Injury lawyer claims asbestos victory
Many became terminally ill after their jobs at the firm brought them into close contact with the dangerous substance. The families of workers at the factory were also put at personal risk through contact with contaminated workers, in addition to facing the pain of losing loved ones.
The case has been ongoing due to the slow appearance of the effects of working with asbestos, which can manifest themselves years later in the form of aggressive cancers.
The latest twist in the rollercoaster trail of legal successes and setbacks comes with this month’s test case judgment defeating insurers, who were reluctant to validate ongoing payouts to ill workers. “It is a milestone. I feel enormous relief for the families involved,” said Mr Hankins, consultant to Rowcroft solicitors AES Winterbothams.
“This is probably one of the most aggressively fought areas of injury and disease in my professional life,” he said.
“This is also a very important case for Stroud as the lead defendant insurer was BAI and six test case victims defeated the insurers.”
Mr Hankins maintains that the insurer, BAI, had gone along for years with the payouts to the ex employees of Fibrecrete, before arguing in 2007 that the payments should only begin once symptoms of the associated diseases began to manifest themselves.
For many victims, diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer which are caused by exposure to the dangerous asbestos particles do not develop until up to 30 years after the original contact, by which point the majority of insurance policies would have expired.
Luckily after 6 weeks of arguing, the High Court found in favour of Mr Hankins and the ex employees of Fibrecrete.
“If they’d won there would have been nothing more disappointing than finding that, after working through a case with either a very ill person or a widow, that there was no insurance policy to pay out their compensation,” Mr Hankins said.
“These men are totally innocent but die dreadful deaths with these illnesses. There are also the wives and daughters who washed their clothes for them and inhaled the asbestos particles. These women had not done anything wrong and yet they too are deprived of their health.”
Mr Hankins, who said he came into his profession on a vocation to “right all wrongs”, expects asbestos cases to peak in about 2015.
“During the test case litigation BAI admitted that over the last two years they had rejected 284 fatal mesothelioma claims, whose f families are consequently still awaiting compensation averaging £125,000 each, which is a total of a staggering £35.5 million,” Mr Hankins said.
About the Author
Carys has more articles pertaining to injury lawyers and other legal related articles.
Injury lawyer wins case for asbestos victims
Hankins said that the court ruling for insurance companies to pay out compensation for when a worker was exposed to asbestos and not when the symptoms appeared was a great improvement.
Hankins stated: “It is a milestone. I feel enormous relief for the families involved. This is probably one of the most aggressively fought areas of injury and disease in my professional life.”
Fibrecrete closed in 1971 but asbestos and similar illnesses have an incredibly long tail, or lead in time.
Mr Hankins commented: “If they’d won there would have been nothing more disappointing than finding that, after working through a case with either a very ill person or a widow, that there was no insurance policy to pay out their compensation.”
He furthered: “These men are totally innocent but die dreadful deaths with these illnesses. There are also the wives and daughters who washed their clothes for them and inhaled the asbestos particles. These women had not done anything wrong and yet they too are deprived of their health.”
Currently, it is thought that there are around 1,500 mesothelioma deaths a year in the UK, four or five of which are in Stroud.
Hankins said that he came into the lawyer profession on an ideal to “right all the wrongs” and he expects asbestos claims to increase in 1015.
Due to the BAI rejecting compensation claims many workers have suffered this work disease without court sympathy but BAI admitted that the rejection of hundreds of cases will lead to huge settlements.
Mr Hankins stated: “During the test case litigation BAI admitted that over the last two years they had rejected 284 fatal mesothelioma claims, whose families are consequently still awaiting compensation averaging £125,000 each, which is a total of a staggering £35.5 million.”
Asbestos cases can be difficult Many injury lawyers have found asbestos cases difficult, and until now, these cases were difficult to prove. Adrian Budgen, head of industrial disease litigation commented on his findings and on the new court ruling.
Budgen said that the number of work disease victims were huge: “It was hugely challenging because of the sheer scale of the litigation and the number of parties involved.”
Adrian then commented on the new ruling: “Mr Justice Burton found that the four insurers (BAI, Excess, Independent and MMI) were liable to provide an indemnity in respect of negligent exposure to asbestos during their policy periods.”
