Mesothelioma Life Span – Over the years, many advances have been made in the treatment of cancer. Some forms of the disease are no longer an automatic death sentence, with new therapies showing much progress in regards to extending the life span of patients.
Mesothelioma
PPG Natrium Plant has an Ominous History
With 156 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) Company has experienced significant growth since its founding in 1883 by Captain John Ford and millionaire industrialist John Pitcairn, Jr. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, the corporation reported net sales of $15.4 billion in 2014 and ranks 190th on the Fortune 500 list.
Despite the company’s impressive 130-year history, its employees have not fared as well. PPG, a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, glass, and fiberglass, has exposed many workers to various toxins during their employment.
The products manufactured by PPG, such as paints and coatings, contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and glass and fiberglass also involve hazardous chemicals. Additionally, the production processes often exposed employees to asbestos-containing materials.
Asbestos was widely used from the early 20th century until the late 1970s, primarily as insulation for pipes, electrical wires, generators, boilers, and other high-temperature machinery. Its durability also led to its inclusion in cement, paint, pastes, wallboard, and many other products that PPG employees handled regularly.
Despite the U.S. government’s stern rulings on asbestos use in 1977, the removal of asbestos from workplaces came too late for many employees, including those at PPG. By the late 20th century, workers were being diagnosed with severe respiratory issues, ranging from minor lung scarring to asbestosis and mesothelioma—a cancer with a grim prognosis, with only a single-digit percentage of patients surviving five years post-diagnosis.
Pittsburgh Plate Glass also holds a 50 percent interest in Pittsburgh Corning Corporation, where workers similarly suffered from asbestos exposure. In 2013, as part of a bankruptcy reorganization plan, PPG and its insurers agreed to fund a trust with hundreds of millions of dollars to resolve all future personal injury claims against PPG for asbestos exposure from products associated with Pittsburgh Corning.
This situation highlights the extensive impact of asbestos exposure on Pittsburgh-area workers, while PPG continues to prosper. Unfortunately, mesothelioma sufferers face a bleak future, with their lives irrevocably altered by negligent asbestos exposure at work. These victims inhaled asbestos during their regular duties, without any warning about the health risks they faced.
If you were employed by PPG and now have mesothelioma, a local Pittsburgh-area attorney can help determine who is responsible for your pain and suffering. Schedule an appointment today to learn more and discover how you can obtain the compensation you and your family deserve.
Do you know someone who worked at PPG Natrium who is struggling with asbestos-caused cancer? Are you a former employee that’s been diagnosed with the disease?
Q: Was asbestos used at the PPG Natrium Plant?
A: Yes. Historical records and litigation show asbestos was present in pipe insulation, boilers, and other equipment.
Q: Can I file a claim if I never worked there but got sick?
A: Yes. If a family member brought asbestos home on their clothes, you may be eligible under take-home exposure claims.
Did you know that you might be eligible for compensation for this negligent exposure? An in-depth consultation with an experienced local attorney can help you determine your legal rights. Schedule one today for more detailed information.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Lee Davis is here to help. With his expertise, dedication, and compassionate approach, he is committed to fighting for the rights of mesothelioma victims and their families, seeking justice and fair compensation. Contact Lee Davis today directly at 412-781-0525 for a confidential consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your future.
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and complicated disease. It’s a diagnosis that oncologists don’t like giving and one that individuals dread. It’s a form of cancer that, though rare, has impacted so many lives in the United States and beyond, especially since – in most cases – the development of the disease could have been avoided if companies had stopped using asbestos as soon as concerns about the mineral were brought forth.
Mesothelioma Survival Rate
A cancer diagnosis is always frightening, but for those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the diagnosis is even more alarming because of the short life expectancy associated with the disease. While it’s true that some new therapies have resulted in slight improvements in prognosis, mesothelioma remains one of the most lethal forms of cancer, with few real strides being made within the last several decades of research.
Asbestos Woes at Kanawha River Power Plant
Coal has always been a huge commodity in West Virginia and, as such, coal-fired power plants have been abundant in the region. One of those plants is the Kanawha River Power Plant, located near the town of Glasgow and just recently shuttered after more than 60 years of operation.
