Archive for the ‘Mesothelioma’ Category

The Oneida County Office Building in Utica, New York has recently tested negative for airborne asbestos. Apparently though, that isn’t good enough for the union, which represents county employees. United Public Service Employees Union Spokesperson Linda Kirnan says the organization plans to have their own round of tests performed on the building as well.

The asbestos problems were found on November 11 during routine maintenance processes. While tests were being performed, the building was completely evacuated to ensure the safety of all workers in the building.

The entire building was tested for airborne asbestos the day after the discovery was made. All tests came back negative, and county employees have been allowed to return to work without the fear of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases later in life.

The county is now planning to spend an estimated $15.4 million in addition to the $5.5 million already spent to completely remove all asbestos-containing materials from the building. Abatement on the building has been ongoing since the late 1990s, with seven of the building’s ten floors still requiring abatement.

According to County Executive Anthony Picente, the asbestos scare this week proves that the project is well worth the money it will cost.

County Legislator Frank Tallarino, a licensed asbestos contractor, is confident that the test results were accurate and that the building is safe to work in.

For the United Public Service Employees Union, however, this isn’t enough. Spokesperson Linda Kirnan says, “As a result of the closing [of the office building], we received numerous complaints and concerns [about the asbestos].”

Many of the employees in the building are very familiar with the types of asbestos cancer that can develop as a result of asbestos exposure. They realize the importance of such testing and would hate to experience mesothelioma symptoms later in life when they could have been avoided.

According to Kirnan, the results of the county-funded tests aren’t being disputed, but she believes union members would feel more comfortable about working in the building if the union funded a second set of tests.

Kirnan says the union-funded tests have already been conducted on five floors of the building and results are expected within a week.

Asbestos was discovered last month at a public area in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, which prompted concerns that there may be exposure risks for locals. Now, however, those fears have been allayed, as tests have come back negative indicating there is no significant hazard. 

The problems began when chunks of asbestos were found lying on the ground at a newly-finished recreation field in Lyndhurst. An investigation was then carried out to determine just how much asbestos might be present in the soil of the recreation area.

Mayor Richard DiLascio said the asbestos was found near the property line of the recreation field, adjacent to an old railroad track.

Officials believe that it’s likely the asbestos came from the railroad and was exposed during the installation of a boundary fence around the recreation area.

Exposure to asbestos is dangerous because the substance is a known human carcinogen and it has been linked to cause a range of serious diseases, including mesothelioma. Other diseases that can develop from exposure to asbestos include lung cancer and asbestosis.

Malignant mesothelioma can be especially harmful due to the long latency period of the disease. In most cases, the disease takes anywhere between 20 and 50 years to develop. This is largely because mesothelioma symptoms don’t even occur until the disease has reached an advanced stage of development.

Luckily for the town, the tests on asbestos have come back negative. The environmental survey carried out on the recreation field has shown there is no dangerous accumulation of asbestos anywhere on the site.

Mayor DiLascio said, “What we found was a sandwich bag full of asbestos in an area probably 100 feet long and five feet wide. We called in the DEP and submitted a plan on how to deal with it. The fields were checked and the fields are clean.”

The asbestos was found at a depth of between 18 and 26 inches, and testing involved a process called soil boring.

With the tests completed, the loose asbestos has now been removed. The area where the asbestos was found has been capped with fresh soil, and the recreation area is now safe for public use.

State of Vermont officials have released a new statement about the urgent need for investigating the impact of an abandoned asbestos mine in Colchester. The mine, located near the towns of Eden and Lowell, has been tagged with a health warning due to asbestos risks.

Scientists studied medical records and death certificates from residents within ten miles of the abandoned asbestos mine and found a significant increase in the risk of asbestos-related cancer such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

The latter of these diseases most commonly develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma can also occur in the lining of the heart and abdomen.

People who live close to the mine have as much as a twelve-fold increase in the likelihood they will pass away from asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma as compared to people who live further away.

The state has also been investigating the possibility that asbestos tailings from the mine have been used by locals or businesses for purposes such as fill on driveways, roads, gardens, or for any other uses.

