threat to the users of the house or building. It does not pose a threat if the fibers cannot come loose, but many forms of its application, especially when sprayed on allow the fibers to become loose and go airborne. In these cases you may need asbestos removal.

Find a Professional Contractor for Asbestos Removal

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.

Asbestos Litigation Facts

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin lining that covers and holds in our internal organs. Asbestos is the cause of approximately 90 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Anyone who has worked in an industry or lived in an area where asbestos exposure has occurred may be entitled to damages if they've developed mesothelioma. If you or someone you know have developed mesothelioma, here are some asbestos litigation facts that might help you as you explore your own litigation options. Because the disease may not develop for up to sixty years after asbestos exposure, asbestos litigation often doesn't take place until long after the fact. A sum of roughly $9 million was awarded in an asbestos lawsuit to a gentleman in 2005 after he developed mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure that occurred in the 1960s. Another woman was awarded $16 million in 2002 for mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure in childhood. One important asbestos litigation fact to keep in mind is that you may be suffering from asbestos-related mesothelioma even if your exposure took place decades ago. Even though a lot of time has passed, you could still have a case. Another important asbestos litigation fact to keep in mind is that the government passed the FAIR Act in 2005. The FAIR Act provides vital facts for anyone considering asbestos litigation. Included are requirements for bringing asbestos litigation and who might have a case. There is a statute of limitations on filing asbestos litigation, so it is important that you know whether or not time has run out on your case. Because asbestos is no longer used, many of the companies against which someone might want to file a claim have gone out of business. Still, a company may exist that is partially responsible for your mesothelioma. If you're interested in finding out who may be at fault, seek the advice of legal counsel who can help you with your asbestos litigation. Other diseases of the lungs may be caused by asbestos exposure, so you may want to explore more asbestos litigation facts pertaining to any lung disease you developed after being exposed to asbestos. Lung cancer and various respiratory diseases have also been linked to asbestos. It is important to note that smoking has not been shown to contribute to the development of mesothelioma, and this asbestos litigation fact may help you determine if you have a case. Armed with asbestos litigation facts about the period of time between exposure and development of mesothelioma, the financial reparations typically handed out, and the governmental regulations covering asbestos litigation, you may want to find a lawyer who specializes in asbestos lawsuits. There is help available, and you don't have to go through this ordeal alone.

Breast Cancer - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Over the course of a lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is a cancer of the breast tissue, which can occur in both women and men. Breast cancer may be one of the oldest known forms of cancer tumors in humans.Worldwide, breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer). Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer. Today, breast cancer, like other forms of cancer, is considered to be a result of damage to DNA. How this mechanism may occur comes from several known or hypothesized factors (such as exposure to ionizing radiation, or viral mutagenesis). Some factors lead to an increased rate of mutation (exposure to estrogens) and decreased repair (the BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53) genes. Alcohol generally appears to increase the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer can also occur in men, although it rarely does. Experts predict 178,000 women and 2,000 men will develop breast cancer in the United States. There are several different types of breast cancer. First is Ductal carcinoma begins in the cells lining the ducts that bring milk to the nipple and accounts for more than 75% of breast cancers. Second is Lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-secreting glands of the breast but is otherwise fairly similar in its behavior to ductal carcinoma. Other varieties of breast cancer can arise from the skin, fat, connective tissues, and other cells present in the breast. Some women have what is known as HER2-positive breast cancer. HER2, short for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, is a gene that helps control cell growth, division, and repair. When cells have too many copies of this gene, cell growth speeds up. Causes of Breast Cancer Simply being a woman is the main risk for breast cancer. While men can also get the disease, it is about 100 times more common in women than in men. The chance of getting breast cancer goes up as a woman gets older. Nearly 8 out of 10 breast cancers are found in women age 50 or older. About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are linked to changes (mutations) in certain genes. The most common gene changes are those of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. The relatives can be from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family. Woman with cancer in one breast has a greater chance of getting a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is different from the first cancer coming back Many experts now believe that the main reason for this is because they have faster growing tumors. Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian women have a lower risk of getting breast cancer. Certain types of abnormal biopsy results can be linked to a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.Women who have had radiation treatment to the chest area (as treatment for another cancer) earlier in life have a greatly increased risk of breast cancer Some pregnant women were given the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) because it was thought to lower their chances of losing the baby. Recent studies have shown that these women (and their daughters who were exposed to DES while in the uterus), have a slightly increased risk of getting breast cancer. Use of alcohol is clearly linked to a slightly increased risk of getting breast cancer. Women who have 1 drink a day have a very small increased risk. Those who have 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 11 times the risk of women who drink no alcohol. The American Cancer Society suggests limiting the amount you drink.Being overweight is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, especially for women after change of life and if the weight gain took place during adulthood. Also, the risk seems to be higher if the extra fat is in the waist area. Breast-feeding and pregnancy: Some studies have shown that breast-feeding slightly lowers breast cancer risk, especially if the breast-feeding lasts 11 to 2 years. This could be because breast-feeding lowers a woman’s total number of menstrual periods, as does pregnancy. Women who began having periods early (before 12 years of age) or who went through the change of life (menopause) after the age of 55 have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Symptoms of Breast Cancer 1.Lumps. 2.Rash. 3.Breast Pain. 4.Cysts. 5.Nipple Discharge. 6.Inverted Nipple. Treatment of Breast Cancer 1.Hormonal therapy (with tamoxifen). 2.Chemotherapy. 3.Radiotherapy. 4.Surgery.

