Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com Baron & Budd, P.C. - Helping People with Mesothelioma for 30 Years Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:22:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Mesothelioma patient reaches five years of survival following cutting edge treatment http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/09/01/mesothelioma-patient-reaches-five-years-of-survival-following-cutting-edge-treatment/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/09/01/mesothelioma-patient-reaches-five-years-of-survival-following-cutting-edge-treatment/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:22:54 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6182 Karen Grant did not expect to survive when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma five years ago at age 29. Mesothelioma is generally fatal, often within months of diagnosis. Enter Dr. David Sugarbaker, a surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He pioneered the surgeries that added years to Karen’s life. First, he cut out the tumors lining her lungs and lasered tiny cancer cells, then irrigated Karen’s chest cavity with heated chemotherapy. It was an aggressive approach that has paid off. Karen’s lung scans are clear today, and she couldn’t be happier. Five year mesothelioma survivors are pretty rare, and she’s looking forward to more healthy, active years.

Baron & Budd has been a support of Dr. Sugarbaker’s work, pledging $3 million over five years to the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) at Brigham & Women’s Hospital.  The IMP was founded by Dr. Sugarbaker to bring together a multidisciplinary team to pursue innovative research and effective treatment options for those suffering from mesothelioma.

For the full story, go to WCVB.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/09/01/mesothelioma-patient-reaches-five-years-of-survival-following-cutting-edge-treatment/feed/ Mesothelioma from secondhand exposure brings new wave of lawsuits http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/31/mesothelioma-from-secondhand-exposure-brings-new-wave-of-lawsuits/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/31/mesothelioma-from-secondhand-exposure-brings-new-wave-of-lawsuits/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:57:22 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6179 Secondhand exposure to asbestos might also be called secondary, take home or off-site exposure, but by any name, it is deadly. Secondhand exposure usually results when someone wears asbestos-covered work clothes home and exposes other members of the household to the fibers.  The dust sticks to everything and fibers can remain in the air for an extended time.  Family members breathe in the microscopic fibers, and some develop mesothelioma or asbestosis decades later. Today, lawsuits involving secondhand exposure to asbestos are showing up in courts across the country, more than 800 in 2009.

Since so many asbestos manufacturers are out of business, the targets of the lawsuits are most often the employers, something which raises a sticky point of law. While there is no question that employers are responsible for employees’ safety, can they be held responsible for the safety of people employees come in contact with? Advocates for victims rights say yes, but courts rulings have varied around the country—some courts finding that employers are responsible for this foreseeable harm and others holding that the employers have no duty to family members of their employees.

For the full story, go to iStockAnalyst.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/31/mesothelioma-from-secondhand-exposure-brings-new-wave-of-lawsuits/feed/ International lobbyists promoting asbestos use in developing countries for decades http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/30/international-lobbyists-promoting-asbestos-use-in-developing-countries-for-decades/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/30/international-lobbyists-promoting-asbestos-use-in-developing-countries-for-decades/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:53:52 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6176 The dangers of asbestos are now well documented. Most people in the developed world assume that use of the cancer-causing fiber is banned, but that is not true. A recent report by a group of British investigative journalists documents found shocking levels of asbestos still in use throughout the developing world. Two million tons of asbestos was mined in 2009, and half of it was delivered to countries like Mexico and India. Of course, asbestos use has not been banned even in the United States.

Experts agree that any exposure to asbestos is dangerous, but industry and trade organizations that depend on the income from asbestos mining and sale spend millions to convince builders in developing countries that some types of asbestos are safe. Such a long period of time passes between exposure to asbestos and resulting diseases such as mesothelioma that it might be 40 years or more before the full impact of this deadly deal becomes apparent, particularly in Canada and Russia where it is mined and in countries including India and China where it is used.  Asbestos disease, unfortunately, is not a thing of the past.

For the full story, go to Huffington Post.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/30/international-lobbyists-promoting-asbestos-use-in-developing-countries-for-decades/feed/ Shipyard worker dies of peritoneal mesothelioma at age 74 http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/30/shipyard-worker-dies-of-peritoneal-mesothelioma-at-age-74/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/30/shipyard-worker-dies-of-peritoneal-mesothelioma-at-age-74/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:04:21 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6129 Jerry E. Cain of Port Orchard, Washington, died on July 3 at age 74 from peritoneal mesothelioma. Cain spent the last days of his life at the Hospice Care Center in Bremerton. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos that can take decades to manifest. Cain was likely exposed to asbestos during the time when he worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for 32 years before retiring in 1991.