Human Services Secretary Cynthia D. LaWare and Natural Resources Secretary George R. Crombie say the state of Vermont is investigating all possible resolutions for the problem and is working closely with the federal Environmental Protection agency and the United States Department of Justice.

The EPA is beginning to evaluate the abandoned mine to determine whether it is eligible for a spot on the Superfund list. That move would make the site eligible for federal funding to clean up the site and remove the dangerous asbestos. The agency has already spent $2 million on a smaller scale cleanup effort at the site.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice filed pleadings this week in a New Jersey federal district court. The department is seeking an injunction against the former owner of the abandoned mine, G-1 Holdings. In addition, the department seeks an additional investigation on the potential impact the mine might have on people who live near the mine.

During the ongoing investigation, the Vermont Department of Health stresses that people should stay away from the mine to minimize the risk of asbestos exposure.

The Oneida County Office Building in Utica, New York, has solved its potential asbestos problem for now. After extensive asbestos testing, findings concluded there was no airborne asbestos in the building and it is now open for business.

The asbestos was found during routine maintenance inspection on Tuesday, November 11, and the building was immediately evacuated and closed down. Workers in the building were originally afraid of asbestos exposure and the risks of contracting mesothelioma. The asbestos, which was enough to fill a coffee can, thankfully was found in the basement level of the building and did not pose a risk to any of the employees.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that typically takes between 20 and 50 years to develop. In many cases, mesothelioma symptoms do not even appear until the disease has reached a late stage of development, which can have a big impact on a patients prognosis.

Asbestos abatement was first carried out in the building in 2007, with the first and the eighth floors being cleared of the toxic substance.

Since then, the abatement has been an ongoing process for several years, and the county has stepped up its efforts with a $15 million dollar plan to rid the building of the substance completely.

The county has already spent around $5.5 million on asbestos removal or abatement in three of the building’s ten floors. It will cost an estimated $15.4 million to remove all of the remaining asbestos currently in the building.

According to County Executive Anthony Picente, the asbestos scare in the building proves that the project is well worth the money it will cost.

County Legislator Frank Tallarino, a licensed asbestos contractor, agreed, saying “It’s a protective measure to remove anything that may be in there.”

The presence of asbestos in the building may not necessarily be hazardous, but it would have to be removed sooner or later, as the material may become unsafe if it deteriorates over time.

People who develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases do so as a result of asbestos exposure. In recent years, however, the question of whether or not genetic factors contribute to the development of mesothelioma has been under investigation.

A recent review paper from a team of researchers at the Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, National Cancer Research Institute in Genoa, Italy has examined this issue, concluding that there are some genetic mutations that can increase a person’s risk of developing malignant pleural mesothelioma if they have previously been exposed to asbestos.

The paper, entitled “Genetic susceptibility to malignant pleural mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases,” was published in a recent issue of the science journal called Mutation Research.

According to the researchers, “In the last decade many studies have shown that polymorphism in the genes involved in xenobiotic and oxidative metabolism or in DNA repair processes may play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of these diseases.”

They believe mutations in genes that are involved in cellular repair may contribute to the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Within cells, there is a process that repairs and rejuvenates cells that have begun to function incorrectly. When the cell is operating normally, these repair processes prevent abnormal growth. However, if those repair processes themselves begin to malfunction, they cannot check abnormal growth, and this malfunction can potentially result in the development of cancer.

If the abnormality in cellular repair processes occurs in the presence of carcinogens, such as asbestos, the risk of cancer is significantly heightened.

The researchers found that there were certain mutations in particular genes involved in cellular repair processes that were commonly found in people who had developed the cancer.

Discoveries such as these may potentially help in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mesothelioma, but the researchers point out that much more research is needed before any conclusive link can be drawn between malignant mesothelioma and the mutations they examined.

A chemical plant in Alsip, Illinois has leaked hazardous chemicals into the area after catching fire last week. According to Attorney General Lisa Maddigan, the plant should stay closed until the cause of the accident can be fully investigated.