Asbestos Lawsuits - Protecting Your Rights

Author: Tim Dillard | Posted: 03-06-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 7 | Ads by Google Make Family First Again Increase Income, Leisure time Call 1-800-541-5892 for information iseekgrowth.com $ 1000/Day at Home? The easiest way to make money From Home in the Next 30 Days www.oneeasycash.com Make Money Leads For Free. Learn How Now. www.leadsforyou.info The Times: Small Business The New York Times has news and tips for small business owners www.nytimes.com 5 Tips for a Flat Stomach Stop making this 1 major mistake & you'll finally lose your belly fat. www.BellyFatIsUgly.net Asbestos lawsuits have become a major issue in many states. The high damages that have been awarded to many plaintiffs have encouraged people suffering from asbestos related conditions to file their own asbestos lawsuits in the hope of recovering some of the financial costs of treating mesothelioma, asbestosis and other medical costs arising from exposure to asbestos. Because so many people have been affected by asbestos exposure, the courts in many states have become bogged down with hundreds and sometimes thousands of asbestos lawsuits awaiting trial. To ease the crush of asbestos lawsuits awaiting trial, many states have taken a second look at the way that their court systems deal with asbestos related cases. In some cases, this has led to legislation that changes the statute of limitations on bringing an asbestos lawsuit, or in changing requirements for filing a lawsuit related to asbestos exposure. The intent of most such legislation has been to reduce the number of suits filed and make it easier for those who are the sickest to have their cases heard in court the soonest. In California, for instance, asbestos lawsuits where the plaintiff has been diagnosed with mesothelioma go to the front of the queue for court scheduling. Among the changes that are being considered in many states are laws that would restrict who can file an asbestos lawsuit in their courts, the time limits for filing asbestos related suits, and the type of suits that are allowed. Some courts will only hear asbestos lawsuits if the defendant or plaintiff reside in or do business in their district. Others interpret jurisdiction far more liberally. Still others have passed legislation that discourages or prohibits the bundling of many asbestos plaintiffs into one case. In some states, you must have a diagnosed asbestos related disease in order to file suit, but at least one judge has ruled that plaintiffs may bring suit based on their risk of developing mesothelioma, citing the heightened awareness and fear of developing mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure. The "asbestos crisis" has even prompted federal action. Since the mid-1990s, the federal government has been attempting to pass legislation that would remove the right to bring asbestos lawsuits from the hundreds of thousands of people who have been and may still be exposed to asbestos and become ill as a result. These bills are highly supported by the insurance industry and those companies who have been held accountable for exposing their employees and the public to asbestos in the workplace and the environment. The most recent iteration of federal asbestos legislation was the 2005 FAIR (Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution) bill. The bill laid out the structure of a national fund that would pay out specific monetary awards to people who could document particular illnesses, based on how sick they were. The awards were to be funded by a trust made up of contributions from many of the companies who were guilty of exposing their workers to asbestos. The FAIR bill would have removed the right for people who were injured by asbestos to sue those responsible, and limited the amounts that they could recover to prescribed amounts. The intent of the FAIR bill, according to its supporters, was to ensure that those who actually suffered damages from asbestos exposure are fairly compensated for their injuries without having to face months and years of trial. While the intent sounds noble, the true purpose of the FAIR bill is to limit the financial accountability of industry for the damages that it has caused. According to most medical and legal experts who examined the 2005 FAIR bill, it was seriously flawed in a number of ways. - It seriously underfunded the trust that was meant to completely compensate those who were ill with asbestos related diseases. The amount that it called for, said those experts, wouldn't even be enough to cover the current cases awaiting trial, let alone the several thousand new cases that are diagnosed annually. - The FAIR bill would have removed the rights of those who were exposed to asbestos outside the workplace, either because their family members brought home asbestos dust on their clothing and in their hair, or because they lived in the vicinity of a plant that processed asbestos. Under the provisions of the FAIR bill, those people would not be able to file asbestos lawsuits despite the fact that the bill made no provision for compensating them for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, you may have the right to recover compensation for your injuries and loss. Find out about your rights to file an asbestos lawsuit before the changing laws take them away for good.

