Mesothelioma Patient Gambles on Life, Wins Again

A mesothelioma patient who bet bookmakers he would outlive his doctor’s predictions collected his second round of winnings June 1, 2009. Jon Matthews received more than $8,000 yesterday, bringing his total winnings to more than $16,000 so far.

The 59-year-old Buckinghamshire, England resident was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April 2006 and even after undergoing a series of treatments including lung surgery, doctors told him not to make any plans for Christmas of that year.

The negative prognosis inspired Matthews to make a bet that he could live longer than the doctors thought. He placed a 50-1 accumulator bet with bookmakers William Hill and collected his first winnings in June 2008.

“I gave myself an incentive by placing a bet on how long I would outwit modern medicine. William Hill staff checked all the facts out before giving me odds,” Matthews stated. He stands to collect an additional $16,500 in June 2010 after placing a final bet at 100-1.

“In a way it’s a shame the bet is only valid for three years - because the way I feel right now I’m indestructible,” said Matthews. “These wins are a huge incentive to stay alive.”

A portion of the winnings will be donated to Macmillian Cancer Support, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with cancer.

“I know I’m going to die eventually and I have no real need for money, so it will mostly go to worthy causes,” he said. The rest of the money, however, will be spent having fun.

“Just because I’m dying, it doesn’t mean I can’t have fun,” explained Matthews. “I smoke 30 cigarettes a day, enjoy a pint and like the occasional flutter (small bet), especially when I’m winning,” he said. Matthews is also a theme park enthusiast who enjoys the thrill of a fast rollercoaster.

Matthews attributes his survival to an Indian doctor of homeopathy, stating herbal medicines have “not only changed, but prolonged my life.”

Graham Sharp, spokesman for William Hill said that although Matthews’ best request was very unusual, the bookmakers accepted when Matthews insisted it would give him an incentive to live.

“Never in 30 years in this business have I been so pleased to pay a winning client,” Sharp said.

Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma and the Effects of Asbestos Exposure

With the recent trial involving W.R. Grace & Company, the federal government and the citizens of Libby, Montana, the topic of asbestos-related illness is receiving additional national attention. There are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the United States and those numbers are expected to climb in the near future.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. In some cases though, reports have documented a small number of patients that have contracted the disease without ever being exposed to asbestos fibers.

Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This typically happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and release asbestos fibers into the air.

In the past, some of the more common locations for asbestos exposure (predominantly for men) have included the construction, shipyard, railroad, power plant, chemical plant, manufacturing, mining and automotive industries.

However, other indirect cases of asbestos exposure, known as secondary exposure, have affected the lives of women and children. Many of the men who worked with asbestos would unknowingly carry home asbestos fibers on their skin and clothes, exposing their wives, children and friends to the toxic mineral. To date, secondary exposure has been responsible for an impactful portion of malignant mesothelioma cases.

Diagnosing this disease can be an extremely difficult task, as many of the symptoms patients often experience will resemble those of minor and more common health conditions. In addition, the severe latency period associated with mesothelioma (usually ranging anywhere from 20 to 50 years) can allow the disease to progress to later stages of development by the time diagnosis occurs.

Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission have instilled strict regulations concerning asbestos, even though not all asbestos material is banned. Products that contain 1 percent or more asbestos fiber are considered to be asbestos-containing.

Those who suspect asbestos in their home or workplace should speak with an asbestos consultant. Approximately 80 percent of homes built before 1980 are likely to contain some amount of asbestos. It is important to note that if intact and stable, asbestos-containing materials generally do not pose a health threat as long as they are routinely checked for potential damage.

Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Asbestos Activist to Raise Mesothelioma Awareness by Cycling 1,200 Miles

An asbestos campaigner in Great Britain is preparing for a 1,200 mile bicycle journey in hopes of raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

Jason Addy, an activist with the organization Save Spodden Valley, hopes to raise money to be donated to the search for a cure for asbestos-related cancers. Addy will be joined by two friends and plans to cycle through parts of the country that have been greatly impacted by asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma.