Jerry is survived by his wife Sharon, two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

For the full story, go to Kitsap Sun.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/30/shipyard-worker-dies-of-peritoneal-mesothelioma-at-age-74/feed/ Mesothelioma surgery may not always be the right treatment option http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/29/mesothelioma-surgery-may-not-always-be-the-right-treatment-option/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/29/mesothelioma-surgery-may-not-always-be-the-right-treatment-option/#comments Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:28:05 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6133 Surgery has become a prominent method of treatment for mesthelioma, but it’s not a viable option for every mesothelioma patient.  In some cases, the risk of the surgery may simply be too great given the patient’s health status.

Pleural mesothelioma surgery involves removing parts of the pleura and the lungs, but it can only be performed if enough healthy lung remains to allow the patient to breathe efficiently. The surgery is difficult and risky, with a 5 to 10% mortality rate during the procedure.

Peritonectomy, a surgery for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, involves removing the affected abdominal tissue.  A newer procedure called cytoreductive surgery is gaining in popularity. This surgery involves a combination of six different procedures to remove cancerous cells from the abdomen, followed by flooding the cavity with heated chemotherapy.  While the treatment has shown promise, it is only viable for patients with otherwise good fitness who are in the early stages of the disease.

For the full story, go to Seer Press.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/29/mesothelioma-surgery-may-not-always-be-the-right-treatment-option/feed/ Mesothelioma lawyer wins prestigious Harry Philo award http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/mesothelioma-lawyer-wins-prestigious-harry-philo-award/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/mesothelioma-lawyer-wins-prestigious-harry-philo-award/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:42:04 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6130 The American Association for Justice (AAJ) recently presented Russell W. Budd, of law firm Baron & Budd, P.C., with the prestigious Harry M. Philo Award Trial Lawyer of the Year Award. Mr. Budd accepted the award on July 13, 2010 at the AAJ annual conference in Vancouver, BC.

Baron & Budd specializes in toxic tort reform, representing the rights of people harmed by exposure to toxic materials like asbestos. The law firm has pledged to provide $3 million over a five year period to the International Pleural Mesothelioma Program at Brigham Women’s Hospital to fund mesothelioma therapy research, and gives generously to several other asbestos awareness advocacy organizations.

For the full story, go to Bradenton.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/mesothelioma-lawyer-wins-prestigious-harry-philo-award/feed/ Grayslake Relay For Life brings together cancer survivors and families http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/grayslake-relay-for-life-brings-together-cancer-survivors-and-families/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/grayslake-relay-for-life-brings-together-cancer-survivors-and-families/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:41:14 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6131 The annual Grayslake Relay For Life to benefit the American Cancer Society took place on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Round Lake High School, in Grayslake, Illinois. The all-night relay began at 6:00 pm and ended at 6:00 am on Sunday with a closing ceremony.

The event was bigger than ever this year with 44 teams participating. Mini-events took place throughout the night, including raffles, children’s activities, silly contests, mini fundraisers and a talent show. Refreshments and a DJ kept the walkers on track, and the track was lined with candlelit paper bags bearing the names of friends and loved ones who have succumbed to cancer, including cancer survivor Katherine Hill’s father, who died of peritoneal mesothelioma in January. Relay teams set up camps and found creative ways to add to fundraising efforts for their teams.

For the full story, go to Grayslake Review.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/grayslake-relay-for-life-brings-together-cancer-survivors-and-families/feed/ Listeria immunotherapy evaluated in clinical trials for mesothelioma and other cancers http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/listeria-immunotherapy-evaluated-in-clinical-trials-for-mesothelioma-and-other-cancers/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/listeria-immunotherapy-evaluated-in-clinical-trials-for-mesothelioma-and-other-cancers/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:40:56 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6132 Aduro BioTech, a clinical-stage immunotherapy company in Berkeley, California, recently announced two important new patents that provide infringement protection of the “killed but metabolically active” (KBMA) Listeria platforms that make up the basis of company’s clinical research. Aduro’s live-attenuated Listeria vaccine platform has been shown to induce immune responses and to express exogenous disease antigens to help shrink tumors caused by mesothelioma and other cancers. The data from the clinical trials is currently being evaluated.

For the full story, go to Enhanced Online News.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/26/listeria-immunotherapy-evaluated-in-clinical-trials-for-mesothelioma-and-other-cancers/feed/ Illinois developer pleads not guilty to asbestos charges http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/illinois-developer-pleads-not-guilty-to-asbestos-charges/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/illinois-developer-pleads-not-guilty-to-asbestos-charges/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:27:57 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6134 Developer Michael J. Pinski and his employee James A. Mikrut pleaded not guilty recently in a Kanakee, Illinois federal court on charges of improper asbestos removal and illegal dumping of the toxic material. The men are accused of dumping the asbestos debris in Hopkins Park in August 2009, along with a third man, Duane L. "Butch" O’Malley, also accused.

