In recent years much attention has been geared towards the various health conditions that may arise as a result of working with or around asbestos. From lung cancer to mesothelioma, the facts are there – asbestos can cause significant health risks.

Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally as fibers and are used in certain industries. The trick is, since society is more aware of the dangers of asbestos today – most industries avoid the use of these minerals in order to decrease the likelihood of health risks such as lung damage.

The United States EPA provides us with a great deal of information on asbestos, including the following:

Health care

From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of…….. (more…)

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is an extremely rare cancer. Only 100 to 500 cases are diagnosed in the US each year, making up less than 30% of all mesothelioma cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the abdominal lining, or peritoneum (paira-tin-e-um), which is why is is sometimes referred to as abdominal mesothelioma. This membrane supports and covers the organs of the abdomen.

The peritoneum is made of two parts, the visceral and parietal peritoneum. The visceral peritoneum covers the internal organs and makes up most of the outer layer of the intestinal tract. Covering the abdominal cavity is the parietal peritoneum. Cells in these linings secrete a fluid which allows organs to move against one another. For instance, as the intestines move food through the body. The cells of the mesothelium are designed to create fluid, but the cancer can cause them to overproduce, creating a build up of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity….. (more…)

The number of workers from the North East of England and Cumbria who die from asbestos related illnesses has reached the highest levels on record.

The Health and Safety Executive has revealed that 400 people die from the illnesses each year in the region.

It comes as the new Northern Asbestos Support and Campaign Group is launched for victims living in the North East.

The North’s industrial past means it has one of the highest rates of death from mesothelioma.

The support group, set up by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the first of its kind in the region, offers services including telephone helpline and drop-in centres.

Victims will also be offered home visits, advice on benefit entitlements and family members will be offered support at inquests….. (more…)