The journey will begin in the town of Glasgow on June 20, 2009 and will conclude in Southampton on July 4. Addy says he cannot wait for the lengthy trip to begin.

“It will be tough going as we will be cycling up to 100 miles a day, but it is for a very important cause and promises to be a breathtaking journey to raise awareness of the legacy caused by asbestos,” Addy said.

Asbestos is a toxic mineral and was widely used throughout the 20th century in various products and industries. Although it is a naturally occurring substance, exposure to asbestos can be extremely dangerous. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can result in the development of serious illnesses, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and other forms of lung cancer.

Since mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, a mesothelioma diagnosis can be very difficult. In many cases, treatment is limited and prognosis is poor.

The high amount of mesothelioma cases in Great Britain has lead to many community projects created to promote awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Save Spodden Valley campaigners recently held a private meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown to discuss ways to educate the public and provide more funding for asbestos-related research.

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases remain at the top of all occupational illnesses in the United Kingdom, yet little research funding is dedicated to battle these preventable cancers.

Additional information about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma and may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma Symposium to be Held in Washington, D.C.

The 2009 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma will be held Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 in Washington, D.C. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The event is organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and will feature international mesothelioma experts, patients, advocates and caregivers.

The specialists participating in the three-day symposium will update attendees on the latest developments in treatment, research and clinical trials and each day covers a different topic.

Day one focuses on advocacy, noting the importance of communicating with federal leaders about the need for funding for mesothelioma research and the banning of asbestos use. The topic for day two is “Renewing the Spirit,” and will address support issues. The day also includes a series of roundtable discussions about a variety of topics ranging from nutrition to pain management. Day three will cover treatment.

The Celebration of Hope gala dinner will be held Friday evening to honor patients living with mesothelioma. Three annual awards will be given acknowledging a political leader, contributions made by a research company toward new mesothelioma treatment options and volunteer efforts by mesothelioma community members.

A tribute ceremony will be held the morning of the dinner to remember those who have passed away from mesothelioma. Attendees may submit a photograph and the name of a lost loved one for use on a tribute wall and in a picture collage during the ceremony.

“This conference is for everyone – patients, caregivers and family members, those who have lost a loved one, volunteers, advocates, and medical and scientific experts. Everyone struggling with this disease and everyone who cares about the mission to cure it will gain valuable medical information, coping skills, support, new friendships, and opportunities to make a real impact in the mission,” said the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s welcome letter for the symposium.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for mesothelioma through funding research, providing patient support services and participating in federal mesothelioma advocacy. Registration for the symposium may be completed at www.curemeso.org.

For additional information about mesothelioma please visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Asbestos Violations Result in Fines for Oregon City

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined the city of Central Point $815 for violating several asbestos-related regulations.

Though only a small amount of asbestos was found in the debris remaining from the demolition of a 100-year-old house in February 2009, the city was given three multipart citations for issues ranging from not informing employees of the potential presence of asbestos to not providing adequate training and clothing to workers handling asbestos-contaminated materials.

“Basically, they were supposed to have told the employees there was potentially asbestos there or that the material could have contained asbestos. They were then supposed to have actually tested for it before they started working,” said Oregon OSHA spokesperson Melanie Mesaros.

Asbestos exposure is a concern because serious health conditions may develop as a result of inhaling or ingesting toxic asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive cancer is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.

According to Public Works Director Bob Pierce, rules for the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and OSHA were reviewed prior to demolition by city officials who noted that the site was exempt from most regulations according to DEQ standards.

Employees involved in the demolition were instructed to sprinkle water over the site if dust was present. The site was also examined by a city building official who determined the structure was unlikely to contain asbestos-contaminated materials.

“The outcome was we made some mistakes and we fessed up to those and were fined $815,” stated Pierce. “We take our employee safety very seriously. We went out there thinking we had done everything the way it should have been done.”

Inspectors visited the site and found minimal debris remaining for testing as most had already been buried.

“They tested for three types of stuff — roofing, tile and linoleum — and one sample had less than 1 percent (asbestos). So we didn’t expose anybody to asbestos from what I can determine here, but there were other steps we should have taken,” Pierce added.