For the full story, go to The Daily Journal.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/illinois-developer-pleads-not-guilty-to-asbestos-charges/feed/ Former Youngstown Sheet & Tube building comes down http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/former-youngstown-sheet-tube-building-comes-down/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/former-youngstown-sheet-tube-building-comes-down/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:27:50 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6135 Once the largest independently owned steel operation in the country, Youngstown Sheet & Tube closed its Brier Hill, Ohio operations in the late 1970s. Now the building that headquartered the industrial company is coming down piece by piece, starting with the sandstone slab bearing the company name. Workers tore out the asbestos materials from inside the building first then began dismantling the walls.

Demolition of the nearly century old building was part of an agreement between the city and V&M Star, which will use the land to expand the entrance to its new facility. Funding for the project was provided via a state grant of $631,343.

For the full story, go to Business Journal Daily.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/former-youngstown-sheet-tube-building-comes-down/feed/ Alabama Sears building razing begins in August http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/alabama-sears-building-razing-begins-in-august/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/alabama-sears-building-razing-begins-in-august/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:27:41 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6136 The former Sears building at the corner of Tennessee Street and Wood Avenue in Florence, Alabama is being razed in preparation for future development. Built in 1950, the building is in poor condition and loaded with asbestos and other toxic building materials. It has been empty and deteriorating for more than a decade, so much that the smell of mildew surrounds the area. Asbestos has already been removed from the building’s interior, and soon it will be returned to a grassy lot suitable for rebuilding. No plans are in place as yet for the future development, but city officials are hopeful that the prime location of the lot will draw developers willing to put something exciting in the spot to provide jobs and revitalize the community.

For the full story, go to The Times Daily.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/25/alabama-sears-building-razing-begins-in-august/feed/ Massachusetts woman and son sued for illegal asbestos dumping http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/massachusetts-woman-and-son-sued-for-illegal-asbestos-dumping/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/massachusetts-woman-and-son-sued-for-illegal-asbestos-dumping/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:53:10 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6137 A mother and son are being sued for allegedly failing to clean up an illegal dumpsite used to dispose of asbestos waste. On July 14, Attorney General Martha Coakley filed a lawsuit against Helen M. McCarthy and her son James F. McCarthy in Suffolk Superior Court. The lawsuit alleges that the pair dumped solid waste for at least a decade in protected wetlands bordering on the Saugus River. The wetlands are adjacent to property owned by the McCarthys.

The object of the lawsuit is to force the McCarthys to clean and restore the wetlands. This is not the first time the McCarthys have been hauled into court for illegal toxic waste dumping. The Massachusetts State Department of Environmental Protection handed Helen McCarthy a $220,000 fine for numerous violations in 2007. That fine also came with an order to clean up the area and properly dispose of the hazardous materials.

For the full story, go to The Daily Item.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/massachusetts-woman-and-son-sued-for-illegal-asbestos-dumping/feed/ Burst steam pipe in Boston sprays asbestos dust into the air http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/burst-steam-pipe-in-boston-sprays-asbestos-dust-into-the-air/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/burst-steam-pipe-in-boston-sprays-asbestos-dust-into-the-air/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:53:03 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6138 For the third time since 2007, a steam pipe owned by Trigen Boston Energy Corp. ruptured, sending plumes of steam 20 to 30 feet into the air, along with chunks of asphalt and asbestos fibers. Asbestos dust from the pipe insulation coated trees and surfaces for three blocks along Harrison Avenue in Boston. Workers in hazmat gear hosed the area down and vacuumed up the resulting runoff.

For the full story, go to The Boston Globe.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/burst-steam-pipe-in-boston-sprays-asbestos-dust-into-the-air/feed/ EPA may have used contaminated soil in Libby cleanup http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/epa-may-have-used-contaminated-soil-in-libby-cleanup/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/epa-may-have-used-contaminated-soil-in-libby-cleanup/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:53:00 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6139 As part of the cleanup effort in Libby, Montana, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been removing asbestos-contaminated soil from local properties and replacing it with clean soil, but it appears they may have made a mistake. Seven yards were filled with soil from a site the EPA had used and tested many times, but the batch used to fill these seven yards may have been contaminated with asbestos.

EPA policy is to test each batch before it goes out, but the go-ahead was given before the test results returned. Testing involves sampling from 30 different points of a batch of topsoil about 3,000 cubic yards in size. The soil used in the seven yards in question came back with trace amounts after post-installation testing. The EPA will redo all of the previously cleaned yards that test positive for asbestos, even for trace amounts.

