Asbestos found at Ash Grove Cement near Helena Apr 2, 2009
Tremolite is a form of asbestos that when inhaled can pierce the walls of the lungs, possibly leading to asbestosis or mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer. Ash Grove spokeswoman Jacqueline Clark declined to elaborate on the positive asbestos test because the company's bulk samples are still undergoing analysis. (Montana Standard, MT)
Tremolite asbestos found at quarry near Helena Apr 2, 2009
Tremolite is a form of asbestos that when inhaled can pierce the walls of the lungs, possibly leading to asbestosis or mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer. Ash Grove spokeswoman Jacqueline Clark declined to elaborate on the positive asbestos test because the company s bulk samples are still undergoing analysis. (Missoulian, MT)
State news of national interest Apr 2, 2009
In a new report, the state found three of the five had worked at an asbestos mine, while the other two moved to Vermont after contracting asbestosis on the job elsewhere. SOUTH. (New York Post)
New Tool in the Radiography Approach Will Assist in Earlier Detection of Asbestos-Related Diseases Mar 29, 2009
"If we can identify the 'sentinel' or first cases of asbestosis or lung cancer at an early stage, then we can help identify asbestos exposures in places where it might not have previously been suspected. Such identification of early detection could help to reduce the death rate from asbestos-related diseases.". Harbut added that this new technology approach to chest radiography could also help reduce cases of fraud which have been reported in asbestos litigation, due to the clarity and... (PR Newswire)
Smithsonian, worker dispute perils of asbestos Mar 23, 2009
And because he'd been experiencing shortness of breath, he went to see a lung doctor, and his problem was diagnosed as asbestosis, a lung disease linked to breathing asbestos fibers ... One of Pullman's doctors, Michael Harbut, a Wayne State University physician who co-wrote the American Thoracic Society's criteria for diagnosing asbestosis, told The Post that the facts of Pullman's case lend support to his claim that his diagnosis is work-related: He worked for a long period of time without... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Ash Grove testing for tremolite Mar 17, 2009
Inhaled asbestos fibers pierce the walls of the lungs and cannot be removed, possibly leading to asbestosis or mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer. Tremolite asbestos was associated with the vermiculite mined in Libby. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Medical expert testifies on Libby asbestos data Mar 11, 2009
Then the doctor met Gayla Benefield, whose mother had died of asbestosis three years earlier, and who herself had been diagnosed with the disease ... Still to this day we ve never seen other reports (outside of Libby) of a nonworker dying of asbestosis. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
W.R. Grace trial: Witness says asbestosis cases ‘unheard of' Mar 11, 2009
Missoulian: W.R. Grace trial: Witness says asbestosis cases unheard of ... W.R. Grace trial: Witness says asbestosis cases unheard of'By TRISTAN SCOTT of the Missoulian ... Then the doctor met Gayla Benefield, whose mother had died of asbestosis three years earlier, and who herself had been diagnosed with the disease. (Missoulian, MT)
W.R. Grace knew asbestos risk, Libby property owner says Mar 6, 2009
"I have signs of disease on my right lung. It's asbestosis," she said. Parker and her husband, Mel, brought the property from Grace in the early 1990s. (Montana Standard, MT)
W.R. GRACE TRIAL UPDATE: Few questions, more objections as Libby witness testifies Mar 5, 2009
It s asbestosis, she said. Earlier in the morning, jurors heard defense attorneys cross-examine Mel Parker, Lerah s husband, who took the stand Tuesday. (Missoulian, MT)
W.R. Grace trial: Witness provides emotional testimony Mar 5, 2009
It's asbestosis, she said. Whitehouse, a physician from Spokane, has worked out of Libby's Center for Asbestos-related Disease since it was established to screen concerned Libby residents. (Missoulian, MT)
Home renovators third wave of asbestos victims Feb 27, 2009
OVER the past 30 years tens of thousands of do-it-yourself enthusiasts have unwittingly risked contracting mesothelioma, an aggressive and terminal form of asbestosis, the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia says. The president of the association, Barry Robson, said Australian renovators since the early 1980s would make up the "third wave" of victims of asbestos-related disease. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
WESTERN MONTANA LIVES - Ed Benoit was a logger, fisherman, hard worker Feb 24, 2009
Twenty years later, after working 14 years at the mine, Benoit was diagnosed with asbestosis and died in January at the age of 86 as a result of his illness ... Benoit, although struggling with the effects of asbestosis at the time, would visit his wife every day in the afternoon. (Missoulian, MT)
