While compiling a list of tradesmen and tradeswomen most likely to have been exposed to asbestos, there are many that immediately rise to the top of the list. Insulators, pipefitters, electricians, steel workers, shipbuilders – all of those seem the most logical occupations connected to asbestos and asbestos-related diseases. But dig a little deeper and one might come up with other workers who were regularly exposed to the toxic mineral but may not have – over the years – received as much attention. Welders fall into that category, and a welders asbestos exposure risk is still severe.
Mesothelioma victims – Ask any oncologist to list the most-difficult-to-treat cancers and there’s no doubt that mesothelioma will be on the top of most – if not all – of their lists. It’s a frustrating disease that has doctors wringing their hands and wishing they could do more.
So, what makes mesothelioma such a hard disease to treat and why is the possibility for a positive prognosis rare? Is there any chance that the mortality rate might change in the years ahead?
Mesothelioma Latency Period
The answer to the first part of the question has to do with the particulars of the disease and how it manifests itself. Literally, mesothelioma can “hide” in the body for decades – sometimes as long as 50 years – before it appears.
Though there have been some exceptions to this long latency period (particularly among 9-11 first responders who were exposed to excessive amounts of asbestos all at one time), those who’ve worked in professions that include steel workers, oil refinery employers, pipefitters, plumbers, electricians, welders, and insulators have often been surprised to learn of the presence of mesothelioma years and years after they’ve been exposed.
Misdiagnosis of Symptoms
Because of this lengthy latency period, when symptoms do arise, no one is thinking about asbestos and cancer. Consider the symptoms of mesothelioma, which include:
These symptoms can apply to dozens of common ailments, from heart problems to bronchitis. That means more time is often lost before a correct diagnosis is made and treatment is further delayed. Often, by now, the cancer has reached stage 3 or 4.
Once a diagnosis is made, doctors rely on these factors to determine a prognosis.
• Type of mesothelioma – pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, or testicular. This is determined by using imaging and biopsies
• The size of the tumor
• The location of the tumor and whether or not it can be treated surgically (is “resectable”)
• Which symptoms are present and the extent of those symptoms
• Whether the disease has spread to other areas of the body (metastases)
• The overall health of the individual – Many victims of the disease are older and already have a host of other medical problems with which they contend.
Survival Rates
Survival rates for cancers of all types are usually measured by something called the 5-year survival rate. This is based on the number of people who are still alive five years after their diagnosis. This number is very low for meso patients. The American Cancer Society put it at about 5% to 10%. It’s not a very encouraging statistic.
While those who are diagnosed at a younger age do tend to live longer, the numbers are still grim, especially because the disease – in many cases – could have been avoided if employers had been more diligent about protecting their workers from asbestos exposure. Researchers continue to work hard towards developing new treatments for the disease, but there are still miles to go before the road ahead looks brighter.
A well-trained firefighter is taught, first and foremost, to respect a fire. He/she is well educated in the important ins and outs of fighting a blaze. Safety is number one, firefighters are told, though we are all familiar with stories about hero firefighters who defy those flames to save a trapped individual or perhaps even a family dog or cat.
It’s obvious that firefighters put their lives on the line every day. Fire and smoke carry with them many dangers and both can cause injury or death in an instant.
What the general public might not know, however, is that another less-obvious danger lurks inside thousands of buildings throughout the U.S., and when those buildings burn, firefighters face yet another ominous hazard…asbestos is a hidden danger for firefighters.
Asbestos was used widely in the construction of all types of buildings during the first three-quarters of the twentieth century, especially in commercial buildings but also in homes.
The toxic mineral was long heralded for its amazing heat and fire resistance as well as its durability, so manufacturers used it in thousands of products. In homes, offices, and factories, asbestos may be found in floor and ceiling tiles, drywall, attic insulation, and shingles, or perhaps wrapped around pipes, boilers, and electrical wiring.
When asbestos is in new or good condition and has not been disturbed, it does not generally present a health concern. But if a building containing asbestos is burning, firefighters need to be sure they are protected from inhaling the toxic fibers that will undoubtedly circulate through the air. It is this dust that can eventually cause mesothelioma cancer to develop.
