Exposure to hazardous asbestos has been a problem for over a century. The common form of exposure typically came from the workplace. However, that has changed as asbestos has been found in the water supplies of various municipalities. One interesting study is called, “Cancer mortality in relation to asbestos in municipal water supplies.” By Wigle DT – Arch Environ Health. 1977 Jul-Aug;32(4):185-190. Here is an excerpt: “Abstract – The mortality experience of twenty-two municipalities in Quebec grouped by evidence of exposure to asbestos fibers in water supplies (known high, possible high, and probable low exposures) was evaluated. Excess mortality due to cancer of the stomach (males), pancreas (females), and lung (males) was observed in the two municipalities with known high exposures. The excesses among males have been due to occupational exposure to asbestos. The absence of excess mortality due to pancreatic cancer among males suggested that the excess among females was not due to waterborne asbestos. The study therefore did not reveal evidence of excess cancer mortality that could be attributed to exposure to asbestos in drinking water.” (more…)
Many statistical models have been developed over the years to help with research regarding mortality rates resulting from asbestos exposure. One interesting study worth reading is called, “Exposures and mortality among chrysotile asbestos workers. Part I: Exposure estimates” by John M. Dement, PhD, Robert L. Harris Jr., PhD, Michael J. Symons, PhD, Dr PH Carl M. Shy, MD – University of North Carolina, School of Public Health, Chapel Hill – American Journal of Industrial Medicine – Volume 4 Issue 3, Pages 399 – 419 23 Jan 2007. Here is an excerpt: “Abstract – A detailed study of plant processes and dust control methods over the period 1930-1975 was conducted in an asbestos textile plant processing chrysotile. Linear statistical models for reconstructing historic dust exposure levels, taking into account textile processes, dust control measures, and job assignments, were developed. Parameters of these statistical models were estimated using 5,952 industrial hygiene sampling measurements covering the period 1930-1975. For most textile operations, exposure levels were significantly reduced by about 1940, when most engineering dust control measures were in place.
Results of the exposure estimates indicated precontrol exposure levels to range from 3 to 78 fibers/cc with typical levels well above 10 fibers/cc. After textile operations were provided with dust control measures, estimated exposure levels ranged from 3 to 17 fibers/cc and were usually in the range of 5 to 10 fibers/cc. These exposure estimates were combined with an assessment of mortality among workers at this plant to investigate exposure-response relationships. Exposure-response results are presented in the companion manuscript in this volume.” (more…)
One group of people that have been particularly impacted by asbestos exposure is shipyward workers and their families. Asbestos was so prevalent in the construction of ships because of its fire retardant qualities and durability. During a ships construction, the workers would typically handle asbestos insulation products and consequently inhale large amounts of toxic dust. Unfortunately, many of these workers have died because of this asbestos exposure.
One thing we can all do is try to raise public awareness about asbestos exposure and the link to lung cancer and mesothelioma. One good study is called, “Asbestos exposure: factors associated with excess cancer and respiratory disease mortality.” By Henderson VL, and Enterline PE. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1979; 330:117-26. Here is an excerpt: (more…)
Background:
“Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs.” The disease then proceeds to affect the abdomen wall or in this case, the peritoneum. It then goes on to infect a serious of membranes in the region as well as the membranes that enclose several other major organs. Mesothelioma is most oftenly found in people who have in some way inhaled asbestos particles or other airborn particles at their job or place of residence. Although, there is no connection between mesothelioma and smoking, which is a major factor in lung cancer. While smoking has not been proven to cause mesothelioma, it has been found to increase the risk of other asbestos-induce cancer. Of the 2.6 million annually diagnosed cases of mesolthelioma, 15% to 20% are peritoneal mesothelioma. (more…)
First, let’s be clear about what mesothelioma is before identifying which geographic locations are most likely to be affected by this debilitating, dangerous, and life-threatening condition. This disease (a cancer that affects areas lining the lungs and abdomen) is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Other conditions that can be caused by asbestos exposure include scarring of the lungs (asbestosis), lung cancer, and general malaise.
Areas Of The United States Recording The Highest Rates Of Cases
Below, we address the environmental issues that are leading factors of asbestos exposure that results in higher rates of this disease and asbestosis. Of course, that is a direct determinant to where there are the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases. (more…)
Asbestos has been in our lives for the past 3,000 years. Even in these times did people notice the harmful effects. 2,000 years ago, ancient Greeks like Strabo and Romans such as Pliny the Elder wrote about strange lung illnesses that befell slaves who mined and worked with asbestos. However, it was not until 1989 that the United States banned the mineral due to its negative health implications.
Asbestos was generally considered an extremely useful material in a number of different industries. As a silicate mineral, asbestos is a highly insulating material. It resists the effects of heat, flame, chemicals, electricity, and degradation. Additionally, it is very flexible and has high tensile strength. Thus, it is no surprise that it was added to drywall, roofing tiles, texturing, gaskets, brake pads, stage curtains, and even firefighter’s gear. (more…)
The litigation surrounding asbestos and Mesothelioma has been legendary. It represented the little guy against huge corporate entities. The entities prevailed for a very long time, but ultimately the fact asbestos exposure was causing Mesothelioma and lung cancer could not be avoided. Eventually, the government moved to ban asbestos in products and then the controversy started.
The great asbestos wars of the 1960s, 70s and 80s were iconic. The issue of whether asbestos in products caused health problems was highly disputed. The manufacturers claimed that it didn’t. Workers claimed that not only did it, but the manufacturers had known it did and still released it in products. This created a war of lawyers unlike any seen in a long time.
Eventually, it became clear that the manufacturers of asbestos were in the wrong. As is often the case, the government took its sweet time doing anything but finally did. The response finally occurred on July 12, 1989 when the EPA issued a final ruling effectively banning asbestos in the vast majority of products whether they be building materials, brake pads, insulation or whatever. The story, however, was not at an end. (more…)
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has wanted to ban all uses of asbestos since 1979, and this year it’s closer to succeeding than ever before. In a recent policy speech, EPA administrator Lisa Jackson said that reforming the regulation of dangerous materials and chemicals was one of her department’s top priorities. The focus of their reform is the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. The EPA is working with New Jersey senator Frank Lautenberg on legislation that he will introduce to update and toughen that law.
The original law assumed that all chemicals were benign until proven otherwise, and placed the burden of proof on the EPA. The new legislation will reverse this arrangement: manufacturers will be required to prove that their products are safe. All chemicals and materials will now be evaluated against current standards for human health and environmental safety. The revised legislation also requires that the standards be based on valid scientific research.
In 1973 the then-fledgling agency ruled that spray-on asbestos insulation constituted a serious air-pollution hazard, and banned its use in the US. Sixteen years later, the EPA widened its ruling to ban all use of asbestos. The industry immediately attacked the ruling in federal court, and two years later, it was struck down. Since then, despite the large and increasing body of knowledge about the fatal potential of asbestos exposure, this dangerous substance is used in hundreds of applications in homes, automobiles and industry. The new legislation, with the prospect of stronger safety standards, provides the best chance for implementing a total ban against asbestos. (more…)