For the full story, go to The Western News.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/epa-may-have-used-contaminated-soil-in-libby-cleanup/feed/ Federal funding allows Michigan school district to demolish three buildings http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/federal-funding-allows-michigan-school-district-to-demolish-three-buildings/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/federal-funding-allows-michigan-school-district-to-demolish-three-buildings/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:52:50 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6140 Federal funding from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program has been approved to tear down three schools in Taylor, Michigan. Monroe and Racho Elementary schools and Taylor Center High School will be razed to the ground after asbestos removal. Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis. The school district will retain control of the land following demolition. No plans are currently in the works for using the land.

For the full story, go to The News Herald.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/24/federal-funding-allows-michigan-school-district-to-demolish-three-buildings/feed/ Cleveland Public Theatre gets $200k for asbestos cleanup http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/cleveland-public-theatre-gets-200k-for-asbestos-cleanup/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/cleveland-public-theatre-gets-200k-for-asbestos-cleanup/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:24:00 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6144 The Ohio Department of Development announced recently that $200,000 from a new fund designed to clean up and revitalize historic sites was awarded to the Cleveland Public Theatre to help renovate the theater and remove asbestos from the ceiling. The effort is part of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment that has taken place in historic Gordon Square Arts District over the last few years. The funding should be sufficient to replace the asbestos-laden ceiling in Gordon Square Theatre. Work is scheduled during the off season from January to March when the theater is usually closed.

For the full story, go to Plain Dealer.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/cleveland-public-theatre-gets-200k-for-asbestos-cleanup/feed/ Carson City gets $400k in brownfields grants http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/carson-city-gets-400k-in-brownfields-grants/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/carson-city-gets-400k-in-brownfields-grants/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:23:57 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6145 Carson City, Nevada will benefit from $400,000 in federal government brownfield grants from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address toxic contamination issues in city redevelopment districts. The grants will provide funding for assessment of petroleum, lead-based paint, asbestos and other hazardous contaminants for up to 15 targeted commercial properties. After the initial assessments, samples will be taken from at least five properties deemed most toxic for further testing.

For the full story, go to Nevada Appeal.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/carson-city-gets-400k-in-brownfields-grants/feed/ Asbestos delays demolition of nursing school dormitory http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/asbestos-delays-demolition-of-nursing-school-dormitory/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/asbestos-delays-demolition-of-nursing-school-dormitory/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:23:54 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6146 The old nursing school dormitory in Moline, Iowa has been undergone asbestos abatement four times, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says more tests are needed before the building can be demolished. An EPA spokesperson said that, even though the asbestos tiles have been removed, contamination may have spread to the surrounding soil, brick and concrete, making the area unsafe for the community. Further work has been delayed by the unusually rainy weather. Once the building is finally declared asbestos free, it will be demolished and the property put on the market for developers. City officials hope to attract a buyer who will build 60 to 80 housing units on the spot.

For the full story, go to KWQC.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/asbestos-delays-demolition-of-nursing-school-dormitory/feed/ Century-old hotel to undergo partial demolition http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/century-old-hotel-to-undergo-partial-demolition/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/century-old-hotel-to-undergo-partial-demolition/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:23:49 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6147 The sprawling property in downtown Cambria, Wisconsin was erected 100 years ago, designed to be a hotel, and today it is a crumbling blight on the neighborhood. The owner wants to tear down most of the building and try to save the two attached buildings at 206 and 208 W. Edgewater Street. Two engineers were asked to assess the property recently and concluded that most of it was beyond redemption and would be too costly to try and save. As late as January, 10 apartments in the building were occupied. Tenants were given 10 days to move before the building was sealed by the fire department. The village board asked the owner to have the asbestos and other hazardous materials removed and the building torn down within 60 days, if possible.

For the full story, go to Portage Daily Register.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/23/century-old-hotel-to-undergo-partial-demolition/feed/ Former paper building could come down next spring http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/22/former-paper-building-could-come-down-next-spring/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/22/former-paper-building-could-come-down-next-spring/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:44:20 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6142 Dayton city officials said recently that a company has purchased the old Howard Paper Company building. Garrett Day, LLC of Lexington, Kentucky bought the asbestos-ridden building that has become a home for vagrants and drug activity. Demolition will begin next spring following asbestos abatement. The city will request a grant from the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund for $2 million to help cover the cost of asbestos cleanup and demolition.

The new owners have been discussing development ideas with the public school system and Sinclair Community College about future use of the land after the building is razed. As part of the funding agreement, Garrett Day would be required to build on the lot within two years of receiving a grant.