Pierce noted that the city will now utilize contractors for demolition projects.

Additional information about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich Proposes Asbestos Reduction Bill

A proposal introduced by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) and four other congressmen has paved the way for the World Bank to finalize a new policy that will significantly decrease the use of asbestos in new construction projects for developing countries.

Representatives hope this effort will increase awareness of the health risks associated with occupational asbestos exposure. The policy will not only install new regulations on asbestos use, but will provide an overview of eco-friendly alternatives available in the market, a list of procedures to minimize the risks of workers, and the safe removal and disposal of asbestos from all work sites.

Initially proposed in 2006, Congressman Kucinich’s efforts were stonewalled by the previous presidential administration. In March, Kucinich sent a formal letter to World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, questioning the delay in action.

“Asbestos is a highly toxic material that has no place in construction projects here or anywhere else, especially when viable alternatives are available. This guidance will reduce exposure and permanent lung damage to citizens and workers around the world,” stated Kucinich.

The asbestos scandal has a long history of corporations and governments doing little to prevent innocent workers and civilians from exposure. Thousands of American workers were exposed to asbestos during the twentieth century, with no indication as to the risks they were facing. Recent studies estimate that approximately 3,000 different types of commercial products still include asbestos.

Claiming more people than any other work-related disease, mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer which develops through exposure to asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers which may cause cells to undergo changes that may result in cancer. With limited treatment and a short survival window, mesothelioma diagnosis usually results in an average survival rate of less than one year.

Congressman Kucinich has a history of battling corporations involved in the asbestos scandal. It was he who stepped up to negligent corporations who regularly bury evidence to protect themselves from lawsuits brought by those who passed away from occupational asbestos exposure. The efforts of Congressman Kucinich and the Asbestos Reduction Bill will hopefully create a more transparent and open discussion in regards to asbestos legislation.

“Global asbestos use is on the rise at the very time it should be eliminated. This report is a necessary first step toward reversing that trend,” added Kucinich.

Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma Treatment for Libby Residents Remains Funded by W.R. Grace

W.R. Grace & Company has recently announced their renewal of a $250,000 donation to the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby, Montana. Grace, who operated an asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mine in the area, is contributing the donation for the tenth consecutive year.

St. John’s is a charitable medical facility that provides healthcare to all the residents of South Lincoln County. Over the past 10 years, the donations have accumulated to more than $2 million and have been used to establish a clinic for those affected by asbestos-related diseases.

One such illness is malignant mesothelioma, which is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. This particular cancer usually affects the lining of the lungs, but it can also occur in the lining of the heart and abdomen.

In addition to establishing a clinic, the donations have been used to train medical staff, purchase equipment and treat those with medical conditions. New devices for a state-of-the-art laboratory have been purchased as well.

St. John’s CEO Bill Patten recently said, “As the sole hospital in the area, we have had to continually increase our services to meet the needs of the community. We are thankful to Grace for its financial support over the past 10 years.”

Grace also funds another medical program for current and former residents of Libby suffering from asbestos-related conditions. Grace has contributed more than $17 million to the Libby Medical Program, which has over 1,000 patients enrolled.

According to the Libby Medical Program’s Web site, “Libby Medical Program became effective on April 3, 2000 and was created to provide former employees of the Grace Libby Mine and Mill, their dependents and others who live (or lived) in the Libby area, who suffer from asbestos-related conditions and illnesses, with medical care coverage for medical treatment necessary to treat those conditions and illnesses.”

In a recent trial, a jury acquitted Grace and three of its former executives of knowingly exposing mine workers and Libby residents to asbestos. With annual sales of more than $3 billion, Grace employs about 6,200 workers and operates in more than 40 different countries.

Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Senator Tester Proposes Asbestos Cleanup Plan for Libby

Senator Jon Tester has suggested a new plan that will help clean up the town of Libby, Montana and promote better health care for victims of asbestos exposure.