That’s why fire departments should demand the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), essential for firefighter safety, especially when older buildings are involved. Not only should the gear be worn during fire suppression – the actual fighting of the fire, but also during after-fire overhaul and investigation when asbestos may be present in the rubble and debris that remain behind after a blaze.
Quite simply, the SCBA will provide breathable air to the firefighter and will not permit asbestos fibers or dust to enter the body through the nose or mouth. When a firefighter has completed his duties at an asbestos-containing building, the SCBA should be thoroughly cleaned.
Furthermore, the equipment should be removed at the scene of the blaze or investigation so that fibers do not spread to other locations and other individuals.
Unfortunately, there have been cases where these precautions were not followed and firefighters were exposed to friable asbestos. For example, a few years ago, firefighters in Everett, Washington filed suit against the city for exposing them to asbestos via old homes used for training exercises.
The firefighters had been told that the buildings were asbestos-free and, as a result, will now live with the possibility that they inhaled toxic dust while training for their profession.
If you or a family member has served as a firefighter, paid or volunteer, and were exposed to asbestos materials on the job, take time to learn about your legal rights today. Consult an experienced attorney to review your options.
Are you a car guy…or girl? Many Americans are gaga over their automobiles. Some collect them. Others make a habit of buying old ones and rebuilding or repairing them so that they’re good as new.
For some individuals, every weekend is spent working on those cars until everything is just right and they can show off that masterpiece to their family and friends.
Or maybe you make your living as an auto mechanic. There are tens of thousands of certified mechanics in the United States, standing ready to service some of the 235 million or so cars and trucks on America’s roadways.
It’s a profession that Americans couldn’t do without, and most people will tell you that it’s super helpful to have a mechanic you can trust to work on your car(s).
Working as a mechanic comes with some risks, though the job is certainly not as dangerous as being perhaps a firefighter, an electrician, or even a pipefitter, right? Not necessarily. Anyone who works on an old car or on a car that contains parts not recently manufactured in the U.S. might be putting themselves at risk for asbestos exposure because of auto parts containing asbestos.
Consider the inside of a car. Many of the elements found under the hood and elsewhere in a car’s mechanical system create friction in order to function properly. That means heat is generated.
So, for decades, manufacturers of these so-called friction parts used asbestos in their products so as to avoid the chance for fires to develop.
Car-related items that may have contained asbestos include:
Just as with other asbestos items, if the asbestos in the above-mentioned parts is not disturbed, a problem is not likely. But because mechanics and DIYers generally perform tasks that involve moving and removing components, filing, drilling, etc., dust is generated and asbestos inhalation can become a problem, especially when a car manufactured prior to about 1975 is involved.
It is these older autos that represent the highest risk to the person doing the repairs.
Companies that manufactured asbestos-containing auto parts included:
• Raybestos
• Johns Manville
• Owens Corning
• Bendix
• Cooper Industries
• RPM International
• Dana Corporation
• And many others
In addition, the fact that mechanics often work in small, unventilated spaces such as garages, makes the possibility of inhalation of fibers even more likely. This was especially the case decades ago when agencies like OSHA were not involved in making sure working conditions were safe for mechanics and others in similar positions.
Today, mechanics and their employers should be taking precautions to make sure that asbestos inhalation does not occur. Simple steps can help avoid an eventual cancer diagnosis. For example, auto shops should contain a HEPA vacuum system with components that can trap asbestos dust before it escapes.
OSHA also demands the use of low pressure wet cleaning methods when cleaning brakes and clutches, etc. It keeps airborne dust from escaping. Mechanics should never use water hoses or squirt bottles to clean parts and should be aware that items such as generic shop vacs are not sufficient for collecting asbestos fibers.
If you know someone who’s developed asbestosis or mesothelioma from on-the-job exposure as an auto mechanic, it’s important to gather as much information as possible about the contamination and to see an attorney to learn what legal rights accompany this negligent exposure. It may not be too late!
America changed in the 1800s. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, which historians say began in about 1830 and spread out over the next century or so, production of goods moved from home businesses to factories where machines now aided in the manufacture of countless products that supported the growth of America and would transform the lives of Americans from coast to coast.
