April 28th is Workers Memorial Day, a day for people worldwide to remember those who have been injured or killed as a result of a workplace accident, as well as those who have died as a result of an illness caused by occupational exposure to asbestos, mercury, and other poisons.

“When you see an unsafe situation, don’t ignore it,” he cautions. “Report any hazards immediately.”

Falls from heights tend to cause a great number of occupational injuries, but exposure to certain contaminants is also cause for concern for workers in certain industries, including construction workers, members of the military, firefighters and first responders, and even teachers. Exposure to asbestos, a carcinogen found in thousands of consumer products like insulation and drywall, occurs all too often in the workplace.

Exposure to asbestos may lead to the development of a fatal form of cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 individuals per year but has no cure and is particularly aggressive. Palliative treatment measures like chemotherapy are often effective, but only for a short time.

McGrath believes that by remembering those who have lost the ability to work – or, their lives – due to an occupational incident, various industries can strengthen their commitment to workplace safety.

“No one should have to end up a statistic,” he said.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a lining that surrounds the heart, lungs and abdominal cavity. The major cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, and in particular the blue ‘crocidolite’ and brown ‘amosite’ types of asbestos. The asbestos particles, once they have been breathed in, act like tiny needles that work their way into the lung tissue and out into the outer layer surrounding the lungs, the mesothelium. Although how it happens it not presently understood by medical researchers, the presence of asbestos in this area causes cells to mutate, and the cancer to form. Changes to the immune system due to the presence of the asbestos particles may play a role in the formation of the cancer, but more research is needed to fully understand its cause.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that often has a long latency period before the symptoms become apparent. What this has meant in the past is that once the cancer is discovered, it is often in latter stages of development, making it harder to treat the cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments were given to help relieve pain, but recovery levels were not high.

Treatments

Japanese researchers working to change that have developed a new blood test. Earlier detection is possible with the Mesomark test, which looks for protein markers that are often tied to cancers. This test may make it possible to stop this disease with surgical procedures in the early stages, and offers hope for a higher success rate.

Physicians and researchers have also examined the steps a long-time mesothelioma cancer survivor, Paul Kraus, has taken to live with this disease for going on 14 years. Although the treatments he partakes in are considered alternative, they have worked effectively for him to keep the cancer in check. In addition to oxygen treatments, he also eats a nutrient-rich vegetarian diet, many vitamin supplements, and prays and meditates. He has ozone, which is a form of oxygen, injected into his blood, to form an environment where the cancer cells do not thrive. Because oxygen can cause damage to healthy cells, he counters this effect with anti-oxidants in the foods he eats. Anti-oxidants are also supposed to keep cancers at bay.

There are also new treatments that, while currently considered experimental, may provide an effective cure after further testing and research are conducted. Dr. Stephen Cantrell, as reported in Medical News Today, has combined a protein used by the immune system called interferon with cholesterol-lowering medication in a regimen called “Neo-Plas. It is thought that killer cells are activated by the interferon, and thus may help by going after the cancer cells. Early results are hopeful that this may provide a potential cure for mesothelioma.

Sources

Kraus, Paul. Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient’s Guide. (Raleigh: Cancer Monthly, 2005)

McCabe, Edward. O2xygen Therapies: A New Way Of Approaching Disease. (Energy Publications, 1988).

Staff. “Boysenberries Seen to Impede Asbestos-Induced Mesothelioma”. Environmental Health News, 8 February 2007.

Staff. “New Cancer Treatment Stops Aggressive Sarcomas.” Medical News Today, 28 February 2008.

Detection of Cancer

Malignant cancer cells are present in conjunction with protein markers. Patients who have been exposed to asbestos in the past also show higher levels of osteopontin protein, as reported in a New England Journal of Medicine 2005 article, a promising new bit of understanding about this form of cancer. Japanese researchers have also developed a new tool to detect mesothelioma in the earliest stages, when surgery could provide a superior treatment. This diagnostic tool is the Mesomark®.

