Asbestos Removal

There are over 3,000 manufactured products that are known to contain asbestos. Recent reports estimate that over 30 million homes and commercial buildings within the United States alone contain som>e type of asbestos-containing product. The only way to truly remove the threat of asbestos exposure and its dangerous health effects is to remove all asbestos from the premises.

Products containing asbestos should only be handled by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Removing asbestos materials in your own home is strongly discouraged. In most cases, asbestos must be removed entirely, but in other cases asbestos abatement may be accomplished through encasement or encapsulation. The process depends on the location of asbestos and the amount of asbestos present, among other factors.
Why Test for Asbestos?

Asbestos is highly toxic and was widely used in a large number of building materials including flooring, ceiling tiles, insulation, cements, joint compound and more. It is important, therefore to test for the presence of asbestos before initiating any building repairs or improvements on structures that were built prior to 1980. Not doing so can put you and others in the immediate vicinity at risk for inhaling airborne asbestos fibers during the repair or renovation. Asbestos has causal links to mesothelioma, a type of asbestos cancer.
The Role of an Asbestos Consultant

An asbestos consultant is certified to perform accredited testing for asbestos. They are also equipped to make recommendations for the safe removal or containment of asbestos containing material and can monitor and certify the success of the work of an asbestos removal contractor.
The Role of an Asbestos Removal Contractor

Asbestos removal is typically required before an older building is demolished, prior to any maintenance or renovation that could disturb asbestos containing materials or when asbestos containing materials are damaged. An asbestos removal contractor will determine whether and HSE (Health and Safety Executive) license is required for the job. This type of license is usually necessary when there is a high probability that asbestos fibers will be released into the air during the scheduled work. The removal contractor will assess what is required for removal, perform the removal work and dispose of the hazardous material.

There are stringent requirements set by federal, state, and local authorities regarding the methods for asbestos handling, removal, and disposal. The asbestos removal regulations vary state-by-state so it is important to ensure that the hired removal professional is fully in compliance with all state laws and regulations.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. Smoking does not have a direct causal relationship with mesothelioma but is a significant compounding factor and increases the chances of developing the disease. Other less common secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and erionite. We discuss each of these risk factors in more detail below. Please click on the links to learn more about each mesothelioma risk factor.

Exposure to Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was favored by builders and contractors for many years for its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning. Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans have experienced serious exposure to this harmful substance.

Smoking and Mesothelioma

Smoking alone is not linked to mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing asbestos lung cancer (as much as fifty to ninety percent higher) and as much as double the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Less Common Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Radiation

Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has reported links to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The use of Thorotrast has been discontinued for many years due to this discovery.

Zeolite

Some mesothelioma cases in the Anatoli region within Turkey have been linked to Zeolite, a silica based mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos found in the soil there.

Simian Virus 40 (SV40)

Some scientists have found the simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells from humans and have been able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear, however, and further research is being conducted to gain clarity on this potential link.

Erionite Exposure

Erionite is a naturally occurring mineral that possesses properties that are very similar to those of asbestos. There have been several documented cases of mesothelioma in indivuduals living near large erionite deposits.

Carbon Nanotubes

Researchers continue to evaluate nanotube exposure as a possible risk factor for mesothelioma even though scientists have not expressed immediate concern.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

How do medical professionals diagnose mesothelioma?

If you believe that you may have mesothelioma, a qualified medical professional will use a variety of diagnostic tests and methods to confirm the presence of the disease.

The first step that mesothelioma doctors will take in evaluating an asbestos related disease is to obtain a full medical history to determine the level and severity of mesothelioma risk factors and presenting mesothelioma symptoms. This interview will look consider among other things, where asbestos exposure occurred, the length of exposure and the amount of asbestos that you were exposed to.

In addition, he/she will perform a medical exam to look for signs and symptoms of various types of mesothelioma. For example, if pleural mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will look for fluid in the chest, peritoneal mesothelioma often shows fluid in the abdomen and pericardial mesothelioma presents with fluid in the area of the heart.

