August 18, 2008
Could There be a Genetic Component to Mesothelioma?
A scientific study has been undertaken to investigate whether or not there is a genetic component to mesothelioma.
The study looked at the effect of a specific type of asbestos, crocidolite, on the cells that line the human lung (the A549 cells if you're interested!).
This methodology - that of introducing the catalyst for disease and watching the changes it evokes - has not been undertaken before, so this is a ground breaking piece of work. It will be a valuable in initiating further studies of this type and understanding exactly how the mesothelioma disease process works.
Genetic responses to the crocidolite were noted. This is important because understanding how the genes are involved is the first step towards developing a cure. It has to be said that these are very early days in the process - there's a long way to go yet. Nonetheless, every step in the right direction is a step worth taking.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:16 AM | Permalink
Death by DIY?
One day, over thirty years ago, Lolli's husband came home with a piece of cement board intended for the wall behind the wood burning fireplace. The board was too big, and Lolli's husband cut it to size; for one reason or another, he didn't tape the raw ends and, for years, those edges continued to flake.
Lolli thought that the board might contain asbestos and those raw ends caused ongoing arguments between the couple. In those days though, there was no internet to confirm or refute her suspicions. Every day, Lolli would vacuum up the flakes, sometimes bending down to get up the more persistent particles that stuck in the carpet.
Six years ago, Lolli had x-rays that revealed spots on her lung. Her doctor reassured her that the spots had nothing to do with asbestos.
Two years ago, having broken a wrist, Lolli had several CAT scans. The spots were noted again and this time the doctors said that the spots weren't asbestosis because, if they were, "you would be dead by now." As Lolli herself commented, "this just isn't logical because asbestos mesothelioma has a 10 to 50 year period of latency."
Unfortunately, by this time, Lolli had started to experience the symptoms of asbestos related disease. She is now a confirmed sufferer of asbestosis.
Lolli is 56 years old.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 03:17 AM | Permalink
August 15, 2008
Asbestos Sand Cleaning Initiative
In Waukegan, Illinios, there has been an a shoreline asbestos problem from just above the Wisconsin state line through Waukegan for many years and now the lethal material is cropping up in Chicago as well. However, local company, Midwest Generation, has initiated a pilot project to clean sand contaminated with asbestos, which they hope will help provide a regional solution to the asbestos problem.
If successful, the project, which includes sifting sand in a controlled environment to remove asbestos containing materials, could provide a positive alternative to landfilling contaminated sand.
A spokesman for the company said that, if the pilot project is successful, the sand might be appropriate for use in road projects such as the construction of roadbeds and airport runways.
The pilot project has received a permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which allows Midwest Generation to test up to 15,000 cubic yards of sand that has been dredged from the company's lake-front intake canal.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 03:21 AM | Permalink
August 13, 2008
$12.6 Million Asbestos Claim Upheld
In 2006, Dr Dr. Saeed Behshid was awarded $12.6 million in compensatory damages following his claim that his mesothelioma had been caused by using Bondex joint compound. Dr Behshid had been involved in the remodeling of several homes and had used the joint compound each time.
The company appealed against the decision, claiming that Dr Behshid had not provided enough evidence to prove that Bondex joint compound had caused his malignant illness. They also argued the legal technicalities of the original case.
On August 11 this year, an appellate court upheld the original decision, ruling that 'there was substantial evidence from which the jury could conclude that exposure to asbestos from Bondex joint compound was a substantial factor in causing his disease.' The court also upheld the legalities of the previous proceedings.
Dr Behshid, now 73 years old, holds a PhD and is a former banker. Back in the 1960's and 70's he remodeled between 12 and 15 homes. For all of these projects he used Bondex joint compound and claims that he inhaled asbestos dust produced during the mixing and sanding processes. There were no warnings on the product and, therefore, Dr Behshid did not wear protective clothing. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:15 AM | Permalink
August 12, 2008
School Superintendent Disgraced in School Asbestos Case
Benny G. Gladding of Norfolk, building and grounds Superintendent for Massena Central School District building, pleaded guilty to providing materially false information to EPA Special Agents related to illegal asbestos removal and disposal activities within Massena Central School District buildings. He also entered a guilty plea to the charge of preparing a materially false report related to the presence of asbestos in a public school.
In an interview on February 22, 2007 with Special Agents from the Environmental Protection Agency, Gladding falsely stated that he had never removed any asbestos-containing material from any school building at any time during his employment with the Massena School District. The truth is that the Superintendent had engaged in numerous, illegal asbestos removal activities.
He also admitted that on December 21, 2006, during a regular six-month asbestos inspection at the Jefferson Elementary School in Massena, he failed to accurately record significant amounts of asbestos that had been disturbed and had fallen from pipes onto the ground within the school building.
When sentenced in July of this year, Gladding was ordered to serve two years probation for each of the counts; the sentences are to run concurrently. The disgraced superintendent is also required to complete 100 hours of community service and to resign from his position with Massena Central School District.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 04:00 AM | Permalink