U.S. Steel Mesothelioma Lawsuits Common Throughout the Country
In Pittsburgh, U.S. Steel was once a big deal. Founded in 1901 when three different steel companies merged, it was the first billion dollar corporation in the U.S. and it made lots of money for its owners and executives. Thousands upon thousands of individuals throughout the United States and in Canada and Central Europe have been employed by U.S. Steel (formerly USX) and the company’s massive tower still dominates Pittsburgh’s skyline, housing just a fraction of the employees that once made up the city’s U.S. Steel workforce.
Former Appalachian Electric Power Company Workers Get Mesothelioma
Most of us don’t think twice about who to thank when our light switches power up our favorite lamps or when we feel warm in the winter or cool in summers. Though we pay our utility bill each month and sometimes cringe at the amount on the “due” line, we rarely consider just what it takes to make life so convenient for the average American.
Asbestos Use Sparks Rise in Ohio Mesothelioma Cases
Working at a power company has its risks. That’s obvious. When one considers a job at a power plant, the first thing that comes to mind as far as safety is concerned is the chance for accidents that might involve fires, burns, or even electrocution.
South Charleston West Virginia Mesothelioma
When the first petrochemical plant came to West Virginia in 1920, the locals found themselves on the cutting edge of this newfangled industry. Union Carbide had chosen Clendenin, West Virginia for this honor…and the people rejoiced.
Five years later, when the plant’s needs grew so large that they had to relocate, operations moved to South Charleston’s Blaine Island area adjacent to the Kanawha River, seemingly the ideal spot for a petrochemical company to do its thing and continue to expand.
Mesothelioma Among Senior Citizens
A cancer diagnosis is a blow at any age. For senior citizens, however, dealing with cancer is especially hard, particularly for those individuals who might be facing the multiple medical concerns that come with aging, including a host of other diseases and disorders.
Mesothelioma cancer, quite frequently, is diagnosed among those who would fall into the category of “senior” adults. This is because the disease possesses what is referred to as a long latency period; the time that passes between exposure to the mineral and the development of the disease can be quite lengthy, often as long as 50 years.
75% Of Mesothelioma Among Senior Citizens
That means many of the disease’s victims have progressed into their later years by the time the cancer is discovered. The American Cancer Society notes that the average age of diagnosis in 69 and estimates say about 75 percent of all cases are among senior adults. A large number of these individuals were probably exposed during service to the military while others were sickened due to occupational exposure. Many probably don’t even recall working with the material.
Nonetheless, mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to battle at any age and a diagnosis of this disease means a tough road ahead for the senior and his family members and friends.
The Day-to-Day Trials of the Disease
Seniors with mesothelioma, by the time they are diagnosed, have probably already begun to slow down and are most likely having a tough time with day-to-day responsibilities.
If the victim is working, he may need to cease employment. Because meso causes breathing problems and other symptoms that can be quite debilitating, even simple tasks begin to present a challenge, including shopping, cleaning, and maybe even taking a walk with friends. For seniors who’ve always been quite active, this change may cause a great deal of depression and anxiousness.
At this point, it is usually necessary for family members to play a more active role in the life of the mesothelioma patient. Sometimes family members choose to move in with their loved one or have their loved one move in with them. When that’s not possible, it’s often necessary to hire in-home help or assistance with things like getting to doctor’s appointments or treatments.
When the disease has progressed to end-stage and it’s difficult for the patient’s family to offer proper care on their own, the family members – along with the patient – will need to talk about hospice and other end-of-life issues. Usually, however, it’s a good idea to address these issues ahead of time so that it’s not necessary to make spur-of-the-moment decisions about care.
Financial Issues Associated with Mesothelioma
From diagnosis to treatment, mesothelioma is an extremely expensive disease. Medical bills pile up rapidly and can be overwhelming. Some seniors are fortunate enough to have retained good medical insurance – sometimes from a past employer – that will cover most of the costs of cancer treatment. However, others will need to turn to Medicare or Medicaid (which won’t cover everything) and may find themselves short when it comes to compiling funds to pay their astronomical medical bills.
Again, family members may need to enter the picture here and help with the bills. However, if that’s not possible, caregivers may need to spend time searching for resources that can help cover the cost of care. In many cases, victims and their families have chosen to file suit against those responsible for the asbestos exposure, hoping to gain compensation that will help pay for those exorbitant medical bills and make up for loss of income. This is a viable option, in many cases, and should be carefully considered.