Diagnostic Tests

Imaging Scans

Diagnostic image tests like x-rays, CT scans and MRI's are useful in obtaining more information about the cancer including how far it is progressed. Each method provides another piece of information for your doctor to assist him/her in making an accurate diagnosis. Chest x-rays are used to identify abnormalities in the lungs including unusual thickening, mineral deposits and fluid in the chest area. CT scans are capable of providing images of the same location from many different angles. MRI technology uses magnetic fields rather than x-ray to provide additional views.

Biopsies

A biopsy is an important diagnostic procedure recommended by doctors for patients presenting with signs and symptoms of mesothelioma that have a history of asbestos exposure. Fine needle aspiration is the less invasive type of biopsy that can be performed. More invasive surgical biopsies are recommended if results from a needle biopsy are inconclusive or if a needle biopsy is not recommended for medical reasons.

Mesothelioma Lawyers - Your Best Defense Against This Form of Cancer

They say that those diagnosed with the cancer known as Mesothelioma don't have any cure as such. This is not entirely true, as they still do have a lot of options to look forward to. One of the best ways to tackle this condition would probably be by opting in for Mesothelioma lawyers. These guys will help ensure that you are going to get compensated handsomely for suffering with this ailment.

Considering how painful it can be, it is highly recommended that you do try this option out and see for yourself as to the different ways you stand to gain from it.

Fighting for every last penny

There are a number of passionate Mesothelioma lawyers out there that are going to fight on your behalf for every single cent. Hence, it is important to ensure that you are able to get someone to fight out the battles for you and get the money that is rightfully yours. Even if you are not feeling your best, having someone fighting on your behalf is important and helps ensure that you do get a lot of benefits. This alone is worth looking into and perhaps might be reason enough to consider them.

Taking money after providing service

Unlike certain other kinds of lawyers, the competent Mesothelioma lawyers will only seek compensation once they have rendered truly useful service. Hence, if you don't stand to gain a substantial amount of money, you might not even have to pay much for the services rendered. For those that are worried about the amount of money lost in hiring this kind of legal services, it is worth knowing more about these lawyers. You don't really have to part with a lot of your money after all.

Protecting you in the best possible way

The law is quite deep regarding Mesothelioma and hence, having lawyers that can make total sense of it for you are highly recommended. In this manner, you will be able to get the Mesothelioma lawyers protect you to the maximum degree while fighting it out in court. You don't have to be okay with a paltry amount of money that might be offered to you. Hence, this should make for a strong reason to opt in for these lawyers. If in the past you hadn't considered these guys, you might change your mind about them if you see how effective they are at their job.

All these reasons plus a lot more are why you would want to consider mesothelioma lawyers to help you out. You shouldn't simply lose hope and decide to fight it out on your own. If their price intimidates you, perhaps you can have an arrangement to pay in installments. Hence, don't delay any more and seek the right kind of legal help that can help improve your situation. Keep in mind that these lawyers work hard to ensure that you get what is legally yours. The kind of enthusiasm and passion they work with is sure to uplift the spirits of those diagnosed with this condition.

Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms

Stomach or abdominal symptoms are often experienced by patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is a cancer of the peritoneal cells that line the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are insidious and often tend to be confused for symptoms of more common, and often more benign, abdominal conditions. Peritoneal mesothelioma therefore may go undiagnosed until it is fairly advanced and resistant to treatment.

Common abdominal symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. An abdominal lump or swelling may be present. Such a lump or swelling may obstruct the bowel, causing constipation. Fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity, causing distension and bloating. This collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity is called ascites, and is also seen in people with liver disease. The fluid is often drained to relieve symptoms of bloating and distension; excessive fluid collection may hamper normal breathing. The collection of fluid in the abdomen, and the pressure of a cancerous growth, may impede the return of blood flow from the legs, leading to swollen feet. Such swelling of the extremities is also seen in kidney disease and pregnancy.

Some recent studies have shown a transient reduction in tumor mass and fluid collection following the introduction of certain substances into the abdominal cavity; however, these effects have been shown on a small number of patients and are being researched further.