The new court ruling will hopefully give a new lease of life to the families who have lost loved ones to the disease.
Maureen Edwards who lost her father was happy with the decision: “My dad would have been proud that we have finally achieved justice for him, but he would have been disgusted by the lengths the insurers went to get out of paying.”
General-secretary of Unite, Derek Simpson stated it was a “hugely important victory for the victims of the deadly dust and for their families”.
About the Author
Catherine has more articles pertaining to injury lawyers and other legal related articles.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Mesothelioma and Asbestos Cancer.
Working in a company which uses asbestos is not safe. Looking for alternate employment would be the safest option. The companies have asbestos related safety precautions and one can ensure they are being followed. The commonly seen jobs that pose the highest risk of mesothelioma are:
1-Insulation manufacturing and installations.
2-Mining
3-Railroad workers
4-Workers in the factories
5-Asbestos manufacturing companies
6-Ship yard workers
7-Automotive repairs
8-Manufacturers of gas masks
Many old homes contain traces of asbestos. If you suspect your home to contain materials made of asbestos they can be tested in the laboratory. There are agencies dealing with asbestos removal and they can be contacted for removing asbestos from your home. Though it can be done by yourself it is safer to let an asbestos abatement or removal contractor perform the procedure.
Asbestos that is not disturbed is not considered a health hazard. But if there is flaking, friable ceilings and plumbing and if the building is built before the 1980s then there are chances that they contain asbestos and have to be removed safely. Public buildings like schools, office buildings, libraries, theatres etc are all prone to this hazard. The problem should be brought to the city authorities’ notice. Living near someone who works near asbestos also exposes you to the mineral.
Asbestos can be transported through clothing, skin and hair. Even a few strands of asbestos can sometimes lead to mesothelioma.
Once you have been exposed to asbestos and have not yet been diagnosed with the fatal condition, there is still hope for you. If care is taken you might not even develop it. Blood tests can be done annually to confirm that you are well. There are other diagnostic tools that can be performed annually on asbestos exposed individuals to reconfirm their health status. These tests also aid in early detection when the condition is curable and can be controlled.
Smoking should be stopped since smokers are more susceptible to the onset of the condition if they have asbestos exposure history. Prevention is the best way out in mesothelioma since it is fatal if not diagnosed early.
To Your Health!
About the Author
Florida Abortions Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Medical Abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women’s Center. Abortions Clinic.
Mesothelioma: Beware the Dangers of Asbestos
• Pleural malignant mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around your lungs. It is the most common form of the disease.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue around your abdomen.
• Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around your heart.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the region of your body affected by the cancer. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
• Shortness of breath
• Painful breathing
• Painful coughing
• Chest pain near the rib cage
• Lumps of tissue under your chest skin
• Weight loss
• Dry cough
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Change in bowel habits (frequent diarrhea or constipation)
• Lumps of tissue in abdomen
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
Causes of Mesothelioma
The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a harmful fiber used as insulation. People who have a high exposure to asbestos are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. This exposure most commonly occurs in the workplace. Frequently, blue collar jobs in mines, ship yards, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and railway facilities place people at greatest risk of asbestos exposure.
If asbestos dust is breathed or swallowed, the fibers can settle in your lungs or stomach, resulting in an irritation that ultimately causes mesothelioma. People with very high levels of exposure to asbestos are at greater risk of contracting mesothelioma than people with lower levels of exposure. It can take as long as 30 to 40 years for the disease to develop.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Over the years, many lawsuits have been filed and won on behalf of people exposed to asbestos at work. If you have been diagnosed with this rare cancer, you should consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney at once to see if you have a valid claim.
It is important to choose an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma claims. This is a highly complex area of the law, and you should not trust your case to someone lacking the proper experience. Several factors complicate many of these claims, including:
• The long delay between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma
• The widespread use of asbestos in many common products
• The ability to develop mesothelioma from second-hand exposure to asbestos
These factors can often make it difficult to prove precisely where you were exposed to this dangerous fiber. You will need a lawyer who can skillfully work with these factors and still help you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are most likely looking at a lifetime of pain, medical expenses, and lost earning capacity. You should be compensated for your injuries. Why trust your mesothelioma claim to someone who is not an expert?
