Featured Post: What About that Bill in Congress? - tell your representatives to continue to stand fast against a proposal that only hurts the victims of asbestos.
Asbestos Exposure in Mechanics - New Study
There was a new study published in March in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene called “Asbestos Exposuures of Mechanics Performing Clutch Service on Motor Vehicles.”
The study looked at the historical asbestos exposures of mechanics that performed clutch services on vehicles. Chrysotile abestos was used in about 25-60 percent of brakes and manual transmission clutches for the majority of the past century.
See the journal here.
Mesothelioma video website an educational and inspirational resource
Check out the Mesothelioma Video Library at www.mesovideolibrary.com. It has a wealth of information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure. Some highlights from the site you may find useful:
Medical expert interviews with mesothelioma nurse practitioner Mary Hesdorffer.
Videos about pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, finding a mesothelioma doctor and more.
True stories from people affected by mesothelioma.
Asbestos on Campus
Here’s a recent story that shows just how widespread the asbestos threat remains.
California State University is the latest victim as contamination has been detected in 21 buildings.
What’s particularly interesting, and a little disturbing, is that the unversity newspaper broke the story. Big congratulations to the Daily Sundial for doing so, but where were the other watchdogs who should have known about it already?
If you live in California, this is a really good time to contact your elected officials and ask what they’re doing about it. Ask your Congressional representatives if they’re supporting any and all current legislation to prevent future contamination and help victims.
Tell them how concerned you are after reading this
Bad News From Down Under
Recent scientific reports from Australia paint an extremely disturbing picture.
It is now very possible that current predictions of future asbestos-related disease are way too low, according to an epidemiologist from The Australian National University.
For example, the future incidence of mesothelioma may be 35% higher than what has been thought.
It also means that over 6000 new cases could be showing up as late as 2017. Read more here
Comment [1]
An Excellent Idea
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is lobbying the United States Senate to unanimously pass Senate Resolution 108 that would designate the first week of April as “National Asbestos Awareness Week.”
Too many Americans are still suffering and dying from asbestos and mesolthelioma. A declaration by the Senate would offer a strong show of concern and support.
Please email both your senators and ask them to support the measure.
The ADAO does admirable work on behalf of asbestos victims, reminding us, for example, that asbestosis and mesothelioma are not the only devastating diseases that arise from exposure.
Support Their Efforts!
Did you know that many imported brake pads still use asbestos? You may have a time bomb ticking in your own car.
Fortunately, there are still voices in Congress calling for a total ban of asbestos.
Do you know who Sue Vento is? Her husband was a congressman from Minnesota who died of mesothelioma in 2000. She is calling for new legislation that will, at the very least, “correct the mistaken belief held by so many that asbestos was banned decades ago.’’
Sen. Patty Murray from Washington state has stepped up to the plate in support of Ms. Vento’s campaign. Thank you!
Then call or write your own congressional representatives and urge them to support this life-saving legislation.
Are You Near Leeds?
If you live anywhere near Leeds in the UK, mark Tuesday, February 27 on your calendar.
February 27 is Action Mesothelioma Day. Mesothelioma support and awareness groups will be at Dortmund Square at 12.30pm.
400 red balloons and 100 black balloons will be released to commemorate those who have sufferred and died.
Avril Jackson, the widow of a clergyman who died of mesothelioma, will lead the observances.
Please show up if you can. It will mean a lot.
New Hope for Mesothelioma Victims
While not a cure, a new diagnostics test could represent a major milestone in the management of mesothelioma. The test may allow doctors to more accurately monitor patients for treatment.
Physicians are guarded in their optimism, but they have reasonable hope that the breakthrough can improve survival rates and enhance quality of life for those who suffer from this work-related disease.
If you suffer from mesothelioma, read this. Then ask your doctors about this recent development.
Comment [1]
Don't You Believe It
You probably know by now that—even while they’re sponsoring look-good anti-smoking campaigns in the U.S.—major tobacco companies have accelerated cigarette production and distribution in other countries, especially poorer countries.
You may have heard one of their excuses. They say they are preserving jobs for nations that sorely need them. And they warn that recent job cuts are all because of anti-smoking initiatives by governments in places like South Africa.
They’re lying.
A South African economist took a look at employment patterns in his country. Lo and behold, he found that the tobacco companies were eliminating jobs long before the government introduced tobacco control legislation. Here’s the whole story.
Rest in Peace
The awful saga of asbestos and mesothelioma has very few heroes.
To be sure, there are plenty of villains. And, of course, no end of victims—no end in sight.
Among the few heroes, Lee Skramstad stands out. He was a vigorous advocate for his community and for his fellow victims everywhere.
Mr. Skramstad died on January 21, 2007. Read more about him here.