Abdominal pain in peritoneal mesothelioma may be caused by the pressure on organs and nerves exerted by a growing tumor, by distension of the bowel, or by infiltration of adjacent tissues and organs by cancerous cells. Narcotic pain-relieving drugs or radiotherapy may be used to relieve severe pain. Abdominal symptoms and the systemic effects of cancer can cause severe weight loss in people with peritoneal mesothelioma. Fever and fatigue are also common.

People Who Died of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer typically caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos becomes trapped in the mesothelium, which is the lining of such vital internal organs as the lung, stomach, and heart. It can become cancerous over time, when it is known as mesothelioma. Numerous celebrities and other notable people have died from this disease.

Steve McQueen, a famous American actor principally from the 1960s and 1970s was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in December 1979. The peritoneum is the lining of the stomach. His mesothelioma was at such an advanced stage that U.S. doctors declined to offer McQueen surgery or chemotherapy due to the risk involved. As a result, Mr. McQueen sought treatment in Mexico.

Despite the risks involved in the procedure, McQueen underwent surgery in Juarez, Mexico to remove a large tumor in his abdomen. McQueen died of a heart attack the day following the surgery on November 7, 1980. McQueen attributed his asbestos exposure to the removing of asbestos lagging from pipes aboard a ship while in the Marines.

In 2006, film and television actor Paul Gleason died of pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Gleason played a supporting role in several blockbuster movies from the 1980s including Trading Places, The Breakfast Club, and Die Hard. Gleason believed he got mesothelioma from asbestos exposure while working on building sites when he was young.

More recently, Merlin Olsen, a Professional Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman, actor, and television football commentator died of pleural mesothelioma on March 11, 2010. Olsen was diagnosed in 2009 in the later stages of the disease. He underwent three courses of chemotherapy before his passing.

Olsen filed a lawsuit in December 2009 against NBC Studios, NBC Universal, and 20th Century Fox claiming they exposed him to asbestos, which caused his mesothelioma. Olsen also named Sherwin Williams and Lennox Industries in the suit, as he had worked at a job involving drywall when he was young.

How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?

The dangers of exposure to asbestos dust are well documented with tens of thousands of people stricken ill with Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and related diseases. For many years, unsuspecting homeowners and workers worked with and lived around free, friable asbestos without with no knowledge of the dangerous and often deadly harm that breathing in even relatively small amounts of asbestos dust could do. A frequently asked question then among many that believe that they had at least some exposure to asbestos dust is just how much asbestos exposure will cause you to get sick or even worse cause cancer?

The first thing to know about asbestos exposure is that ill effects from this exposure have a long latency period. It is not unusual for someone exposed to asbestos to not develop mesothelioma for 25-40 years after exposure. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the Mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's protective organs. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in become lodged in the linings of the lungs and eventually cause the cells to mutate and become cancerous. About 70-80% of Mesothelioma cases are estimated to be caused by various degrees of asbestos exposure.

The amount of exposure that causes disease in people is up for debate. While there are many cases of factory or other workers that have had heavy exposure to free, friable exposure for many years developing disease, there are also cases where exposure has been as short as several months or just a few weeks. Intensity of exposure is most likely as relevant as length of time. If you think you were exposed to asbestos dust it is a good idea to write down as much as can be remembered as to length of time, intensity, where and how you were exposed. Frequently asbestos litigation can be pursued if you can prove you worked in an industry or work setting or lived in an environment where there was exposed friable asbestos that affected you.

One of the reasons it is so important to document as much as possible how much asbestos exposure you might have had is because the disease of Mesothelioma is notoriously hard to detect and quite often is mistaken for other cancers. It is important to detect the initial signs of asbestos disease both to receive early treatment as well as to clearly identify the cause for possible litigation later. The two primary types of Mesothelioma are Pleural (chest) and Peritoneal (abdominal). In Pleural a lung's membrane will thicken a fluid will collect. Both of these cause difficulty in the contractions of the lungs and make breathing difficult. In Peritoneal similar symptoms appear but around the abdominal region leading to fluid accumulation and pain in the area.