The town of Libby is the site where W.R. Grace & Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was contaminated with asbestos. Outside of the mine, asbestos contaminated nearly every part of the town, including fields, roads and even playgrounds. Asbestos also reached the yards of people’s homes as W.R. Grace would often provide asbestos-contaminated soil for those that wanted to use it in their gardens.

During a recent hearing, Tester asked Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administer Lisa Jackson to join the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and work to eliminate asbestos contamination throughout the community. Tester told Jackson the joint effort would be “a giant step forward in meeting some of the challenges that occur in Libby.”

Since the official closing of the mine in 1990, more than 200 Libby residents have passed away from asbestos-related diseases such as malignant mesothelioma and nearly 2,000 have become sick. The entire community is now a Superfund site.

After hearing Tester’s new plan, Senator Dianne Feinstein offered to help, saying, “Why don’t we work together on some report language for the bill, which essentially would mandate the EPA to really do what Senator Tester has just suggested: take a new look at it, and give us some findings.”

Tester’s statement also stressed to Jackson that “The situation in Libby is serious enough that it demands your personal attention. And immediate attention.”

Earlier this year, Jackson agreed to visit Libby at the request of Montana Senator Max Baucus, who has been an advocate for asbestos victims in Libby for quite some time.

According to Baucus, “The folks of Libby mean a lot to me. I’ve been there more than 20 times since 1999 and what’s happened there is wrong. Cleaning up Libby, getting folks the health care they deserve and helping the town rebuild its economy and its future is of utmost importance. And you can bet Jon and I will keep EPA’s feet to the fire to make sure that happens.”

Previously, Tester and Baucus secured $190,000 in funding for Libby’s Center for Asbestos Related Disease, a facility that specializes in treating asbestos victims.

Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma Patient Inspires Fundraisers

Several friends have been gathering Sunday evenings to prepare delicious meals as part of “Cook for the Cure,” a charitable group organized to raise money for mesothelioma patient Shanna Kurtz.

Though members from Cook for the Cure have been meeting for only a month, the group has raised more than $1,100. The money collected will be donated to help with Kurtz’s mounting medical expenses.

Diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma 10 years ago at the age of 20, Kurtz was told by her doctors that 80 percent of mesothelioma patients pass away soon after diagnosis. Kurtz preferred to look at this information in a more positive light and focused on becoming part of the 20 percent who survived longer.

Core members of Cook for the Cure include Gay Wickham, Cheri Travis and Kelly Young, three Texas women who get together to prepare food such as chicken tetrazzini, tortilla soup, Thai shrimp curry and gazpacho. In exchange for a casserole or entrée, the group asks for a donation to help with Kurtz’s medical bills.

The women have also joined with others in Kurtz’s hometown of Cuero, Texas. The women helped sponsor a 33-mile bike ride and barbeque on May 16, 2009. A $30 entry fee for bike riders was collected to contribute to Kurtz’s mesothelioma treatments.

Kurtz is a decorator and is actively involved in community charities. She recently managed Project Cinderella, a prom held for underprivileged children. The event provided attendees with a prom dress or tuxedo, make up for girls and dinner for two.

“Her zeal for life is infectious,” said Wickham of Kurtz. The organization hopes to help alleviate the burden of mounting medical expenses incurred after extended hospital visits due to Kurtz’s mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease annually in the United States.

Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Grant Awarded for Asbestos Clean Up

Several Massachusetts cities were awarded stimulus grants to aid in the cleanup of polluted sites. The funding is provided by federal stimulus money, enhanced with money available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Act was designed to help communities clean up sites containing hazardous chemicals or pollutants. Massachusetts grants include $2.7 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $4.4 million from the Environmental Protection Agency general program funding.

Announced May 12, 2009, the grants are intended to renew and improve conditions of former industrial and commercial locations. The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission received $400,000 for the cleanup of the former Worcester Technical High School, while the city of Worcester received a $200,000 communitywide assessment grant. North Brookfield received $200,000 that will aid in the continued cleanup of asbestos on South Common Street.

