Treatments for Asbestos Poisoning

Asbestos poisoning, or asbestosis, is an illness caused by prolonged and constant exposure to asbestos particles. These sharp, fibrous particles-when inhaled-will puncture and penetrate lung tissues, causing deep scarring and often leading to chronic breathing problems and cancer. Exposure to asbestos or materials containing this mineral may also result to mesothelioma, a cancer unique to such situation that directly affects the protective lining of the major organs in the body. The gravity of asbestos poisoning is directly proportional to the period and concentration of one's exposure, and of course the treatment will depend on the extent of the damage caused by asbestos fibers and particles to the body.
The side effects and health problems brought on by exposure to asbestos do not immediately manifest. Usually, the illnesses will start popping up decades after an encounter with the hazardous mineral. You will only feel the debilitating effects of asbestos exposure twenty to thirty years from now.

People over 50 are the ones who usually exhibit symptoms of asbestos poisoning and mesothelioma. This is because of the long latency period of these illnesses, and also because asbestos was not regulated until several years ago.

Asbestosis is the least serious of all the diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. However, the symptoms and effects of this disease are not to be taken lightly, as they are debilitating and sometimes fatal. Coughing, chest pains, reduced physical stamina, and shortness of breath even while at rest are the typical symptoms of asbestosis-and they worsen over time. Over-the-counter medicines may temporary alleviate the symptoms, but it is recommended that one suffering from such problems consult a physician immediately.

The common "cures" for cancer such as chemotherapy, medication, and radiation therapy will extend the life expectancy of a person suffering from mesothelioma. Surgery can also be an option, though not recommended for people who have been extremely weakened by asbestos-related conditions. Mesothelioma is often fatal, because it is not diagnosed and discovered until the cancer has significantly advanced. It is highly aggressive and a doctor will often prescribe a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to combat the development of the cancer.

The best treatment-especially for people who have not contracted the disease yet or have not exhibited the symptoms-is to avoid exposure to asbestos at all costs. This includes removing all traces of asbestos in one's environment. If you live in a house constructed in the 1940's and the 1950's, you might want to contact a professional immediately for inspection. Asbestos was not a regulated substance until several years ago, so you might find it in vintage items that have heat and fire-resistant qualities. Insulation materials installed in the roofs, attics, ceilings, and walls might also contain this deadly substance, but you cannot overlook its possible presence in furnaces, fireplaces, siding tiles, and even vinyl and rubber flooring tiles.

Asbestos removal is a job best left to the experts, who have the skills and knowledge on removing asbestos materials safely and decontaminating the structure right afterward.
Treatments for Asbestos Poisoning

Article Source: EzineArticles.com


Why We Need To Raise Mesothelioma Awareness

We live in a time where cancer is very prevalent, even with advances in medical technology, millions die from some form of cancer each year. Many forms of cancer can be nearly unavoidable due to genetics; however there are some forms of cancer that are caused by our day by day activities and can be avoided. Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma are both really good examples of the latter; smoking has been linked to being one of the major causes to lung cancer, where Mesothelioma is caused solely due to exposure to Mesothelioma.

Generally when we look to spread Cancer Awareness, we spread awareness about Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, and just the general umbrella of cancer. While over 200,000 cases of lung cancer and over 175,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year, about only 3,000 cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. Though Mesothelioma may not have the mainstream media eyes or the number of victims that Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer claims, it is still important that we spread awareness of Mesothelioma and the dangerous fibers that cause it: Asbestos.

Much like smoking, the use of asbestos in products and construction wasn't thought to have deadly side effects, however also like smoking time has shown that there is a deadly side effect of asbestos. Asbestos has been the sole link to the incurable Mesothelioma cancer that generally claims the lives of elder males. There are many issues that make Mesothelioma such a deadly cancer, notably the latency period that occurs between the time the victim was exposed to asbestos and when they see symptoms of Mesothelioma. Typically the Mesothelioma latency period is between 30-40 years, but can also be between 10 and 60 years after the victim was exposed to Mesothelioma. The latency period typically causes symptoms of Mesothelioma to not appear until the late stages of the cancer, making the cancer untreatable, and limiting the lifespan of its victims to an average of 4-18 months after diagnoses.
It's important that we raise awareness for this cancer as Asbestos is still in use today in the United States. Every day countless people work products that can have asbestos making up as much as 70% of the product, while the government and court system know the dangers Asbestos has. Though an ideal replacement has not been found for Asbestos, there are many suitable substitutes that can be used and save thousands of lives. The public needs to raise up against Mesothelioma and get Asbestos banned in the country for good.
Why We Need To Raise Mesothelioma Awareness

Article Source: EzineArticles.com


Physical Symptoms of Someone With Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma destroys its victim and his family emotionally and physically. Losing someone you love is a traumatic experience. When you see someone dying of cancer in front of your own eyes, it drains you off any soft feelings that you have about life in general. Slow death by cancer is something that one would not even like to think about.