With the Industrial Revolution came many new technologies and many new products. Though asbestos, which enjoyed its earliest modern uses in items such as the steam engine, wasn’t a product of the Industrial Revolution – it’s a naturally-occurring mineral – its use did indeed skyrocket during this time. By the mid-20th century, products that contained asbestos numbered in the tens of thousands and were way too numerous to count.
Asbestos in the Home
A list compiled by a government consumer-related agency once noted that some 3,000 “household” products containing asbestos in the years prior to about the mid 1970s. These included items that were handled nearly every day by the homeowner, especially housewives and even children. Even some popular beauty products included asbestos materials.
These items included:
• Hairdryers
• Ironing board pads and covers
• Irons
• Coffee pots
• Toasters
• Crock pots
• Electric blankets
• Portable dish washers and heaters
• Decorative fireplace logs
• Pot holders and oven mitts
• Make-ups and talcum powders
• Potting mixes and pesticides
• Attic insulation
• Shingles and tiles
• And much more!
That means EVERYONE in the house might have been exposed to this toxic “miracle mineral”, from the youngest of children to mom and dad. Though these items no longer contain asbestos, even that long ago exposure could cause an eventual diagnosis of asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Other General Products Containing Asbestos
Those who worked outside the home in a variety of industries were exposed to a bevy of other asbestos-containing products. Shipbuilders, plumbers, pipefitters, construction workers, welders, electricians, insulators, auto mechanics, firefighters, and a long list of other workers encountered such products nearly daily while working in their fields, particularly prior to the 1980s.
Among the products most responsible for causing mesothelioma and other lung-related diseases are:
• Adhesives
• Drywall tape
• Cement
• Insulation
• Gaskets
• Valves
• Textile cloths like firefighter suits, blankets, ropes, stage curtains
• Brake pads
• Clutches
• Hood liners
• Electrical cloth
• Laboratory hoods
• Some plastics and vinyl products
• Mastics
• Ductwork connectors
• And much more
Remember, in its solid intact form, asbestos usually wasn’t dangerous. But any time it became damaged or was cut, sawed, drilled, or manipulated in any way so as to cause fibers to circulate through the air, asbestos became toxic. Inhalation of even the tiniest amount of asbestos, be it from an old hairdryer or something much larger, could have caused tumors to form.
If you believe you were regularly exposed to toxic asbestos products and are now suffering symptoms like chest pains, shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue, see your doctor and tell him/her about that exposure. The sooner a definitive diagnosis is made, the more options are available for treatment.
Not all types of mesothelioma diagnoses are created equal. While a few types of the disease are the most common, a victim of this type of cancer can be diagnosed with one of four types, each named for the part of the body affected by the disease. Below is an overview of each type including information that will help you – the patient, or you – the caregiver – better understand the specifics of the disease.
Being an electrician is a “high voltage” job, so to speak. Anyone who has worked in the field – or plans to work in the field – knows that they have to have a “respect” for electricity. The utmost care must be taken when electricity is part of the picture, and details must be checked once, twice, and even three times to avoid any chance of electrocution.
“He gave his life for his country.” That’s a phrase Americans have been using for centuries. From the first simple shots of the Revolutionary War to the more sophisticated warfare of the 21st century, millions of U.S. military members sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom. In many instances, they were killed in battle or perhaps during some military training exercise.
Of course, in contrast to those who died, there are countless others that survived their stint in the military, both during times of war and times of piece. Those noble veterans make us proud! What many Americans don’t know, however, is that some of those vets – who emerged seemingly unscathed – suffered the physical effects of their service in a way one might not suspect. They were poisoned by toxic asbestos.
Among all individuals in the U.S. diagnosed with mesothelioma, veterans are the group with the highest incidence of the disease. As a matter of fact, statistics show that nearly one-third of all diagnosed cases are among those who served in the U.S. military, particularly during the years from the 1940s through the late 1970s, when asbestos use aboard ships and for other military applications was at its highest. Because of mesothelioma’s long latency period, many of those veterans are only now being diagnosed with the disease.