What Is Asbestos?

What is Asbestos? According to the Asbestos Network, asbestos actually refers to several naturally occurring minerals. These minerals have been used in commercial products to increase strength and flexibility. The Asbestos Network claims that these minerals are a mix of metals, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Asbestos, like coal or gold is mined. Some of the countries that mine asbestos include the United Sates, Canada, South America and the former Soviet Union. Types of Asbestos Asbestos is not just one substance; in fact it can be divided into several different types, and these types can be divided into two basic groups. These two groups are serpentine and amphibole. Environmental Health and Safety claims that the serpentine group only contains one member: chrysotile. This type of asbestos is the most common form found in buildings and is also known as "white asbestos." Both the Asbestos Network and Environmental Health and Safety list five different types of asbestos within the amphibole group. These five include amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite. Amosite is the second most prevalent type found in building materials and is also referred to as "brown asbestos." Crocidolite, "blue asbestos," is found in structures where the materials need to be safe from high temperatures. The final three, anthyphyllite, tremolite, and actinolite, are rarely found. Problems Related to Asbestos The Asbestos Network explains that contact with asbestos can cause diseases such as asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma. The fibrous nature of asbestos causes much of the problem. The fibers may get caught in the lungs and create lung damage. Or, they may even be swallowed and become lodged in membranes of the gastrointestinal track, according to the Asbestos Network. Again, this could lead to cancer of the lungs or of the GI tract. So while it may be thought that the lungs are the only place that can be damaged, it is other parts of the body can be negatively affected by asbestos. Who is at Risk? According to the Asbestos Network, the "dose" of asbestos that a person is exposed to equals the combination of the concentration, or the amount of asbestos in the air, and the duration, or the length of time that a person is exposed to asbestos. The more asbestos inhaled, the greater the chance of damage to lungs or other internal organs. Also, the Network says that cigarette smoking increases the likelihood of contracting an asbestos disease as it decreases the general health of the lungs. The Asbestos Network also lists several occupations that may be more likely to suffer from asbestos created diseases. These occupations include construction work, ship building, railroad working and automobile engineers. How To Avoid It There are several things that those who work around asbestos can do to limit their contact with the cancer causing fibers. The American Lung Association of Georgia insists on no eating or drinking while you are working. The Association also urges workers not to smoke and to follow proper guidelines when handling asbestos. Employers that place their employees in asbestos filled areas should have the employees properly trained on how to handle the substance, as well as how to avoid interacting with it.

Can You File a Legal Claim For Getting Asbestos Mesothelioma?