For the full story, go to WHIO.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/22/former-paper-building-could-come-down-next-spring/feed/ Rosewood property contaminated with asbestos, PCBs and other substances http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/22/rosewood-property-contaminated-with-asbestos-pcbs-and-other-substances/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/22/rosewood-property-contaminated-with-asbestos-pcbs-and-other-substances/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:44:17 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6143 Stevenson University in Baltimore, Maryland hired Urban Green Environmental LLC to conduct an environmental study of the former Rosewood Center in Owings Mills to evaluate contamination and assess the suitability of the property for a proposed expansion of the school campus. Contamination was discovered in the former institution for mentally disabled people during a state-commissioned study last year.

The original study found that the grounds and buildings contained asbestos, lead, PCBs and concentrations of toxic chemicals from ash dumping and leaking oil tanks. The new study will determine the full extent of the toxic contamination.

For the full story, go to The Baltimore Sun.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/22/rosewood-property-contaminated-with-asbestos-pcbs-and-other-substances/feed/ Asbestos must be removed from old fertilizer plant before demolition http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/21/asbestos-must-be-removed-from-old-fertilizer-plant-before-demolition/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/21/asbestos-must-be-removed-from-old-fertilizer-plant-before-demolition/#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:44:22 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6141 Demolition of the decrepit former Gro Mor fertilizer distribution facility in Plant City, Florida was delayed by the discovery of asbestos used in the building materials. The eyesore, located south of the historic downtown district, was purchased by the city for $600,000 using Community Redevelopment Agency funds. City officials hope to attract new business to the prime location once the 90 year old building comes down.

For the full story, go to Tampa Bay Online.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/21/asbestos-must-be-removed-from-old-fertilizer-plant-before-demolition/feed/ Demolition will cost almost twice as much as purchase price for YWCA building http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/demolition-will-cost-almost-twice-as-much-as-purchase-price-for-ywca-building/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/demolition-will-cost-almost-twice-as-much-as-purchase-price-for-ywca-building/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:58:44 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6148 The City of Des Moines, Iowa has offered to buy the old downtown YWCA building for just over $1 million, but the cost of demolishing the building with asbestos abatement could cost in excess of $1.85 million. Initial estimates were in the neighborhood of $700,000. City officials would like to own the centrally located property, but the additional demolition costs may have priced the building out of range. They will close on the building sometime this month if the cost issues can be resolved.

For the full story, go to Des Moines Register.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/demolition-will-cost-almost-twice-as-much-as-purchase-price-for-ywca-building/feed/ Long-term mesothelioma survivor runs to raise awareness http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/long-term-mesothelioma-survivor-runs-to-raise-awareness/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/long-term-mesothelioma-survivor-runs-to-raise-awareness/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:58:24 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6149 Pompano Beach runner Larry Davis is a man on a mission. Davis was diagnosed years ago with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure.  But now, years later, he spends his time raising awareness of the disease. Recently he made a trip to Washington to ask for support from Congress to declare September 26 National Mesothelioma Awareness Day and to gain support for funding mesothelioma research. Fifty congressmen joined the cause. Davis is proud of what his group accomplished, and he’s already on to the next race.

For the full story, go to Sun-Sentinel.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/long-term-mesothelioma-survivor-runs-to-raise-awareness/feed/ Blame affects research, advocacy for lung cancer http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/blame-affects-research-advocacy-for-lung-cancer/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/blame-affects-research-advocacy-for-lung-cancer/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:58:12 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6150 Dr. Michael Thun, an epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society says that lung cancer is underfunded due to poor public perception. Although 35% of women diagnosed with lung cancer never smoked or lived with smokers, public perception is that people with lung cancer are to blame for their own illness. Since most people develop lung cancer only after decades of smoking, the people suffering today were hooked long before the dangers were common knowledge, when advertisers portrayed smoking as sophisticated and cool, when smoking was allowed inside every public building, and when screen idols lit up in every scene.

Lung cancer has additional causes as well. Radon gas, pollution, and exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer. Genetic factors may also influence susceptibility, and a significant number of non-smoking women who develop lung cancer are found with estrogen receptors.

For the full story, go to The New York Times.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/blame-affects-research-advocacy-for-lung-cancer/feed/ Asbestos union stages protest at Edgewood Country Club http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/asbestos-union-stages-protest-at-edgewood-country-club/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/asbestos-union-stages-protest-at-edgewood-country-club/#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:57:56 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6151 Since late April, the Asbestos, Lead and Hazardous Waste Laborers’ Local 78 has been disrupting country clubs in and around New Jersey and New York to force the clubs to unionize their groundskeepers. Union protestors first struck the Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus in April, planting a coffin with a mannequin and later a 12-foot inflatable rat. Recently, they launched a protest at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, complete with coffin and rat. Club officials at each course denied the allegations that they are rich white people who are exploiting minority workers for low pay.

This month, the Ridgewood Country Club will host the first leg in a series of PGA tournaments for the FedEx Cup with a top prize is $10 million. Country club officials are concerned that the protests will hurt attendance at the prestigious event. The tournament traditionally draws hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity.