Navy
Veterans of the U.S. Navy are the most affected by past exposure to asbestos. The toxic mineral was literally everywhere on America’s military ships of old, and whether a vet was involved in building ships or sailing aboard them, they were likely exposed on a daily basis. That’s why naval veterans account for about half of all military-related cases of mesothelioma.
Asbestos was used not only in the most logical places such as the boiler and engine rooms, but it was even found in places such as sailors’ sleeping quarters and in the mess hall. Exposure was nearly unavoidable. One could find the material in floor and ceiling files, wrapped around pipes and electrical wiring, and in valves and gaskets. When any of those materials became damaged or were worn from age, it was likely that asbestos fibers were released and could have been inhaled.
Army
Though members of the U.S. Army didn’t generally serve aboard ships, they were exposed to the asbestos materials used in a host of government buildings during and after World War II, including barracks and other structures found on bases throughout the country. Because asbestos was cheap and highly effective as a fire deterrent, it was used abundantly from the 40s through the 70s. Some old Army buildings might still contain asbestos so soldiers should always beware of materials that resemble the toxic mineral.
Marines
The U.S. Marines often worked closely with the Navy, especially during the war years of the past. Hence, those who served in the Marines may have been similarly exposed to asbestos while onboard the nation’s ships. They may have also encountered asbestos-containing materials in buildings on their base.
Air Force
Any member of the Air Force who serviced or repaired the nation’s fleet of flying machines may have been exposed to asbestos, often used as insulation or found in friction products such as brakes and clutches. In addition, as with the other branches of the military, they may have been exposed while working or dwelling in buildings on their base, which may have been constructed using asbestos-containing items such as insulation, cement, tiles, shingles, or a host of other construction products.
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos during military service and have developed mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact an experienced asbestos attorney today to learn about your options.
It’s those three words everyone fears: “You have cancer.” For some, just reading those words sends shivers down the spine and evokes pictures of frightening treatments and even more frightening outcomes.
A cancer diagnosis is all too common in the U.S. The American Cancer Society says that some 1,600 Americans die each day of some form of the disease, accounting for one of every four deaths in the United States. That same research indicated some 224,000 new cases of lung cancer would be diagnosed in the U.S. for the year 2014, with about 3,000 cases of those lung-related cancers thought to be caused by exposure to asbestos.
Reacting
So what happens when those fateful words are presented to you or to your loved one? How do you handle it? What do you do?
Just like those experiencing grief in regards to a death, the newly-diagnosed mesothelioma patient will manifest a variety of feelings. The first is usually disbelief. “This can’t be happening to me,” says the cancer victim. “I don’t deserve this.”
Another common feeling is denial. It’s not unusual for the new cancer patient to refuse to believe his/her diagnosis, demanding test after test to disprove the diagnosis. Denial will eventually fade, but – at the beginning – it provides the patient with the last modicum of defense against the diagnosis. “If I don’t believe it, it can’t be so,” thinks the patient.
Anger is also a normal feeling when someone is told they have cancer. In some cases, specifically with a mesothelioma diagnosis, that anger is accompanied by another common reaction – blame. The victim of asbestos-related cancer has every right to be angry and to point fingers because, quite often, their exposure to asbestos – the cause of their cancer – is due to someone else’s negligence. Angry mesothelioma victims can usually track their exposure to a former workplace where no one took time to be sure that employees were protected from airborne asbestos fibers that can later cause cancer. Undoubtedly, that negligence causes irate feelings.
Getting Help
Obviously, the first thing a newly-diagnosed meso patient will want to do is to find out how best to treat their illness and how to find an oncologist who can help suggest ways to extend their lives. But most cancer patients, even if surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends, may need to find professional help for issues like disbelief, denial, anger, and blame. In general, help may be needed to reduce the anxiety surrounding such a diagnosis and to learn to accept what is most likely the inevitable.