Asbestos fabric and other asbestos-contaminated products were created on the site until the mid-1980s by Aztec Industries/Asbestos Textile. Asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of serious health conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and a mesothelioma diagnosis is often accompanied by a poor prognosis since patients often do not express symptoms of the disease until it has progressed to later stages of development.

The grant for South Common Street is the third received for the cleanup of a 5.3-acre area known as the North Brookfield Downtown Development Project. Former Selectman James J. Foyle stated that the continued cleanup of the site will make the property suitable for lease.

The use of the land at South Common Street may include a warehouse and parking lot and lease negotiations are in progress between North Brookfield officials and Quaboag Corp., a company that supplies rubber soles to show and boot manufacturers.

Twenty grants were provided throughout Massachusetts. Additional communicates that received funding include Framingham, Holyoke, New Bedford, Lowell, the Berkshires and the Merrimack Valley.

Additional information about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

New Texas Bill May Ease Litigation Process for Mesothelioma Patients

Victims of asbestos exposure may experience greater ease in filing asbestos lawsuits due to a new bill introduced in the Texas Senate. Dubbed the “mesothelioma Senate Bill 1123,” this new legislation, if passed, may ease the requirements for plaintiffs who file a lawsuit to seek compensation following an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.

Introduced by Senator Robert Duncan, the bill will significantly lower standards that are required to demonstrate proof that exposure to asbestos was the cause of a patient’s cancer development. Senator Duncan said recent court rulings have made filing an asbestos-related lawsuit extremely difficult for mesothelioma patients who must provide evidence for the cause of their cancer.

The bill is currently pending and officials have noted that the legislation may face opposition from interest groups, corporations and businesses.

Asbestos lawsuits are often filed by patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of asbestos lung cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The cancer develops in the mesothelium, a membrane that covers many organs.

Asbestos is still present in many industrial products such as roof shingles, pipe insulation, flooring, brake linings and cement. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year, accounting for approximately three percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States.

Many mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos as a result of job site exposure. The dangers of asbestos exposure were known long before any efforts were made to protect citizens and workers. Thousands of American workers were exposed to asbestos during the 20th century, without warnings provided from companies that knew of the dangers associated with the toxic mineral. Asbestos manufacturers were often aware of the hazardous qualities associated with exposure, but buried any evidence that placed asbestos in a negative light.

Mesothelioma patients who have filed lawsuits in Texas currently face tough regulations with regard to providing proof of their exposure and cancer development. Due to a latency period lasting anywhere from 20 to 50 years, mesothelioma can be extremely difficult to diagnose, further increasing difficulties for patients with mesothelioma in Texas. Victims have faced numerous obstacles in seeking compensation due to the lack of evidence.

If the bill is passed by the Texas House, it will put Texas in line with other states when it comes to asbestos legislation. The level of proof will be reduced under the bill and victims may have an easier time receiving compensation from those who are deemed responsible.

Additional information about asbestos legislation and mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma Patient, U.S. Navy Machinist Receives $12 Million in Asbestos Lawsuit

A mesothelioma patient and former United States Navy machinist won $12.1 million in damages after filing a lawsuit against a manufacturer and supplier of an asbestos-contaminated product.

Charles H. Cundiff, 66, was awarded $10 million May 6, 2009 by a Los Angeles County jury for pain and suffering and $506,000 in economic damages for lost wages. Cundiff’s wife received $1.5 million for loss of consortium.

Following five days of deliberation, the jury ruled that manufacturer John Crane, Inc. and supplier Lone Star Industries failed to warn Cundiff of the health risks associated with asbestos-contaminated insulating cement known as Insulag. The cement was delivered to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard where Cundiff worked for nine months on the USS Kitty Hawk during a four-year tour of duty from 1962 through 1966.

During a nine-month overhaul on the vessel at the shipyard, Cunditt cleaned, repaired and replaced valves, gaskets, pumps and packings and used Insulag cement in two engine rooms. While working aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, Cunditt was exposed to large amounts of asbestos dust and wore no protective equipment to prevent inhalation or ingestion of toxic asbestos fibers.