Have you ever been exposed to asbestos? Have you ever been short of breath or has experienced chest pains coupled with a notable weight loss? If you answered yes to both questions then you may be exhibiting some symptoms of asbestos mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer which results from exposure to asbestos. Those who have worked in an asbestos factory or have been exposed to asbestos in any way like when washing the clothes of someone exposed to asbestos are more likely to get asbestos mesothelioma. People who have had their homes renovated with the use of asbestos materials should also take note of the symptoms as they may already have asbestos mesothelioma. Most people who get asbestos mesothelioma do not easily relate their exposure to asbestos with this rare cancer form because the symptoms may appear after a long period of exposure to asbestos, in some cases, even after 40 years from exposure. It is difficult to get a diagnosis of asbestos mesothelioma because the symptoms are much like the other illnesses like shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss and chest pains. However, if the symptoms are backed up by a history of asbestos exposure then there is a possibility that the person is indeed afflicted with asbestos mesothelioma. The number of people reportedly diagnosed with asbestos mesothelioma has increased over the past years maybe because of the increasing awareness of people that getting this cancer from asbestos exposure can entitle them to a legal claim. In fact, most of the victims of asbestos mesothelioma who have filed a legal claim have received compensation from companies found guilty of being negligent and causing the exposure of the victims to asbestos. People who think they have asbestos mesothelioma or who know of others who have been exposed to asbestos and who exhibit the symptoms of asbestos mesothelioma should consult a solicitor as soon as possible to help them file a legal claim. A legal claim against the asbestos industry is possible with the aid of solicitors who have filed thousands of lawsuits on behalf of people who have asbestos mesothelioma. The solicitors can advise the victim on how to make sure that the cause of their illness is asbestos exposure. The solicitors can also help them file a legal claim against negligent employers aside from the legal claim against the manufacturers. Being able to file a legal claim against asbestos manufacturers is the first step in getting proper compensation for being inflicted with asbestos mesothelioma. However, a legal claim is proper only if it can be shown that the cause of asbestos mesothelioma is asbestos exposure and that the parties responsible for the exposure are properly identified. These are matters best handled by solicitors. A legal claim for asbestos mesothelioma can be settled by the manufacturers when the proper legal claim has been filed, meaning exposure to asbestos has been proven and the negligent employer or manufacturer identified. A person inflicted with asbestos mesothelioma, or his dependents, can get thousands to millions of dollars depending on some factors.

Cancer Prevention - How to Reduce your Risk of Cancer

Traditional medical treatments for cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Many doctors use a combination of methods in an effort to increase the effectiveness and speed at which they attack the cancer. The treatment or combination of treatments is often dependent on the type, location, and severity of the cancer. While all of these therapies have been used with varying degrees of success - NONE OF THEM address the main problem with cancer - TOO MANY PEOPLE GET CANCER! What is the ultimate solution to cancer? What should YOU be focused on? How about not getting sick in the first place! If given a choice, would you rather take a few simple steps to avoid cancer or do you want to take your chances and fight it once your doctor tells you you've got it? Would you rather spend your retirement money on the latest creative treatments and expensive high-tech equipment or spend time with the ones you love doing the things you love the most? Just how much does our cancer crisis cost you? Consider that every man, woman and child in the U.S. contributes nearly $720 each year - that's almost $3,000 for a family of four! That number was calculated by taking the total health care cost of cancer and dividing it by the total U.S. population. No tricks. No funny money games. What could your family do with that $3,000 today? Why spend hard earned money on treatments that often impact our quality of life? Many of the therapies for cancer are so physically debilitating that patients are often not able to return to work or do daily tasks around the house. People with cancer often require family members to help with the basic necessities of life, including getting dressed, taking a bath, and going to the bathroom. Just as with heart disease, there are VERY SIMPLE lifestyle changes that you can start doing today that can decrease you risk of developing cancer. These same simple changes can also improve your overall quality of life. Ready? Here's the list: 1. Don't use any tobacco products. Don't smoke. Don't chew. Don't puff. Smoking is responsible for 90% of all cases of lung cancer. Want to drop your chances of contracting lung cancer to 10%? It's simple....don't smoke, chew or puff. 2. Protect yourself from the sun. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer yet it is the MOST PREVENTABLE. Avoiding peak sunlight (between 10am and 4pm), wearing sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps can virtually eliminate the risk of skin cancer. 3. Maintain a healthy weight. There is a direct relationship between excess body weight and those that die of cancer. The American Cancer Society found that the more overweight you are, the greater your risk of dying from cancer. 4. Keep your immune system working properly. Cancer cells appear in our body every day, but our immune system knows how to recognize an unhealthy cell and eliminate it. Our central nervous system plays a major role in the function of our immune system so anything we can do to strengthen our central nervous system will reduce our risk of cancer. Two key ways to keep our central nervous system operating at peak performance is spinal alignment (yep, go see the chiropractor) and eating nutrient dense foods. Studies have found that this one-two punch increases the amount of antibodies within your system within minutes after a spinal adjustment or consuming a nutrient dense supplement. 5. Exercise on a regular basis. Physical activity is one of the primary methods of maintaining your ideal weight and in keeping your body's organs, tissue, muscle, ligaments, and bones strong and healthy. 6. Eat nutritionally dense meals and supplement. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing to eat fewer high-fat foods. High fat diets may increase your risk of prostate, colon, rectum and uterus cancer. Supplement with nutrient dense supplements that are made from nutrient dense plants such as aloe vera and sea vegetables. 7. Think healthy. Studies have shown over and over again that reducing stress will reduce the risk of cancer AND heart disease. Take time out of your day, better yet, plan each day to remove stress. Stress weakens cells, weak cells makes the body more susceptible to developing cancer. That's it. Seven of the easiest steps you can do today to reduce your risk of cancer. To make them really work for you, learn a bit more about each. There is plenty of information about exercise, nutritional supplements, reducing stress, losing weight, etc. Learn more, do more, and choose to NOT be one of the million plus people diagnosed with cancer each year.