This particular cancerous Mesothelioma disease does not appear suddenly like some wound on the outer covering of the body. People who have been diagnosed with this cancer are usually elderly people who have been inhaling Asbestos laden air for years. The incurable disease slowly starts growing up in the body. There are many aspects to this rare form of cancer, which are still shrouded in mystery.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma are dubious in nature. There are many common ailments and their symptoms which can misguide us into thinking that the symptoms that we are seeing in the patient are not those of a Mesothelioma patient. Flimsy fibers that a person takes in while inhaling, deeply embed themselves in the lining that is found around the internal organs of the body. Not all fibers contain cancer tissues at the earlier stage. It takes years to get scarred within the body through the abrasive effect of these fibers, scars worsen and inflammation is caused in them. Final result of this inflammation is cancer.

In its initial stage Mesothelioma brings with it shortened breaths and a heavy feeling in the region of chest. Lungs are the first organ to be effected by Asbestos. Accumulation of fluid in this area causes difficulty in breathing. People having these symptoms are said to be having Pleural Mesothelioma. At times victims might undergo through painful periods of pain in the chest, back or sides of the body. Pleural Mesothelioma patients might find it difficult to swallow. Cough spasms can rake the bodies of these patients. Unreasonable fatigue and undue loss of weight is generally apparent in such cases.
Person having Peritoneal Mesothelioma generally has a tumor in his abdominal region. Nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, pain in the back, bowel obstructions and anemia may all be indications of Mesothelioma of the abdomen.

Palpitations of heart, irregularity in heartbeats, and breathing difficulties are symptom of Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma in the body means visits to the doctor, and expenses incurred due to innumerable tests, medicines and various other issues related to it. State Laws have made provisions for those undergoing difficult times due to Asbestos inhalation. Victims and their families can file court case against their employers etc. to get compensation for contracting disease at the place of work etc.
Physical Symptoms of Someone With Mesothelioma

Article Source: EzineArticles.com


Dealing With Mesothelioma

Internal organs of human body are protected by a covering best known as mesothelium sac. In actuality there are two layers of this covering, one is the immediate covering of the organs and the other covers the organs like a sac. This layer gets different names according to the organ it covers.
Mesothelioma derives its name from this membrane cover. This is a highly dangerous cancer which generally attacks the lungs and chest of the patient. During inhalation a person takes in large amounts of Asbestos which is in the form of dust particles. These particles attack the lungs in the very first instance. Mesothelium membrane which covers the lungs is known as pleura. Mesothelioma generally has its roots in pleura. Cancerous cells found in mesothelium multiply rapidly.

Mesothelioma is mostly found in men. Men, who have been exposed to Asbestos for a number of years, become easy prey to the disease. Risk of contracting the disease grows with age. People who have been working in places like underground coal mines, gold and diamond mines, mills, shipyards and manufacturing units where high quantities of Asbestos is used in manufacturing, are more prone to this type of cancer.

It is always a shock to know that someone known to you has contracted mesothelioma. Once the truth is known to you, it is advisable to contact the nearest mesothelioma law firm in your area. It is necessary to have a lawyer because treatment for mesothelioma is expensive. A good law firm can help you out of your critical financial situation by getting you compensation from the place of work from where the disease was contracted.

Treatment for mesothelioma depends upon the age of the patient, place where the cancerous cells have been found, and level of disease. A doctor may advice the members of the family to have their relative undergo chemotherapy, surgery or radio therapy. At times if the problem is found in much worsened state, all the treatments might be required in unison. Some people prefer to go for herbal medicines, vitamins, peptides, minerals and amino acids etc.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration allows certain amount of ASBESTOS to be used at workplaces. The amount is below danger mark. Companies which do not adhere to these norms can be penalized. Patients, Patients' families and their Lawyers can file a case against these companies because these companies have caused contraction of this disease. Companies have paid heavy compensation for their neglect.
Dealing With Mesothelioma

Article Source:EzineArticles.com


How to Get Mesothelioma Compensation

Monetary compensation is the usual goal of mesothelioma lawsuits. The victims or complainants hope the aggrieving party would provide financial support to cover for their huge medical bills, any loss of income, and funds needed by their beneficiaries or survivors. Mesothelioma compensation could be small or huge, depending on the case. It could be difficult (or impossible) to predict the amount of monetary damage that may be granted to a plaintiff. However, an experienced and competent mesothelioma lawyer could always provide guidance to determine if the case is viable or if any compensation could be awarded.