Cundiff, a retired truck driver, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma as a result of his exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that affects the lining of many body organs and cavities, known as the mesothelium. The cancer develops after asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body where they can become lodged in organs, causing inflammation or infection. Symptoms of the disease typically lay dormant for decades after initial asbestos exposure occurred, allowing the cancer to progress to later stages of development.

A partner of the law firm representing Cundiff noted, “Charles Cundiff’s integrity won the day. His courage and tenacity give hope to other Navy families facing the deadly course of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.”

Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos litigation may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Largest Asbestos Penalty Issued for Iowa

According to a news release issued by Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, Equitable L.P. has been forced to pay a $500,000 fine for failing to perform safe asbestos renovations while working on the historic Equitable Building in downtown Des Moines.

“This is the largest civil penalty by far in Iowa for asbestos violations,” said Miller. “We alleged Equitable L.P. completely ignored asbestos-handling requirements during renovations from 2005 to 2007, until the Iowa Department of Natural Resources became involved.”

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used in construction materials before the 1980s. Heavy use of this mineral has caused great concern for the construction industry as exposure to the toxic substance can cause sarcomatoid mesothelioma and other serious illnesses.

State and federal laws regulating asbestos have very strict requirements for handling asbestos-containing materials during demolition and renovations. Asbestos becomes hazardous as soon as its microscopic fibers become airborne, allowing the particles to be inhaled.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Richard Leopold believes the $500,000 civil penalty underscores the importance of properly handling and disposing asbestos-containing materials.

“What’s important to remember is that asbestos poses potentially serious health implications and that we do not have a situation like this happen again,” Leopold said. “This enforcement action should serve as a warning that the regulations relating to asbestos removal and disposal will be vigorously enforced.”

The Attorney General’s lawsuit alleges that Equitable L.P failed to do the following: inspect for asbestos, provide notice to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, remove asbestos-containing material before renovation, properly handle asbestos-containing material during renovation, or properly dispose of the material.

After a complaint was filed about the renovation project in 2007, the DNR ordered Equitable L.P. to stop activities until all floors were thoroughly inspected by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. However, Equitable L.P. continued renovations in violation of the order.

The DNR then issued a second Notice of Violation in 2008 for failing to comply with the previous order. After that, the renovations were completed in 2008 without any additional violations.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Uncontained asbestos can present a serious hazard to those in the area, and despite whether a person’s exposure may be limited or extreme, they may still be at risk for illness later in life. Symptoms of an asbestos-related illness can take as long as 10 years or more to develop.

Surgery Component of Mesothelioma Treatment Plan Deemed Effective in Study

A specific type of surgery performed as a component of a treatment plan designed for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma was deemed effective prior to chemotherapy treatment by a study presented at the 2009 European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology.

The surgical procedure known as a pleurectomy/decortication (a type of surgery involving the removal of the outermost lining surrounding the lungs) was evaluated in the study. The study examined the procedure in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation in a trimodal treatment approach.

A team of professionals including Dr. Servet Bölükbas and Dr. Horst Schmidt Kliniken designed the study to test the effectiveness of pleurectomy/decortication as the surgical component in malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment rather than pneumonectomy (removal of a lung).

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Patients with the disease typically demonstrate symptoms several decades after initial exposure occurred, allowing the cancer to progress to later developmental stages. A multimodal therapy approach using two or more methods of treatment is often recommended for mesothelioma patients.

Thirty-five patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were enrolled in the study over a five-year period from November 2002 through October 2007. Patients underwent the pleurectomy/decortications procedure prior to four chemotherapy sessions (using cisplatin and pemetrexed) and radiation to the chest wall and mediastinum (a group of structures in the thorax) approximately four to six weeks following the surgery. Approximately 94 percent of the patients completed the treatment regimen.

The results from the study were reported May 3, 2009. The one-year survival rate was 75 percent with a median survival rate of 33.2 months. The two-year survival rate was 61 percent with the three-year survival rate reported at 43 percent.

The researchers concluded that the use of pleurectomy/decortication as the surgical component in a multimodal treatment plan using chemotherapy and radiation demonstrated positive survival results and morbidity and warrants additional testing.