For the full story, go to North Jersey.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/20/asbestos-union-stages-protest-at-edgewood-country-club/feed/ New Haven contractors learn deconstruction techniques http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/19/new-haven-contractors-learn-deconstruction-techniques-2/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/19/new-haven-contractors-learn-deconstruction-techniques-2/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:01:33 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6014 The City of New Haven, Connecticut Office of Economic Development is taking steps to ensure better environmental sustainability in the form of large-scale recycling.  They’ve just launched a new Contractor Deconstruction Training Program to teach contractors how to disassemble buildings, as opposed to demolishing them. This allows for reuse and recycling of materials, waste reduction, job creation and conservation of resources.

Mayor John DeStefano Jr. is committed to moving away from a "throwaway society" and toward greener, more sustainable practices. In addition to helping small contractors improve their skill sets, this training will make reusable building materials available for future construction, and keep tons of rubble out of landfills.

Abcon Environmental donated its services to the program for asbestos removal on the training property, and MGM Carting and Recycling Corporation donated dumpsters and hauling of other debris. The program is being run by The Reuse People, a California-based non-profit organization.

For the full story, go to Shoreline Plus.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/19/new-haven-contractors-learn-deconstruction-techniques-2/feed/ Bachelorette suitor Kirk reveals medical problems from toxic exposure http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/19/bachelorette-suitor-kirk-reveals-medical-problems-from-toxic-exposure-2/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/19/bachelorette-suitor-kirk-reveals-medical-problems-from-toxic-exposure-2/#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:01:01 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6017 On a June episode, Kirk won the coveted one-on-one date with lovely Ali on ABC’s The Bachelorette. After picking out matching sweaters at a local boutique in Iceland, Kirk and Ali enjoyed a heart to heart over a cup of tea that included some personal revelations. Kirk recounted that he nearly died while living in an old house riddled with mold and asbestos he was unaware of at the time. His body reacted to the mold exposure with nerve damage, memory loss, partial paralysis, and hair loss. Asbestos exposure can cause latent diseases—like mesothelioma, asbestosis or asbestos-related lung cancer—that may take decades to be diagnosed. 

The suitor explained that, after re recovered from the effects of the old exposure, the near death experience left him with a heightened sense of purpose and a desire to create more meaningful relationships in his life.

For the full story, go to New York Daily News.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/19/bachelorette-suitor-kirk-reveals-medical-problems-from-toxic-exposure-2/feed/ Rhode Island beach bathhouse closed due to asbestos http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/rhode-island-beach-bathhouse-closed-due-to-asbestos/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/rhode-island-beach-bathhouse-closed-due-to-asbestos/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:41 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6088 The North Pavilion at Town Beach in Narragansett, Rhode Island was originally built in the 1950s for the convenience of beachgoers. Over the years, the rows of rental changing rooms lining a wooden boardwalk have become so damaged that the asbestos roofing is brittle and considered friable – easily crushed – which may expose the public to dangerous asbestos fibers unless something is done. At first, the town council considered replacing the old pavilion, but the $9.5 million price tag brought talks to a halt. The new plan, to renovate the existing structures using Vortex, a company experienced in asbestos abatement, will cost a comparatively inexpensive $49,850.

The changing rooms will be closed for the duration of the renovation project, but the first aid station, bathrooms and concession stands, which are outside the construction area, will remain open.

For the full story, go to South County Independent.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/rhode-island-beach-bathhouse-closed-due-to-asbestos/feed/ More asbestos than expected pushes Hangar One work behind schedule http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/more-asbestos-than-expected-pushes-hangar-one-work-behind-schedule/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/more-asbestos-than-expected-pushes-hangar-one-work-behind-schedule/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:38 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6092 Hangar One, the Navy-owned historic airship hangar at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California is destined to be dismantled, but delays keep cropping up. The interior demolition crew found more asbestos than initially figured, so the plan must be amended to account for additional asbestos abatement. Meanwhile, a group of preservationists are using the delay to lobby for the preservation of a cork room once used to store airship gas cells. The room has porous cork walls about five inches thick and dust was noted in the natural crevices. The restoration advisory board plans to ask the U.S. Navy to preserve the entire room in place unless it is contaminated by asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic substance that can cause serious illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Outside, the fate of a pair of burrowing owls that make their home near the building has come into question. The species is designated as a species of special concern by the state. In an effort to protect the owls, the construction fence has been moved on the advice of a NASA biologist.

The hangar dismantling schedule has been delayed about two months over the asbestos issue but the demolition company expects to demolish the interior structures beginning in October and take down the outside walls by next spring.