Compounding the risk is the presence of asbestos, which could keep Blue Island Phenol closed for quite some time. The plant manufactures phenol that is used in pharmaceuticals, herbicides, cosmetics, and acetone.

Asbestos exposure is extremely hazardous because it has been linked to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases typically take anywhere between 15 to 50 years to develop, which commonly results in a late diagnosis for most patients. Because of this late diagnosis, mesothelioma treatment options are usually palliative rather than curative.

The incident occurred in August when the plant lost power due to a lightning strike. The lack of a backup power supply caused a loss in fuel that was used to cool and provide circulation in manufacturing units. The resulting increase in temperature caused the fire to break out in the plant.

The meltdown has caused several problems for the plant, including the need for repairs and the handling of asbestos issues. Today, asbestos is still a “miracle insulator,” but most uses of the substance are now discontinued due to the fact that exposure is known to cause malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Since the incident at the chemical plant disturbed the asbestos present in areas where the fire spread, airborne asbestos is likely to be in the area. In addition, it’s also likely that the soil and groundwater near the site has been contaminated by asbestos and phenol due to runoff from water used to extinguish the fire.

According to an agreement the Blue Island Phenol plant has reached with Attorney General Lisa Maddigan’s office, the plant must cordon off all areas of the plant where asbestos or any other potentially hazardous material has been disturbed to prevent anyone gaining access.

The company must also hire licensed engineers to determine what caused the accident and determine how much contamination was caused by runoff.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its durability and fire-resistant properties. In the past, the substance has been used in a wide variety of building materials, including insulation products, siding, cements, flooring, and roofing, to name a few.

When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed, toxic asbestos fibers can be released into the air. If these microscopic fibers are inhaled or ingested, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can develop over time.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that typically develops in the lining of the lungs. However, other areas where the disease can develop include the lining of the heart and abdomen. The latency period that is associated with mesothelioma usually spans between 20 and 50 years, which unfortunately often results in a patient being diagnosed during the late stages of development.

Today, much of the public is in disbelief when informed that asbestos is not banned in the United States, which is why there is such a need for additional asbestos awareness groups.

Patients and family members across the nation are constantly coping with asbestos-related diseases, and asbestos awareness groups could easily provide the support and guidance those dealing with asbestos cancer truly need.
The direction of such groups specifically aims to educate members on mesothelioma treatment, compensation available, and the dangers associated with the toxic substance asbestos. Discussions on the proper handling of asbestos-containing materials and educating the public on such issues are also some of the goals of asbestos awareness groups.

In addition, members in these groups often provide expert advice, information on what associated benefits are available to patients, and referrals to respected and experienced mesothelioma lawyers for legal aid. Relatives who have lost loved ones to asbestos-related conditions especially benefit from these groups.

The amount of people passing away from mesothelioma is not expected to peak until the year 2020, hence the reason why spreading asbestos awareness could not be stressed at a better time than now.

The Oneida County Office Building in Utica, New York has been forced to close due to asbestos problems in the building. Recently performed tests will determine whether or not asbestos has circulated throughout its ten floors and if there is a risk for mesothelioma.

The asbestos was found during routine maintenance procedures on November 11, and as a result, the building was immediately evacuated. According to county Deputy Commissioner of Engineering Mark Laramie, the asbestos was located in a basement level of the building.

Asbestos abatement was initially carried out at the building in 2007, with the first and eighth floors being cleared of the toxic substance. In addition, one of the building’s basement floors was partially cleared.

However, the discovery of the asbestos is thought to be unrelated to the abatement as the location where it was found has not yet gone through that process.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente says the county is still attempting to determine the origin of the asbestos – how old it is, when it was placed, and who was using the maintenance room prior to the discovery of the substance.

Mark Laramie says it’s unlikely any county employees were exposed to any health risks, but acknowledges that it’s still possible some asbestos may have circulated throughout the building, saying “That’s a possibility, [but] we’re fairly confident that has not occurred.”