Additional information about mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Jury Announces First Verdict in W.R. Grace Asbestos Trial

A jury near Libby, Montana has recently acquitted W.R. Grace & Company and three of its former executives of knowingly exposing mine workers and Libby residents to asbestos.

Fred Festa, who is chairman, president and CEO of W.R. Grace, said, “We at Grace are gratified by today’s verdict and thank the men and women of the jury who were open to hearing the facts. We always believed that Grace and its former executives had acted properly and that a jury would come to the same conclusion when confronted with the evidence.”

Festa also stated that while Grace owned and operated the Libby mine, “the company worked hard to keep the operation in compliance with the laws and standards of the day.”

A written statement and response by the office of public affairs and the Department of Justice said, “The jury has spoken and we thank them for their service. We are refraining from further comment at this juncture because one individual awaits trial in connection with this case.”

When asked if the Department of Justice plans to appeal the decision, department spokesman Andrew Ames said, “I wouldn’t want to comment on that.”

Federal prosecutors initially accused W.R. Grace and its executives of exposing Libby’s 100,000 residents to asbestos while operating a vermiculite mine, resulting in more than 200 deaths and nearly 2,000 illnesses.

The vermiculite mine was contaminated with tremolite asbestos, which has been linked to a number of asbestos-related illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma. This particular type of cancer can affect the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Other complications which can result from asbestos exposure are lung cancer and asbestosis.

The government’s indictment alleged that W.R. Grace conspired to “knowingly release” asbestos and tried to hide the dangers of inhaling asbestos fibers from employees and nearby residents.

The indictment also said W.R. Grace tried to “defraud the United States and others by impairing, impeding, and frustrating” the Environmental Protection Agency’s investigation of the site in 1999. In all, the 10-count indictment included charges of wire fraud and obstruction of justice.

Many residents of Libby were in disbelief after hearing the jury’s verdict. Steven Schnetter, who worked at the mine for 17 years and now has asbestosis, said, “I don’t see how they (Grace) could have gotten out of it.”

Mesothelioma Blood Test

The reason for high death rates among mesothelioma patients is the aggressive nature of the disease and the inability to diagnose it until its latest stages. Because mesothelioma symptoms can remain dormant for up to 50 years, most cases at the time of diagnosis have already reached Stage III or IV. As a result, mesothelioma treatment options are often more palliative than curative.

However, the ability to diagnose the disease at an earlier time would certainly result in a better prognosis for mesothelioma patients. That ability is now present in the form of a mesothelioma blood test known as Mesomark. Developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc. of Malvern, Pennsylvania, a leader in the field of oncology testing, the test measures the amount of a particular biomarker in human serum.

The test was first released in Australia in March 2005 and distribution expanded to Europe just a few months later. Food and Drug Administration approval for the blood test was received nearly two years later in January 2007.

Testing for Mesothelioma

Mesomark is an easily performed blood test that uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure the amount of Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides (SMRP) in human serum. SMRP is a biomarker that is produced by mesothelioma cells, and this biomarker may be elevated in the serum of patients who have mesothelioma. The detection of the biomarker through a blood test can help attain an early diagnosis, resulting in more treatment options and a better prognosis for patients.

Mesomark is what is referred to as an in-vitro test. In this test, the blood that is drawn from the patient is sent to a laboratory to measure the level of SMRP. This is performed by using monoclonal antibodies that are known to specifically bind to SMRP. Measuring the amount of bound antibodies in the blood indicates the amount of SMRP, and certain levels indicate the presence of mesothelioma.

In addition to detecting the presence of mesothelioma in yet-to-be-diagnosed patients, the Mesomark blood test may also be used to monitor the success of treatments in patients who have already been diagnosed with the disease. These tests will also help determine the next course of treatment.

Is it Successful?

For potential mesothelioma sufferers, Mesomark sounds like a boon. But does it really work? It does, say researchers at New York University, who released a study in February 2007 on the competency of the test.