For the full story, go to San Jose Mercury News.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/more-asbestos-than-expected-pushes-hangar-one-work-behind-schedule/feed/ Asbestos found in New Jersey firehouse http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/asbestos-found-in-new-jersey-firehouse/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/asbestos-found-in-new-jersey-firehouse/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:34 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6093 A few months ago, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services found suspected asbestos materials in the firehouse serving Bogota, New Jersey. The insulation wrapping the pipes in the basement is the source of concern. The public safety inspector was notified and a new inspection was scheduled with Public Employees Occupational Safety & Health Administration (PEOSHA) to verify the building’s safety.

If the material proves to be asbestos, the fire department has two options. The asbestos can be removed or covered to contain the asbestos and prevent possible exposure. The second option is cheaper, but would require yearly training to deal will potential exposure, so the district expects to remove the material if it proves to be asbestos. Asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma and other serious illnesses, so its removal is strictly regulated.

For the full story, go to Bogota Bulletin.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/asbestos-found-in-new-jersey-firehouse/feed/ 129-year-old hotel comes down in Kansas City http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/129-year-old-hotel-comes-down-in-kansas-city/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/129-year-old-hotel-comes-down-in-kansas-city/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:00:30 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6094 The historic Cosby Hotel building might have been spared demolition if not for the severe 2009 winter weather.  The 129-year-old building was originally slated for renovation, but the winter weather, followed by a wet spring, caused so much damage to the brick façade that city officials decided to order the building demolished.

The Cumberland Redevelopment Corp., the entity formed to handle redevelopment of the structure, will be footing the $115,000 bill. Crews are removing asbestos from the interior and readying to begin demolition work. Rick Powell, who owns the building, intends to put a similar building in the same spot.

For the full story, go to The Kansas City Star.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/18/129-year-old-hotel-comes-down-in-kansas-city/feed/ U.S. Navy veteran dies of asbestos disease at age 71 http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/us-navy-veteran-dies-of-asbestos-disease-at-age-71/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/us-navy-veteran-dies-of-asbestos-disease-at-age-71/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:00:11 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6095 Albert H. Buster died on July 6, 2010 from mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos that occurred decades ago. Albert was a retired U.S. Navy veteran and remained active with Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He was also active in the community as a member of Ebenezer A.M.E., holding positions as a trustee, usher, and assistant Sunday school superintendent, and a member of the United Christian Church Ushers Association.

Albert is survived by his wife Beverly, three children, Albert II, Anitra, and Beverly Alberta, and two grandchildren, Chiarra and Johnnie.

For the full story, go to Kitsap Sun.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/us-navy-veteran-dies-of-asbestos-disease-at-age-71/feed/ Delaware Hotel asbestos removal done, demolition underway from July into August http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/delaware-hotel-asbestos-removal-done-demolition-underway-from-july-into-august/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/delaware-hotel-asbestos-removal-done-demolition-underway-from-july-into-august/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:00:03 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6096 The Delaware Hotel demolition is well underway following asbestos abatement performed earlier this year. The demolition crew will begin with the banquet facility and restaurant, followed by the main structure of the four-story hotel. Materials from the demolished building will be separated into piles onsite to facilitate recycling. Almost 90% of the building materials will be recycled.

The city purchased the old hotel for $227,000 using a $1.1 million Neighborhood Stabilization Grant. Asbestos removal and demolition was priced at $488,000. The remaining funds will be used to demolish other area properties.

For the full story, go to The Delaware Gazette.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/delaware-hotel-asbestos-removal-done-demolition-underway-from-july-into-august/feed/ Over $7 million approved for Vegas mob museum exhibits, remediation http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/over-7-million-approved-for-vegas-mob-museum-exhibits-remediation/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/over-7-million-approved-for-vegas-mob-museum-exhibits-remediation/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:59:55 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6097 The former federal courthouse and post office will soon be the new home of the Las Vegas Organized Crime and Law Enforcement Museum, otherwise known as the Mob Museum, in downtown Las Vegas. Just over $7 million in funding has been approved for the museum project, which will feature at least 30 interactive exhibits in the three-story, 41,000-square-foot building.

The first step in renovating the historic courthouse was asbestos and lead paint removal. Additional funding was earmarked to fund the asbestos abatement and the renovation of the building’s interior shell according to standards set by the Secretary of Interior for a National Historic Register building.