About the Author
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Delaware area, please contact the law offices of Peter G. Angelos, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with an experienced mesothelioma attorney.
What should you do if diagnosed with asbestos-related disease?
They are either direct methods or alternative methods. Some of the direct methods are Surgery-both Aggressive and Pallative, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy etc. Immunoagumentive Therapy (IAT), Gene Therapy, Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy (IPT) etc. are some of the commonly practiced alternative methods.
Also one can take the help of Support Groups, which are available to help sufferers deal with the challenges that they are facing. A recent publication says that over 20% of Americans have participated in some type of self-help group. There are mainly two types of support groups that are available namely- online support groups and community centred support groups.
If you have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is important for you to have a positive frame of mind and keep yourself well informed about the latest medical developments that has taken place pertaining to this field. Also as a victim of the Asbestos industry you can have certain legal and social claims. The following propositions can be considered if you are a victim of Mesothelioma caused due to negligent asbestos exposure.
1. Legal Aid and Financial Compensation People who contract the disease must be absolutely sure that the cause for the same was asbestos exposure and then take steps to get the right legal counsel. Once the legal counsel has been retained the law will ensure that he or she gets the compensation for employers negligence if any.
2. Claim from the Asbestos Industry Mesothelioma victims have the option to claim large monetary compensation from the asbestos industry. These claims can go into the millions of dollars depending on the rights and cause of the claims. A Law firm that specializes in mesothelioma cases ensures that the families of victims gets ample compensation.
3. Claim Social Security Disability Victims can claim social security disability after getting advice from an attorney that specializes in these cases.
4. Disability Insurance You are legally entailed to claim disability insurance if you have disability insurance either privately procured, within your life insurance policy or through your employer.
5.Worker’s Compensation It is one of the core responsibilities of an employer to take care of its employees. Thus, even while the victim takes legal action against the asbestos industry he or she can simultaneously claim workers compensation for being ‘disabled’ during work. A lawyer who has experience in the asbestos industry should handle this sort of claim.
6. Health Insurance A victim of mesothelioma can incur huge medical bills due to the expensive nature of treatment that’s required for the treatment of this disease. If a victim is admitted to the hospital he or she should talk to the Discharge Planner or other personnel who can help with hospice and hospital coverage. Laws cover medial treatments and action can be taken health insurance company if they fail to provide proper coverage. Again it is imperative to ensure that the victim employs a proper legal representative.
About the Author
About the author: Did you know that mesothelioma symptoms are hard to detect? Find out why by visiting
What is Mesothelioma (Asbestos Cancer)?
Both types of mesothelioma can be very painful and lead to a number of undesirable symptoms. Pleural mesothelioma can cause breathlessness, coughing and chest pain. It can also lead to pleural effusion where lubricating fluid in the lungs becomes trapped between the inner and outer layers of the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal pain, bowel problems and it swelling in the abdomen.
Almost every case of mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. In the past asbestos was a very popular construction material in the UK. However, as people became more knowledgeable they learnt about the dangers associated with this material. In particular they discovered that the very fine fibres that make up asbestos are easily released when the material is handled. This led to a complete ban on the importing and use of asbestos being imposed in the UK in 1999.
Mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer and is believed to affect one person in every million. However, it can be deadly. If you have previously been exposed to asbestos you should go see your doctor right away and explain your concerns. Even if it turns out that you do not have this type of cancer it is better to be safe than sorry.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
About the Author
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about mesothelioma and how improving your fitness can help you prevent cancer by visiting his Free Fitness Tips Blog
ASBESTOS Q & A ASBESTOS Faqs ASBESTOS Questions and Answers Asbestos Information Asbestosis Info Mesothelioma Texas Attorneys
- What is asbestos?
- Chrysotile, or white asbestos;
- Crocidolite, or blue asbestos;
- Amosite, which usually has brown fibers; and
- Anthophyllite, which usually has gray fibers.
- How is asbestos used?
Asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America beginning in the late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World War II. Since then, it has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industry has used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads. More than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos. Some of them are listed below:
- Asbestos cement sheet and pipe products used for water supply and sewage piping, roofing and siding, casings for electrical wires, fire protection material, electrical switchboards and components, and residential and industrial building materials;
- Friction products, such as clutch facings, brake linings for automobiles, gaskets, and industrial friction materials;
- Products containing asbestos paper, such as table pads and heat-protective mats, heat and electrical wire insulation, industrial filters for beverages, and underlying material for sheet flooring;
- Asbestos textile products, such as packing components, roofing materials, and heat- and fire-resistant fabrics (including blankets and curtains); and
- Other products, including ceiling and floor tile; gaskets and packings; paints, coatings, and adhesives; caulking and patching tape; artificial ashes and embers for use in gas-fired fireplaces; plastics; vermiculite-containing consumer garden products; and some talc-containing crayons.
In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. Additionally, asbestos was voluntarily withdrawn by manufacturers of electric hair dryers. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established prior to 1989 are still allowed.
The EPA has established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it. In June 2000, the CPSC concluded that the risk of children’s exposure to asbestos fibers in crayons was extremely low. However, the U.S. manufacturers of these crayons agreed to reformulate their products within a year. In August 2000, the EPA recommended that consumers reduce possible asbestos exposure from vermiculite-containing garden products by limiting the amount of dust produced during use. The EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it; avoid bringing dust from vermiculite use into the home on clothing; and use premixed potting soil, which is less likely to generate dust.
The regulations described above and other actions, coupled with widespread public concern about the hazards of asbestos, have resulted in a significant annual decline in U.S. use of asbestos: Domestic consumption of asbestos amounted to about 719,000 metric tons in 1973, but it had dropped to about 9,000 metric tons by 2002. Asbestos is currently used most frequently in gaskets and in roofing and friction products.
- What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos?
Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of several serious diseases:
- Asbestosis-a chronic lung ailment that can produce shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage;
- Lung cancer;
- Mesothelioma-a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen; and
- Other cancers, such as those of the larynx, oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney.
- Who is at risk?
Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.
Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos. Health hazards from asbestos fibers have been recognized in workers exposed in shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, brake repair, and a variety of other trades. Demolition workers, drywall removers, and firefighters also may be exposed to asbestos fibers. As a result of Government regulations and improved work practices, today’s workers (those without previous exposure) are likely to face smaller risks than did those exposed in the past.
Although it is known that the risk to workers increases with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear.
There is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. This type of exposure is called paraoccupational exposure. To decrease these exposures, people exposed to asbestos at work are required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.
- How great is the risk?
Not all workers exposed to asbestos will develop diseases related to their exposure. The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases varies with the type of industry in which the exposure occurred and with the extent of the exposure. Asbestos that is bonded into finished products such as walls and tiles poses no risk to health as long as it is not damaged or disturbed (for example, by sawing or drilling) in such a way as to release fibers into the air. When asbestos fibers are set free and inhaled, however, exposed individuals are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
- How does smoking affect risk?
Many studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of lung cancer. However, smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.
There is evidence that quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers. People who were exposed to asbestos on the job at any time during their life or who suspect they may have been exposed should not smoke. If they smoke, they should stop.
- Who needs to be examined?
Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job or at home via a family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended. It is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure. Interpretation of the chest x-ray may require the help of a specialist who is experienced in reading x-rays for asbestos-related diseases. Other tests also may be necessary.
As noted earlier, the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after exposure. If any of the following symptoms develop, a physical examination should be scheduled without delay:
- Shortness of breath;
- A cough or a change in cough pattern;
- Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs;
- Pain in the chest or abdomen;
- Difficulty in swallowing or prolonged hoarseness; and/or
- Significant weight loss.
- How can workers protect themselves?
Employers are required to follow regulations dealing with asbestos exposure on the job that have been issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Federal agency responsible for health and safety regulations in maritime, construction, manufacturing, and service workplaces. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforces regulations related to mine safety. Workers should use all protective equipment provided by their employers and follow recommended work practices and safety procedures. For example, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators that fit properly should be worn by workers when required.