Some Facts About Asbestos

While tracing the history of asbestos it was found that its usage dates back to 2000 years. The name 'asbestos' was first used by the Greeks, which meant 'inextinguishable'. Though the Greeks also noted the harmful effect of asbestos, yet they did not pay any heed to its dangers because according to them it had magical powers that had to be used to fulfill the daily purposes of life. The Roman naturalist Pliny and the Greek geographer Strabo also noted the devastating effect of asbestos on human beings but they did not arise any questions considering its several magical uses in their regular life. Some Facts about Asbestos What is Asbestos? Asbestos is the term given to a collection of six naturally occurring minerals that are incombustible and separable into filaments. These six minerals are chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, anthophyllite, termolite and actinolite. Among these six asbestos minerals, the first three are abundantly used in manufacturing of industrial and commercial products. Uses of Asbestos Asbestos was being used since ancient Greek times and its usage continued till 1700, but it was popularized after the Industrial Revolution. It was used in construction mainly in steel pipes, industries, steam pipes, hand held hair dryers to prevent over heating, household items and in several other industries for various purposes. Versatility of Asbestos The reason for the popularity of asbestos was its power of resistance to electricity and its fire and heat proofing capacities. Being a fireproof or incombustible material, asbestos is impervious to every weather effect. This high tensile strength and flexibility makes asbestos very versatile for usage in various products and industries. Diseases caused by Asbestos One of the deadliest diseases caused by asbestos is mesothelioma cancer. It has become a threat to human civilization causing pain, suffering and loss of thousands of lives. The mortality rate is so high that eight out of ten mesothelioma patients pass away even before the treatment starts. It is a deadly cancer caused mainly to those who are exposed to asbestos in some way. The other deadly disease caused by asbestos is asbestosis, a serious form of lung illness. The main symptoms of asbestosis are short breath after exercise or exertion, dry prolonged cough, general malaise or feeling tired and wheezing. Treatment of Diseases caused by Asbestos Being a form of cancer, all the traditional cancer treatments are applied to treat mesothelioma. Surgery for cutting out the affected part of the lungs, chemotherapy to attack the cancer cells; or radiation to kill the cancerous cells are the only treatments for mesothelioma cancer. However, newer and better modes of treatments are being worked out to help mesothelioma patients. Diagnosis for asbestosis is necessary in its early stage as prolonged asbestosis can turn into mesothelioma cancer later in life. Regular intake of the prescribed medicine and check-up can help a lot. But the life span decreases on its own as the disease is diagnosed a long time after exposure to asbestos. Legal Claims for Asbestosis and Mesothelioma An asbestosis or mesothelioma legal claim can be filed on your behalf if your disease is caused by exposure to asbestos. An attorney will investigate how much asbestos containing material you were exposed to, who were the employers and what proper safety measures were taken for your health. This claim can be made against the construction company, the asbestos suppliers and even the individuals who were responsible to look after your health safety.