Upon filing of the lawsuit, the defendant (through his/her/its lawyer) could either deny guilt of offer monetary settlement outright to prevent any trial. The lawyers of both parties would discuss any settlement, if it is preferred by both parties, particularly the defendant. The plaintiff's attorney would thoroughly review the offer for settlement so it could be determined if it is in the best interest of the client. If you have filed for a complaint, your attorney would discuss with you the acceptability of the offer. If you agree to accept the mesothelioma compensation out of court, you would sign legal documents, which indicate your agreement to close the case and never to file for the same lawsuit again.

If you disagree with the settlement offer, then, the lawsuit would proceed to trial. For class suits, some defendants may opt to accept the settlement. The case could be pursued by those who are left, determined to pursue the case and go to trial.
The trial would be ended by a ruling that affirms the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Mesothelioma compensation would be granted to complainants if the defendant is declared guilty by the court. The amount would depend on the case filed and other significant factors like lost income and medical bills. After determination of compensation amount, the defendant is given time to either appeal the ruling or accept it.

Any appeal of the ruling could stall payment of mesothelioma compensation to the plaintiff. The defendant would be required to post a bond that is equivalent to the amount awarded by the court. The process of appeals could be long and tedious. Once the appellate court accepts the appeal and reverses the initial verdict, the defendant would not be required to pay any amount but the case would be closed.
Problems regarding mesothelioma compensation could get more complicated if the defendant has declared bankruptcy, which could be due to numerous mesothelioma lawsuits fought in court. If the defendant's asset is smaller than the liabilities due to legal cases, mesothelioma compensation funds (or trust funds) could be established. It could take longer to get any amount from such funds. Other problems could arise. This is why it is very important for you to be represented by a reliable and trustworthy mesothelioma attorney.

Mesothelioma compensation could also be sought by World War II veterans who had incurred the lung disease due to exposure to asbestos during the war period. The lawyer could assist such victims in filing claims with the necessary agency (the Veterans Administration).
How to Get Mesothelioma Compensation

Article Source: EzineArticles.com


Mesothelioma Case Value

It is just right for you to file for any claim or lawsuit if you have been diagnosed with asbestosis or mesothelioma. You probably have developed the condition because of exposure to the element in the workplace. But before you do so, there is a need to determine mesothelioma case value. Would you be able to possibly get the compensation you deserve from the company responsible? Or would you just incur more expenses due to litigation?
An experienced, competent, and reliable mesothelioma lawyer should be hired to help you file for claims or fight for compensation in court. It is not advisable to hire just about any attorney. Instead, you should hire the services of one who specializes in such cases. A mesothelioma lawyer could effectively and appropriately help you determine your mesothelioma case value.
You could trust such an attorney. He/She has accumulated years of experience in helping victims like you win a case against manufacturers of asbestos products. There is a need to determine or affirm the validity of a possible mesothelioma case value. There are several factors that could help you build a case against any asbestos company.
First, diagnosis of mesothelioma or asbestos would be necessary. This is because the medical condition could be a clear indication that you have indeed been unnecessarily exposed to asbestos. The problem with this is that because mesothelioma and asbestosis do not cause any early symptom, the condition could be terminal during and after diagnosis.
Second, your employment history could effectively help identify the company responsible for your present condition. Exposure to asbestos would not immediately lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis. According to studies, it may take 20 years or longer before signs of the condition appear. Thus, there may be a need to review your long employment record. This would be easier if you have worked with any shipbuilding, construction, or electric firm before. Such industries are known to have widely used asbestos in the past.
Third, there is a need to look at your prognosis. Any claim or compensation provided to you could be used to cover all your mesothelioma medical expenses. It may even cover hiring of an in-home caregiver and necessary modification in your home (especially if some construction materials used are identified with asbestos).
Your mesothelioma case value could easily be determined by your lawyer. This is important if you are deciding whether to pursue a lawsuit or not. If none of your previous employers are identified with the asbestos industry, it could be that exposure has been incurred naturally (meaning, there could be asbestos deposit in your community that has been somehow 'disturbed' through common human activities or weathering).
The lawyer would not just help you determine your mesothelioma case value but also explain to you the long and tedious legal process you have to endure. This way, an appropriate advice could be provided to you on whether you would proceed with litigation or just agree with an out-of-court settlement, if it is offered by the asbestos company.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com