Workers who are concerned about asbestos exposure in the workplace should discuss the situation with other employees, their employee health and safety representative, and their employers. If necessary, OSHA can provide more information or make an inspection. Regional offices of OSHA are listed in the “United States Government” section of telephone directories’ blue pages (under “Department of Labor”). Regional offices can also be located at http://www.osha-slc.gov/html/RAmap.html on the Internet, or by contacting OSHA’s national office at:
Organization: Office of Public Affairs
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
Address: Room N-3647
200 Constitution Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone: 202-693-1999
1-800-321-6742 (1-800-321-OSHA)
TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing callers): 1-877-889-5627
Internet Web site:
http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/index.html(Worker’s Page)Mine workers may contact:
Organization: Office of Information and Public Affairs Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
U.S. Department of Labor
Address: 23rd Floor
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209-3939
Telephone: 202-693-9400
Internet Web site:The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is another Federal agency that is concerned with asbestos exposure in the workplace. The Institute conducts asbestos-related research, evaluates work sites for possible health hazards, and makes exposure control recommendations. In addition, NIOSH distributes publications on the health effects of asbestos exposure and can suggest additional sources of information. NIOSH can be contacted at:
Organization: Information Resources Branch
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Address: Robert A. Taft Laboratories
Mailstop C-18
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998
Telephone: 1-800-356-4674 (1-800-35-NIOSH)
E-mail: pubstaft@cdc.gov
Internet Web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh - Will the Government provide examinations and treatment for asbestos-related conditions? What about insurance coverage?
Medical services related to asbestos exposure are available through the Government for certain groups of eligible individuals. In general, individuals must pay for their own medical services unless they are covered by private or Government health insurance. Some people with symptoms of asbestos-related illness may be eligible for Medicare coverage. Information about benefits is available from the Medicare office serving each state. For the telephone number of the nearest office, call toll-free 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE) or visit http://www.medicare.gov on the Internet.
People with asbestos-related diseases also may qualify for financial help, including medical payments, under state workers’ compensation laws. Because eligibility requirements vary from state to state, workers should contact the workers’ compensation program in their state. Contact information for the workers’ compensation program in each state may be found in the blue pages of a local telephone directory or at http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/wc.htm on the Internet.
If exposure occurred during employment with a Federal agency (military or civilian), medical expenses and other compensation may be covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Program. Workers who are or were employed in a shipyard by a private employer may be covered under the Longshoremen and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Information about eligibility and how to file a claim is available from:
Organization: Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs
Employment Standards Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
Address: Room S-3229
200 Constitution Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone: 202-693-0040
E-mail: OWCP-Mail@dol-esa.gov
Internet Web site:
http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp_org.htmWorkers also may wish to contact their international union for information on other sources of medical help and insurance matters.
Eligible veterans and their dependents may receive health care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. Treatment for service-connected and nonservice-connected conditions is provided. If the VA cannot provide the necessary medical care, they will arrange for enrolled veterans to receive care in their community. Information about eligibility and benefits is available from the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-8387 (1-877-222-VETS) or on the VA Web site at http://www.va.gov/health_benefits on the Internet.
- Is there a danger of nonoccupational exposure from the environment and products contaminated with asbestos fibers?
Asbestos is so widely used that the entire population has been exposed to some degree. Air, drinking water, and a variety of consumer products all may contain small amounts of asbestos. In addition, asbestos fibers are released into the environment from natural deposits in the earth and as a result of wear and deterioration of asbestos products. Disease is unlikely to result from a single, high-level exposure, or from a short period of exposure to lower levels of asbestos.
- What other organizations offer information related to asbestos exposure?