For the full story, go to Las Vegas Sun.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/over-7-million-approved-for-vegas-mob-museum-exhibits-remediation/feed/ Congressmen want answers from the EPA about Libby asbestos http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/congressmen-want-answers-from-the-epa-about-libby-asbestos/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/congressmen-want-answers-from-the-epa-about-libby-asbestos/#comments Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:59:50 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6098 Montana’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester and Representative Denny Rehberg, have asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clarify future plans for Libby, Montana. In separate letters submitted to the EPA, the delegates asked for formal assurances that the government will see the Libby Superfund site cleanup and the beleaguered people of Libby through to the end. In addition, they want assurances that the EPA will continue to support the tiny town of 3,000 if the asbestos contamination issues turn out to be worse than anticipated. Already, 400 Libby residents have died of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases from the defunct W.R. Grace vermiculite mine.

The EPA set up camp in Libby more than a decade ago in the wake of serious health concerns that began to appear at the time, but their risk assessment study will not be completed for another five years. The EPA acknowledges that part of the delay is bureaucratic and that the problem is bigger than first anticipated.

For the full story, go to Great Falls Tribune.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/17/congressmen-want-answers-from-the-epa-about-libby-asbestos/feed/ Hospitals need standards for palliative care http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/hospitals-need-standards-for-palliative-care/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/hospitals-need-standards-for-palliative-care/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:06:54 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6105 Researchers at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center and RAND Corp. examined medical records of nearly 500 terminally ill patients to determine whether they were properly advised with an end-of-life discussion at the appropriate time. The report concluded that in most cases, the discussions did not take place when necessary or with the frequency required to help both patient and family understand, care for the patient and prepare for death.

The report suggested that no systematic, clinically detailed measurement of the quality of care planning, palliation and symptom management among dying inpatients exists to guide palliative care teams in advising their patients.

For the full story, go to Health Leaders Media.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/hospitals-need-standards-for-palliative-care/feed/ Contractor fined $33,500 for asbestos violations at Naval Weapons Station http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/contractor-fined-33500-for-asbestos-violations-at-naval-weapons-station/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/contractor-fined-33500-for-asbestos-violations-at-naval-weapons-station/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:06:31 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6102 LVI Environmental Services of North Carolina, an environmental remediation company, was slapped with a $33,500 fine for failure to follow proper procedure during asbestos abatement at Naval Weapons Station Charleston. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control claims that the contractor did not follow state and federal guidelines for asbestos handling while removing asbestos materials from housing units at the station.

For the full story, go to The Post and Courier.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/contractor-fined-33500-for-asbestos-violations-at-naval-weapons-station/feed/ Furniture store building from 1930s burns down http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/furniture-store-building-from-1930s-burns-down/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/furniture-store-building-from-1930s-burns-down/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:06:27 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6103 The Maness Furniture at 306 E. Main in Kilgore, Texas recently went up in a blaze so hot it melted the steel beams, causing the building to collapse on itself. Fire departments responded from nearby Overton, Sabine and Crim’s Chapel to help the Kilgore fire department contain the blaze, and off-duty Kilgore firefighters were called in. While they were unable to save the building, they prevented spread to nearby buildings. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) has been called in to investigate the cause of the fire due to the extensive damage. Ronnie Moore, the public safety director for the City of Kilgore, theorizes that the origin of the fire will turn out to be electrical, a common problem in old buildings.

A city ordinance specifies that within 60 days after a building has been declared a total loss by the fire marshal, the building must be removed. Potential asbestos in the rubble is under discussion. Handling the debris properly is crucial to prevent the release of dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. According to B.J. Owen, the city’s general services director, the city will be paying close attention to see that the asbestos-laden rubble is handled and removed properly to keep the community safe.

For the full story, go to Kilgore News Herald.

]]> http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/furniture-store-building-from-1930s-burns-down/feed/ Discussing breakthrough cancer pain with the experts http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/discussing-breakthrough-cancer-pain-with-the-experts/ http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/2010/08/16/discussing-breakthrough-cancer-pain-with-the-experts/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:06:24 +0000 Mesothelioma News http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/?p=6104 Pain is a fact of life that every cancer patient in advanced stages lives with, but many patients are reluctant to discuss it with their doctors for a number of reasons. Some are afraid of addiction to pain medications, some are concerned that focus on pain management may interfere with cancer treatment, some are afraid insurance won’t cover additional medications or treatment, and some are simply afraid to broach the subject if the doctor doesn’t ask. Pain is a complicated and intensely personal issue, and untreated cancer pain can slow recovery and weaken the immune system.

Oncology News International interviewed three pain experts, including Pamela Bennett, BSN, David S. Craig, PharmD, BCPS, and Robert Kronenberg, PharmD, for insight into breakthrough pain—sudden, debilitating pain episodes that last a short period of time, often less time than it takes for pain medication to take effect. The experts mentioned that better communication between doctors and patients is necessary, better diagnostic tools are needed to determine the extent of the pain, and a better understanding of pain itself are among the issues faced by cancer patients and their medical teams.

For the full story, go to Cancer Network.

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