The study was led by Dr. Harvey Pass of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and NYU's School of Medicine and included a team of additional cardiothoracic experts. The study used the Mesomark assay to test serum and pleural effusions in patients who have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Results revealed that those individuals showed "significantly higher" amounts of SMRP in their blood than those in the control group, which including individuals with previous asbestos exposure as well as patients with other forms of cancer.

In a press release issued by NYU, Dr. Pass stated, "As a relatively rare and often misdiagnosed disease, mesothelioma has been somewhat of a mystery to the medical world. For years, we've believed SMRP played a role in the classification of the disease, but there was no accurate way to confirm it.

"Our findings not only show that SMRP is indeed a valid biomarker for mesothelioma, but also justify further research as a prospective screening test," he noted. "As we continue to learn more about this complex disease through tests such as Fujirebio Diagnostics' Mesomark Assay, we might finally be on our way towards improving survival rates and the quality of life for patients diagnosed with this aggressive and often fatal disease."

For more information on the Mesomark test, consult your oncologist, who can also help you find out where the assay is available and if you are a candidate for the test.

Easy Steps to Prevent Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body's mesothelial cells around the organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for the internal organs and allows moving organs (i.e. the heart and the lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures. The names of the three regions of mesothelial cells that provide protective coating are 1) pleura, the sac which surrounds the lungs; 2) peritoneum, the lining which protects the abdominal cavity; and 3) pericardium, the sac which surrounds the heart. Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack these three different regions.

Pleural mesothelioma: A type of lung cancer which attacks the pleura surrounding the lungs, this is the most common type of mesothelioma, affecting approximately two-thirds of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include horseness, fever, blood in sputum, swollen arms and face, coughing, loss of weight, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weak muscles, and reduced tactile sensitivity.

Peritoneal mesothelioma: A cancer of the abdomen which attacks the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity. This affects approximately one-third of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, impaired bowl function, fever, swollen feet, and nausea.

Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks the pericardium surrounding the heart is extremely rare. Symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and palpitations.

Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. In the United States, asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s. During the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured in next two decades. By the 1980s, a new industry of asbestos abatement began to flourish. But according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as many as 733,000 schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.

Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. There are three types of asbestos exposure.

Occupational asbestos exposure: People working in factories that manufacure asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Paraoccupational asbestos exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.

Neighborhood asbestos exposure: Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk.

Mesothelioma is still a relatively rare form of cancer. There are an estimated 2,000 - 3,000 new cases per year in the United States. Approximately 7-13 per one million male patients with a history of asbestos exposure contract mesothelioma. Diagnosis usually occurs 20-40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

Protect Against Mesothelioma by Avoiding Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body's mesothelial cells around the organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for the internal organs and allows moving organs (i.e. the heart and the lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures. The names of the three regions of mesothelial cells that provide protective coating are 1) pleura, the sac which surrounds the lungs; 2) peritoneum, the lining which protects the abdominal cavity; and 3) pericardium, the sac which surrounds the heart. Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack these three different regions.

Pleural mesothelioma: A type of lung cancer which attacks the pleura surrounding the lungs, this is the most common type of mesothelioma, affecting approximately two-thirds of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include horseness, fever, blood in sputum, swollen arms and face, coughing, loss of weight, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weak muscles, and reduced tactile sensitivity.

Peritoneal mesothelioma: A cancer of the abdomen which attacks the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity. This affects approximately one-third of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, impaired bowl function, fever, swollen feet, and nausea.

Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks the pericardium surrounding the heart is extremely rare. Symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and palpitations.

Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. In the United States, asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s. During the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured in next two decades. By the 1980s, a new industry of asbestos abatement began to flourish. But according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as many as 733,000 schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.

Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. There are three types of asbestos exposure.

Occupational asbestos exposure: People working in factories that manufacure asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Paraoccupational asbestos exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.

Neighborhood asbestos exposure: Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk.

Mesothelioma is still a relatively rare form of cancer. There are an estimated 2,000 - 3,000 new cases per year in the United States. Approximately 7-13 per one million male patients with a history of asbestos exposure contract mesothelioma. Diagnosis usually occurs 20-40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.