The organizations listed below can provide more information about asbestos exposure.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is responsible for preventing exposure, adverse human health effects, and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other sources of pollution present in the environment. The ATSDR provides information about asbestos and where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. The ATSDR Information Center can be reached at:
Organization: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology
Address: Mailstop E-29
1600 Clifton Road, NE.
Atlanta, GA 30333
Telephone: 404-498-0160
1-888-422-8737 (1-888-42-ATSDR)
E-mail: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov
Internet Web site:
http://www.atsdr.cdc.govThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the general public’s exposure to asbestos in buildings, drinking water, and the environment. The EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Assistance Information Service, or TSCA Hotline, can answer questions about toxic substances, including asbestos. Printed material is available on a number of topics, particularly on controlling asbestos exposure in schools and other buildings. The EPA’s Asbestos and Vermiculite Home Page has suggestions for homeowners who suspect asbestos in their homes, lists laws and regulations applicable to asbestos, and links to the Agency’s findings on asbestos exposure at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Questions may be directed to:
Organization: TSCA Assistance Information Service
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Address: Mailcode 74080
401 M Street, SW.
Washington, DC 20460
Telephone: 202-554-1404
TDD: 202-554-0551
E-mail: tsca-hotline@epa.gov
Internet Web site:
http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for the regulation of asbestos in consumer products. The CPSC maintains a toll-free information line on the potential hazards of commercial products; the telephone number is 1-800-638-2772. In addition, CPSC provides information about laboratories for asbestos testing, guidelines for repairing and removing asbestos, and general information about asbestos in the home. Publications are available from:
Organization: Office of Information and Public Affairs
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Address: 4330 East-West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814-4408
Telephone: 1-800-638-2772
TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing callers): 1-800-638-8270
E-mail: info@cpsc.gov
Internet Web site:
http://www.cpsc.govInformation about asbestos is also available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2001pres/20010916a.html on the Internet. In addition, people can contact their local community or state health or environmental quality department with questions or concerns about asbestos.
Materials about cancer and how to quit smoking are available by calling the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below).
“Asbestos” is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally as bundles of fibers which can be separated into thin threads. These fibers are not affected by heat or chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been widely used in many industries. Four types of asbestos have been used commercially:
Chrysotile asbestos, with its curly fibers, is in the serpentine family of minerals. The other types of asbestos, which all have rod-like fibers, are known as amphiboles.
Asbestos fiber masses tend to break easily into a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air and stick to clothes. The fibers may be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems.
Comment: Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to all types of asbestos.
References:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (September 2001). Asbestos. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/phs9004.html”.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (November 25, 2002). Asbestos: Health Effects of Exposure to Asbestos. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/asbestos_effects.html.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (November 2000). Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Asbestos Toxicity. Retrieved August 21, 2003, from: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HEC/CSEM/asbestos/index.html.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (September 11, 2001). ToxFAQ’s for Asbestos. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts61.html.
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National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (August 14, 2000). Asbestos. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: www.niehs.nih.gov/external/faq/asbestos.htm.
National Toxicology Program. 10th Report on Carcinogens. Research Triangle Park (NC): National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2002. Available online at http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/roc/toc10.html.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (June 13, 2000). CPSC Releases Test Results on Crayons. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml00/00123.html.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (January 6, 2000). Asbestos Containing Materials. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6pd/asbestos/asbmatl.htm.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (November 8, 2000). Asbestos in Your Home. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/asbestos.html.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (June 14, 2001). The Asbestos Informer. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: www.epa.gov/region04/air/asbestos/inform.htm.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (August 2000). Sampling and Analysis of Consumer Garden Products That Contain Vermiculite. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: www.epa.gov/asbestos/vermiculite.pdf.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (August 2000). Fact Sheet: Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite. Retrieved June 25, 2003, from www.epa.gov/asbestos/vermfacts.pdf.
U.S. Geological Survey (March 2001). Some Facts About Asbestos. Retrieved March 5, 2003 from: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs012-01/.
Virta, RL. Asbestos. Mineral Commodity Summaries. U.S. Geological Survey Minerals Information. Retrieved March 5, 2003, from: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/asbestos/070303.pdf.
Sources of National Cancer Institute Information:
- Cancer Information Service
Toll-free: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
TTY (for deaf and hard of hearing callers): 1-800-332-8615 - NCI Online
Internet
Use http://cancer.gov to reach NCI’s Web site.LiveHelp
Cancer Information Specialists offer online assistance through the
LiveHelp link on the NCI’s Web site.
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