Asbestos- an Ancient Link to Deadly Mesothelioma

Asbestos has been used since the times of the Ancient Greeks, but its dangers are a modern-day issue. Asbestos was used often in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries because of its high tolerance to heat and its usefulness in fireproof insulation. However, recently it has been exposed that when inhaled, asbestos causes deadly lung conditions such as mesothelioma. Occupational Exposure and Dangers To Workers After noticing that chronic diseases, especially cancers of the lung such as mesothelioma, were extremely common in construction workers who were exposed to asbestos, doctors began making a connection between asbestos and mesothelioma. Unfortunately, construction and other workers who were exposed to asbestos from the 1950s through the 1970s, when the dangers of asbestos were more fully recognized, are still suffering from the ill effects of asbestos exposure at work. There are now laws and regulations in place that are designed to prevent workers from exposure to toxic asbestos; however, these laws cannot undo years upon years of exposure to this deadly mineral in the workplace. Delayed Diagnosis Due To Long Dormancy Period Workers may have been exposed to asbestos in the 1970s, but may only just now be developing the tell-tale symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is slow to appear which causes doctors to have a hard time diagnosing and treating patients with the disease in time. Because symptoms of mesothelioma don't show up for many years after exposure and are similar to symptoms for other diseases, workers with mesothelioma might be misdiagnosed during the early stages of the disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma include: * shortness of breath; * abdominal swelling; * pain of the abdomen; * blood clotting problems; * chest pain; * chronic cough; * heart palpitations; * fever; * labored breath; * weight loss. Pleural, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma are all possible variations of the deadly cancer, with pleural (lung) mesothelioma the most commonly manifested version of the disease. High-Risk Professions Though the use of asbestos is now regulated by laws and regulations, the disease's long dormancy period means that it still has a high number of potential victims. Professions at a high risk for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma are those which involved repeated exposure to asbestos in its industrial forms. These professions include: * electricians; * painters; * insulators; * carpenters; * bricklayers; * construction workers; * mechanics; * other tradespeople, in particulal, people who worked in home or commercial construction prior to the 1970s. Other people at risk for getting mesothelioma are the families of people who worked with asbestos because the dust may have settled in the employee's hair or clothing. Legal Options Because of the huge number of potentially affected workers, there has been a significant amount of litigation against companies who irresponsibly used asbestos, exposing their workers to the threat of mesothelioma and other life-threatening asbestos-related illnesses. It is essential to consult your doctor to discuss a treatment plan if you are suffering from exposure to asbestos. Then contact an asbestos attorney who is experienced in mesothelioma litigation. A competent asbestos lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for the pain and suffering incurred through asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, defray the costs of treatment, and provide for your children if you die of the disease.

Who Is At Risk of Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos exposure can cause a variety of health problems, most notably mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the membranes lining the chest and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos can also cause asbestosis, a disease that causes lung damage and can lead to serious breathing problems. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fiber, and everyone is exposed to asbestos at some point. The key is to know if you're at risk for prolonged and repeated exposure that can seriously affect your health. Because asbestos has been known to be dangerous for several decades, government regulations have lessened the risk of everyday exposure. Still, millions of people have been exposed to dangerous amounts of asbestos. Asbestos has been used in the manufacture of various materials such as insulation and factory equipment. Anyone who has been involved in the mining of asbestos is at risk for exposure. Workers who have processed asbestos or manufactured products involving asbestos are also at great risk for exposure. Those who have worked in the construction industry laying insulation, putting up or removing drywall, or removing from or demolishing buildings may be exposed to risky levels of asbestos. Others possibly affected include firefighters and anyone in the automobile manufacturing industry. Most recently, relief and cleanup workers who worked at the site of the World Trade Center attacks in 2001 were exposed to serious amounts of asbestos. Hundreds of tons of asbestos that was used in the manufacture of the buildings were released into the air, putting everyone in the area at risk. Many of those present at the time have shown symptoms of asbestos-related disease and breathing problems. Because mesothelioma may not develop until decades after exposure, it is not yet known how many were affected. The families of workers who are exposed to asbestos may also be at increased risk. Those who work with asbestos may bring the fibers home on their bodies or clothes. The government regulates this possibility by requiring that workers who are exposed to asbestos shower and wash their work clothes before leaving work. Still, asbestos fibers may find their way home with the workers. If someone meets any of these criteria, it's important that they get checked regularly for possible asbestos-related health problems. Early detection is one of the keys to recovery from diseases such as cancer, and understanding your risks of asbestos exposure will help you prevent asbestos-related health problems.

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