W.R. Grace trial: Government, defense lawyers make first statements Feb 24, 2009
McLean told jurors that they'll hear evidence about how Libby suffers a death rate from asbestosis that is 40 to 80 times the national average. Meanwhile, lung cancer mortality is 30 percent higher than health officials would expect in a town like Libby. (Missoulian, MT)
Ex-Grace officials on trial in asbestos poisoning Feb 19, 2009
Donald Munsel, among those in Libby who suffer from asbestosis, now must use inhalers when he is not on an oxygen tank ... Exposure to asbestos is known to cause cancer and a variety of other lung diseases, including asbestosis, a chronic inflammatory disorder ... One victim of asbestosis, Donald Munsel, who at 71 must always use an oxygen tank or inhalers, was never a miner. (International Herald Tribune)
W.R. Grace & Co. trial: Molloy rules witnesses must stay away from courtroom Feb 19, 2009
The Parkers live in Libby and have both been diagnosed with asbestosis, an asbestos-related condition that affects the lung tissue. The government has identified the Parkers as witnesses who will be called at the Grace trial. (Missoulian, MT)
W.R. Grace Prosecution Over Montana Poisoning May Disrupt Bankruptcy Plan Feb 19, 2009
The government alleged that many workers and residents of the town are dead or dying from asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs, and mesothelioma, a fatal cancer. A grand jury in 2005 indicted Grace and seven current and former executives for allegedly conspiring to release asbestos- filled vermiculite in Libby and then covering up the dangers. (Bloomberg -- US)
W.R. Grace to go on trial this week Feb 16, 2009
"I was born here and I have asbestosis. And all of my family has it. And most have died." Strand and her husband built the New To You secondhand store 20 years ago, and today its shelves bristle with all manner of knickknacks and curios, the refuse of a town that for years has been portrayed in media reports and by politicians as sick and torn ... The scarring on her lungs made it painful to lie on her left side, and doctors diagnosed the woman with asbestosis ... As Bob Dylan might have sung... (Montana Standard, MT)
MP urged to help pleural plaques victims Feb 16, 2009
"This is the greatest public health crisis we face, and it's happening here in South Tyneside.". Speaking of the difficulty in tracking down some insurers for compensation claims, he added: "In many cases, by the time the disease develops, the business they worked at has ceased trading."This means that about one in 20, or in some areas, one in 10 asbestos-related compensation claims can't be processed. (Shields Gazette)
W.R. Grace civil suits have been in the courts for decades Feb 15, 2009
Two of the diseases most commonly associated with asbestos asbestosis and mesothelioma have latency periods of up to 40 years. That means people who were exposed to the asbestos dust could continue to develop illnesses for decades. (Missoulian, MT)
W.R. Grace: The trial - Death in the air Feb 15, 2009
Libby resident and pawnshop owner Peggy Strand talks recently about her asbestosis, and how the disease has affected all of her family ... I was born here and I have asbestosis ... The scarring on her lungs made it painful to lie on her left side, and doctors diagnosed the woman with asbestosis. (Missoulian, MT)
Health Department to update asbestos mine report Feb 14, 2009
Officials say the new data could show that no one died from the lung disease asbestosis contracted from living near the mine. In November the Health Department released a report that showed residents who lived near the former Vermont Asbestos Group mine had higher-than-normal rates of contracting or dying of asbestosis. (WCAX.com, VT)
PADOH deems BoRit's surrounding population safe Feb 11, 2009
Specifically, he said the group is looking into using the health studies to create a community health action plan, the potential of an asbestosis registry, and the efficacy of screening for asbestos-related diseases in the community. The PADOH report encouraged residents who are concerned about their potential exposure to asbestos or are symptomatic to visit a physician for more information, to "quit smoking because asbestos exposure combined with smoking greatly increases a person's risk of... (Souderton Independent, PA)
They're Saying What About Wind Farms? The Case for Early and Engaged Public Outreach Feb 7, 2009
Hundreds of times more than all the poor souls that died from asbestosis. The same for smoking. (Energy Pulse, CO)
Brown fights for asbestos disease sufferers Mar 19, 2008
But the PM said: Asbestosis and mesothelioma are terrible diseases, and all of us who have seen the effects that they cause know that we have to do more to help the victims of those diseases. On pleural plaques, we are looking at the matter at this very moment. (Rochdale Online)