Traditional Treatments

Chemotherapy and radiation are typical treatments used for many types of cancer, including mesothelioma. However, the Japan Journal of Clinical Oncology reported in 1998 that a 71-year old woman with peritoneal, or abdominal, mesothelioma was given cisplatin and tegafur-uracil, two common chemotherapy drugs. This caused the patient to go into complete remission.

Adjuvant radiation therapy, which is a therapy applied after surgery, helps to reduce the recurrence of cancer, according to a study held at Sloan-Kettering. The type of radiation therapy often used is known as EBRT, or External beam radiation therapy.

Alternative Treatments

Paul Kraus, a patient who has stopped the progression of his mesothelioma for fourteen years as of 2009, has done so through oxygen therapy, as well as diet and meditation. The oxygen therapy is based on evidence showing that cancer cells grow in a low-oxygen environment, so by increasing the oxygen it has helped to slow the disease.

Dr. William Coley developed a different treatment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He injected strep throat bacteria into a patient with cancer, and this caused the patient’s own immune system to kick in, with the result that the cancer cells went into remission.

In the 1980s, Dr. Demetrio Sodi-Pallares, a Mexican electrocardiologist, determined that by changing the diet and using a magnetic pulsating mattress of a patient with pleural, or lung, mesothelioma, that the patient’s effusions eventually disappeared. Unfortunately, the doctor’s work has not been paid much attention in the United States.

Remission with No Outside Treatment

Although unusual, there has been a case reported of spontaneous remission of mesothelioma in Australia. The 61-year old woman, a patient of Dr. Roger K. Allen of the Wesley Medical Centre, went into a rapid remission. The physician suggests that what caused the remission was the patient’s own immune system as well as “cell-mediated immunity.” Further study may lead to immunotherapy as a method of treatment leading to the remission of this type of cancer.

Sources

Allen, Roger K. “Apparent Spontaneous Complete Regression of a Multifocal Malignant Mesothelioma of the Pleura.” The Medical Journal of Australia, 2007.

Ito, H, et. al. “A Case Of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma Showed Complete Remission With Chemotherapy.” Japan Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28 Feb 1998.

Kraus, Paul. Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient’s Guide. (Raleigh: Cancer Monthly, 2005)

Lüderitz, Berndt, and Augustin Castellanos, eds. “History: Demetrio Sodi-Pallares (1913-2003). Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, 2004.

Pain, Stephanie. “Dr. Coley’s Famous Fever.” New Scientist, 2 November 2002.

Rusch, VW, et. al. “A Phase II Trial Of Surgical Resection and Adjuvant High-Dose Hemithoracic Radiation For Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.” Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2001.

Malignant mesothelioma often has a long period of latency, in fact the longest of the asbestos-related diseases, before a diagnosis occurs in people. Diagnosis happens by physicians when the disease becomes apparent, but latency refers to the length of time it takes from being exposed to asbestos until the time when the disease becomes apparent in a clinical examination. Latency can be as short as 10 years or as long as 50, but the average length of latency for malignant mesothelioma is 35 to 40 years between exposure and diagnosis.

A shorter latency period may occur if a patient has had a higher exposure to asbestos. Many of the people who have a short latency period were exposed to asbestos on the job; this is especially true of people with occupations in shipyards as well as the asbestos and insulation industries.

The typical long latency period of this disease is a contributing factor to its poor prognosis. Most cancers respond much better if they are caught early in their development. Because mesothelioma remains under the surface for typically many years, it is often quite advanced once a diagnosis is made.

Forms of Mesothelioma

The different types of mesothelioma are named based on the parts of the body in which the disease occurs. The three primary mesotheliomas are:

• Peritoneal mesothelioma
• Pleural mesothelioma
• Pericardial mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdomen, while Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lungs. Pericardial mesothelioma happens in the area of the heart. Where the cancer occurs may also play a part in the latency period; a study showed that 28 years was the average latency period for peritoneal mesothelioma with an average asbestos exposure duration of 5 years, and 35 years latency period with 11 years exposure duration for pleural mesothelioma, but exposure duration could vary widely.

Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos while on the job appears to be the major cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos was widely used in the United States in the 1960s, and thus the disease tends to become most apparent 30 to 40 years after this, so perhaps the peak of diagnoses in the U.S. will have been between 2000 and 2004. Because laws on exposure to harmful elements while on the job were put into place, it is expected that these statistics will not be on the rise. Australia and Europe may see a peak in 2010 to 2019, and it remains to be seen what will occur in third world countries without the benefit of strong occupational hazard laws in place.

The Future

These statistics may be in flux, however, for several reasons. They include:

• better health care and better food, people are living longer after retirement
• better occupational exposure regulations, workers are no longer exposed to high levels of asbestos
• better occupational exposure regulations, workers are no longer exposed to high levels of asbestos
• Fewer cases of bronchogenic cancer, which may be fatal in workers exposed to asbestos, before the mesothelioma has made a physical impact

Due to these factors, we may see more cases of new-onset mesothelioma.

Secondary or limited exposure to asbestos is a contributing factor to the difficulty encountered when trying to figure out exactly when asbestos exposure occurred. However, one of the consequences of the World Trade Center disaster may help researchers to better understand this disease. Because rescue, cleanup, recovery and volunteer personnel were exposed to asbestos along with other airborne contaminants, long-term studies of these people are under way, which may assist researchers in gaining more knowledge about this serious disease.

Sources

Neumann V, Gunther, S., Muller, K.M., Fischer, J. Malignant Mesothelioma – German Mesothelioma Register 1987-1999. International Archives Of Occupational And Environmental Health. 2001 August. Vol. 74 (6), pp. 383-95.

Varan, A. et al. Malignant Mesothelioma in an Adolescent Boy. Pediatrics International. 1999 Dec. Vol 41 (6), pp. 693-695.

Chahinian, A.P., Pajak, T.F., Holland, J.F. Norton, L., Ambinder, R.M., and Mandel, E.M. Diffuse Malignant Mesothelioma: Prospective Evaluation of 69 Patients. Annals of Internal Medicine. 1982 June. Vol 96 (6 Pt 1), pp. 746-55.

Robinson, B.W., Lake, R.A. Advances in Malignant Mesothelioma. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2005 Oct. Vol 353 (15), pp 1591-603.

Ohar, J., Sterling, D., Bleecker, E., Donohue, J. Changing Patterns in Asbestos-Induced Lung Disease. Chest. 2004 Feb. Vol 125 (2) , pp 744-53.

Landrigan, P.J. et al. Health and Environmental Consequences of the World Trade Center Disaster. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2004 May. Vol 112 (6), pp 731-9.

The U.S. Fire Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have announced a joint effort to study what may be elevated rates of cancer development in firefighters. As firefighters are often exposed to smoke, ash, and even asbestos from older buildings during fires, they may face an elevated risk of developing certain cancers. The study will take data from 18,000 current and retired career firefighters.

NIOSH is a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, “asbestos exposure is by far the leading cause of malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Men accounted for 80.3% of the deaths from malignant mesothelioma, and white U.S. residents accounted for 94.8% of these deaths. [Occupations with the] highest proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) for malignant mesothelioma…were plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters; electricians; and elementary school teachers.”

During the course of their duties, a firefighter will be exposed to numerous substances that have been classified by NIOSH as “potential occupational carcinogens” or by the National Toxicology Program as “known human carcinogens” or “substances reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens”. In addition to asbestos, these substances might include items like hydrocarbons or formaldehyde.

In Cooke County, Texas, the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce building has been a mainstay of the community for over five decades. Now, however, it has been announced that Gainesville officials plan to tear down the aging building in order to make way for new development and economic opportunities. The building, which is home not only the Chamber of Commerce but also the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation, must be torn down.

But tearing down the old building will be both costly and time-consuming. Crews of workers are currently abating carcinogenic asbestos fibers from the site. Asbestos must be removed prior to demolition in order to prevent asbestos dust from becoming airborne. Asbestos exposure is conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and has no known cure. The disease typically lies dormant for up to fifty, but the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years after developing symptoms and being diagnosed.

Once the building is demolished, officials say the property has great potential. “It is a gateway o the city so we feel there is some real value there,” said Kent Sharp with the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation. “We have had overwhelmingly positive comments from citizens and visitors, so we feel like this is a successful project,” Sharp added.