Exposure to asbestos occurs when airborne asbestos fibers are either inhaled or ingested into the body. If these fibers attach themselves to the lining of the lungs, pleural mesothelioma, lungs cancer, and asbestosis are the diseases most likely to develop.

The entire building is currently being tested to determine whether there are any risks of high levels of airborne asbestos.

Anthony Picente says if any of the tests come back positive, the county will then start to determine how it will deal with the asbestos and with any health issues that might result from its presence.

If any of the air tests prove to be positive for asbestos, the county will very likely need to clean the entire building.

Of concern is the fact that the county does not have a contingency plan to enact if the building can’t reopen by Thursday. County services are temporarily available in other locations, but there is no long term solution that can be put in place. With up to 800 employees in the building, that could certainly turn out to be a significant problem.

A recent report states people living near an abandoned asbestos mine in Colchester, Vermont are at higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma. After learning these results, the state is now trying to determine whether waste from the mine has ever been used in construction projects or on roads.

The old asbestos mine near Eden and Lowell has been tagged with a health warning from the state due to possible risks of asbestos exposure. The state has warned local residents to stay away from the area to avoid airborne asbestos particles near the mine.

Scientists have studied medical records and death certificates from people who live or lived in towns located within ten miles of the abandoned asbestos mine, and found there is a statistically significant increase in the risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma for people in these areas.

In fact, people who live close to the mine have as much as a twelve-fold increase in the likelihood they will pass away from asbestosis as compared to people who live further away. The risk of dying from lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma is also higher for people who live closer to the mine.

In addition, ATV-owners often use the site for recreational purposes, which is an activity that can potentially disturb asbestos fibers in the ground.

According to Linda Elliot of the Department of Environmental Conservation, officials are now trying to determine whether asbestos tailings from the mine have ever been used by the public or by commercial entities, as fill for driveways, on roads, construction sites, or in any other way.

It’s possible the asbestos waste rock at the site might have been used by construction or road crews, which would provide an increased asbestos-related disease risk for anyone who handled it unprotected.

The waste rock doesn’t actually contain a high percentage of asbestos, but even so, the risk is still present. In the past, some asbestos experts have claimed that as little as one fiber, when inhaled, could eventually cause the development of pleural mesothelioma.

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the settlement of cases involving Maryland schools that had asbestos problems, including violations of the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.

The schools include First English Evangelical Lutheran Church preschool and kindergarten in Baltimore, St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson, Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church School in Kingsville, and the Board of Education of Dorchester County Schools.

AHERA is a federal act that regulates the handling of asbestos in schools to minimize the risk of exposure. Asbestos exposure is extremely hazardous to human health, as it has been known to cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most commonly develops in the lining of the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma. However, other organs in the body that can contract the disease include the abdomen and heart. AHERA promotes strict management of asbestos because the affects of asbestos cancer typically leave a patient with palliative treatment options rather than curative.

The three schools and one school district were cited for reasons to dealing with their failure to comply with certain AHERA regulations. However, because the schools cooperated with the EPA and quickly complied with AHERA requirements, the EPA has settled with all four entities. They have either reduced or removed all penalties for the schools.

St. Timothy’s School in Stevenson was cited for failing to maintain an updated asbestos management plan and failing to provide parents with annual notification of the plan. The school has since spent more than $17,000 in complying with AHERA and the EPA has imposed no penalty.

In the Dorchester County Public School District, violations included failure to conduct inspections and failure to have management plans available for inspection. After the school district spent over $55,000 in compliance measures, the EPA decided not to impose any penalties.

The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore was cited for violations that were noted during inspections by the state Department of the Environment. Violations included failure to have the premises inspected for asbestos and failure to submit an asbestos management plan. The EPA imposed a $5,500 penalty, and after the school spent $3,000 on compliance, the agency settled for a penalty of $2,500.

Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kingsville was cited for failing to include all school-used buildings in its management plan. After the school spent over $5,500 in compliance measures, the EPA imposed no penalty.

The EPA also pointed out that in no case did they find any evidence that suggests students at the schools were exposed to asbestos. In addition, the schools that received citations have now been certified as AHERA-compliant.