The kind of counselor chosen depends on preference. Some patients prefer a clergy person or other spiritual counselor to answer questions like “Why did God let this happen to me?” Others are searching for a medical professional they don’t yet know, feeling they can speak more freely to that person without fear of judgment. Whichever you choose, remember to take some time to talk about issues such as:
Settling unsolved relationships or family problems
Dealing with end-of-life issues, both physical and emotional
Spiritual issues
Dealing with guilt in regards to leaving other’s behind after death
Forgiving or confronting those who are to blame for the mesothelioma diagnosis
Many patients find counseling to be a godsend, so consider partaking of this option, whether you’re the patient or the caregiver. Ask your care team to recommend a counselor or psychologist if you can’t find one on your own and check with your insurance company to determine coverage for this service.
Back as far as the days of the Holy Roman Empire, individuals thought asbestos to be a “miracle mineral”. Legend has it that the Emperor Nero used tablecloths woven from asbestos at his lavish parties, simply throwing the cloths in the fire at the end of the night, where – amazingly – they would become clean but would not be consumed.
But even back then, historian Pliny the Elder made public his concerns about the slaves who worked in the asbestos mines of old, noting how many became horrendously ill and how many died at a very young age. As a matter of fact, after working in the mines himself, he encouraged others not to hire slaves who had been miners, citing their poor health and inability to work.
Skip several centuries and you reach the Industrial Revolution, which had workers around the world flocking to newly-minted factories that made all sorts of wondrous products. These factories made rampant use of asbestos-containing materials, intent to avoid fires by using this miracle mineral, which was the best fire-resistant substance known to man. It wasn’t long, however, before doctors of the 19th and early 20th centuries began to make the same connections as Pliny the Elder did centuries before. As early as the first decade of the 1900s, one can find documented cases of asbestos-related diseases among factory workers. Shortly thereafter, doctors gave the disease the name “asbestosis” because of its likely cause.
When the U.S. entered World War II, asbestos exposure was about to reach an all-time high. Both men and women were soon employed in large numbers – both as military and civilian workers – in the nation’s shipyards, airplane manufacturing facilities, and munitions factories. All of those workplaces were filled with asbestos and workers were exposed on a daily basis. Shipbuilders suffered the most, often working to repair damaged ships full of asbestos in a hurry, intent on getting them back in commission. Hence, shortcuts were taken and little or nothing was done to protect workers from inhalation of dangerous fibers.
Through the decades, a variety of other industries used asbestos-containing products of all sorts. Those who were affected may have worked in the jobs listed below.
• Mechanics and other automotive repair personnel
• Power plant workers
• Railroad employees
• Construction workers/contractors
• Miners
• Steel mill employees
• Oil refinery workers
• Asbestos product manufacturers
On and after September 11, 2001, a whole new breed of worker suffered serious asbestos exposure – namely, the firefighters, police, and emergency responders who helped with search and rescue and clean-up of the World Trade Center site, wading through tons and tons of toxic debris. The exposure was so severe that the first death from asbestos-caused mesothelioma was reported in 2004. EMS Deborah Reeve, age 41, died that year of a disease that normally takes decades to develop.1
What job caused your asbestos exposure? Could it have been avoided? Were you warned about the risks by an employer or manager?
Remember, it’s been centuries since the dangers of asbestos became evident yet factory owners and employers continued to make use of the material until the late 1970s with little or no regard for the health of their workers. If you’ve been sickened by asbestos, you may be able to obtain compensation for your suffering. Don’t hesitate to gather more information about your rights by contacting an experienced asbestos attorney.
Mesothelioma victims – Ask any oncologist to list the most-difficult-to-treat cancers and there’s no doubt that mesothelioma will be on the top of most – if not all – of their lists. It’s a frustrating disease that has doctors wringing their hands and wishing they could do more.
A well-trained firefighter is taught, first and foremost, to respect a fire. He/she is well educated in the important ins and outs of fighting a blaze. Safety is number one, firefighters are told, though we are all familiar with stories about hero firefighters who defy those flames to save a trapped individual or perhaps even a family dog or cat.
Are you a car guy…or girl? Many Americans are gaga over their automobiles. Some collect them. Others make a habit of buying old ones and rebuilding or repairing them so that they’re good as new.
America changed in the 1800s. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, which historians say began in about 1830 and spread out over the next century or so, production of goods moved from home businesses to factories where machines now aided in the manufacture of countless products that supported the growth of America and would transform the lives of Americans from coast to coast.