April 28 is Worker’s Memorial Day, a day that honors fallen workers in the United States, and has been observed every year since 1971, when the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established. According to the West Virginia branch of the AFL-CIO union, since OSHA was created, “job fatalities, injuries and illnesses have been reduced significantly as have exposures to toxic substances such as asbestos, lead, benzene and cotton dust.”

Asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that most often damages the lungs. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, many of whom were employed in industries like shipbuilding, plumbing, construction, and other similar fields. Work-related asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma later in life, and there is often a latency period of between 10 and 50 years before mesothelioma symptoms appear. Sadly, the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years following diagnosis.

While OSHA regulations have saved thousands of lives over the years, many workers still die from asbestos-related ailments, as other work related incidents.

“As vividly demonstrated by worker safety disasters that recently occurred, too many workers remain at risk, and face death, injury or disease as a result of their jobs,” the West Virginia AFL-CIO spokesperson said. “A workers’ right to have a safe work environment will require further workplace safety regulations and enforcement. It is our hope that Workers’ Memorial Day will help focus greater attention on workplace conditions and further our efforts to enact safety and health legislation.”

sourse

http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos_news_workers_memorial_day_4-25-2010.htm

However, officials plan to revoke the company’s license to practice asbestos removal within the borders of the state of Oregon. Able Contractors, based in Brush Prairie, Washington, is facing increased scrutiny after committing four violations of asbestos laws since 2001.

Numerous laws govern the handling, removal, and proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. This is due to the fact that asbestos exposure has been incontrovertibly and conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms. Sadly, the cancer often goes undiagnosed until the later stages, and most patients pass away within 24 months after being diagnosed.

Other health problems can be caused by asbestos exposure. Among these are asbestosis (a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs), various types of lung cancers, and scarring of the lining of the lung. While lung scarring may be benign, it can be an early warning sign of possible asbestos-related cancers that could develop later in life.

Able Contractors has until April 26 to appeal the proposed revocation. Last month, the company was penalized with $20,925 in fines. The fines were levied after an incident where the company failed to properly enclose the asbestos removal area.

sourse

http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos_news_able_contractors_or_4-21-2010.htm

The bridge is set to undergo renovations, but these renovations must wait until the asbestos has been removed, as renovations could potentially cause the asbestos on the bridge to become airborne, which could pose a public health risk. Several state and federal laws govern the handling, removal, and proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials. This is because asbestos exposure is linked to the development of mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer.

Mesothelioma is quite rare, and affects less than 3,000 Americans each year. The disease often lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms. Sadly, most patients pass away within 2 years after being diagnosed. Other health problems caused by asbestos exposure are asbestosis, lung cancers, and scarring of the lining of the lung (aka pleural plaques).

The asbestos removal project at the Waller Creek Bridge is expected to wrap up by April 29. In order to protect the public, part of the hike and bike trail around Lady Bird Lake near Red River and Rainey streets will be inaccessible. Updates regarding the project will be posted on the City of Austin’s website.

sourse

http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos_news_waller_creek_bridge_4-22-2010.htm

Mesothelioma can affect the lungs, lining of the heart, or the tissues of the abdominal cavity. While there are palliative treatment methods available, including chemo, there is no known cure for mesothelioma. The disease typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, and the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years following diagnosis.

It is thought the McLaren was exposed to the asbestos that ultimately caused the onset of his mesothelioma while renovating his fashion store several decades ago.

McLaren’s body was carried in a black coffin upon which the words “Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die” were inscribed.

Dame Vivienne Westwood, his former girlfriend, said: “I am very, very sad that, unbelievably, Malcolm is dead, and I just wanted to say on this cruel, cruel day… get a life, do something with it.”

Ben Westwood, McLaren’s son, told reporters: “He’s left us in the lurch like he did with a lot of people … by dying. He’s left us to make up the second half of the story ourselves like he did with his bedtime stories.”

sourse

http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos_news_malcom_mclaren_4-24-2010.htm