Brown boosts asbestos campaign Mar 16, 2008
But the PM said today: "Asbestosis and mesothelioma are terrible diseases, and all of us who have seen the effects that they cause know that we have to do more to help the victims of those diseases. On pleural plaques, we are looking at the matter. "We are determined to take some action. " Mr Brown will meet a delegation of MPs, including Bradford North MP Terry Rooney, who has been campaigning to overturn the decision. Mr Rooney said: "I will be there demanding we change this sooner rather than... (Bradford Telegraph Argus)
Asbestos lobby group says compensation sends message to automotive ... Feb 20, 2008
In 2001, he was diagnosed with asbestosis and pleural disease due to asbestos exposure ... The president of the Asbestos Diseases Society, Robert Vojakovic, says a lot of people in the car industry are ignorant about asbestosis. (ABC Online)
Mechanic wins landmark asbestos compo Feb 19, 2008
The Sicilian-born Mr Lo Presti was diagnosed with asbestosis and pleural disease in July 2001. But the Ford Motor Company of Australia argued it was not asbestosis but a pulmonary fibrosis of unknown cause. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
LegalView Mesothelioma Blog Reports that Asbestos Exposure Slows Hurricane Katrina Cleanup in New Orleans Parish Feb 16, 2008
The mineral was used because of its resistance to heat and fire damage as well as its strength, however, it was discovered that the inhalation of asbestos fibers and dust was highly toxic to individuals and can cause asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer. It can take years and even decades for those affected by mesothelioma to know they have been afflicted with the incurable illness. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Transkei still the cradle of lung disease for ex-miners Feb 11, 2008
5 percent had asbestosis, 7 percent had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 5. 5 percent had silicosis alone, 35. (Business Report, South Africa)
Asbestos penalties sought for Equitable developer Feb 3, 2008
If inhaled, asbestos can cause cancer and lung ailments including asbestosis, which scars the lungs and can be fatal, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Demolition workers are required to keep the material so no one breathes the fibers. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Disease expert resigns Jan 10, 2008
He also played a major role in working with federal agencies dealing with the asbestosis lung disease disaster in Libby. Hundreds of people in the town have died and more than 1,000 others are sick because of the asbestos particles loosened and spread at a defunct vermiculite mine in the town. (Missoulian, MT)
Expert: Asbestos proposal bad idea Jan 7, 2008
But when inhaled, its fibers cause several ailments that include asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs, and mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer linked almost solely to asbestos exposure. For such a small state, for a number of reasons, West Virginia used an inordinate amount of asbestos-containing products, said MacQueen, who retired in 2000. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Government denies asbestos politics hazard Jan 5, 2008
This can cause asbestosis, which has symptoms that resemble emphysema, or cause a cancer of the lining of the lung, called mesothelioma. Oftentimes symptoms of the disease don't show up until many years after exposure. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Puff snuff: quit-smoking aid added to subsidised-drugs list Jan 2, 2008
Other drugs to be made cheaper were medications for infants with chest infections and patients suffering eye conditions and pleural mesothelioma, the cancer that killed the asbestosis campaigner, Bernie Banton. Ms Roxon credited Mr Banton with highlighting the plight of mesothelioma patients through his campaign to have the drug Alimta added to the scheme. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
KC hospital faces fine for exposing workers to potential asbestos Dec 24, 2007
The fibers can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and other respiratory problems. A person might not exhibit symptoms for 10 to 40 years. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
A Line in the Dust Dec 22, 2007
"My research suggests something like 90% of the last 200,000 to 300,000 asbestosis claims that have been paid are bogus," says Lester Brickman, a professor at Yeshiva University's law school ... In a September filing, for example, Dr. Howard William Ory, an epidemiologist retired from the Centers for Disease Control ntion, contended there were no more than 28,000 medically plausible cases of asbestosis in the U.S. male population between 1989 and 2001--a period when Grace was hit with more than... (Forbes -- Business)
Insurance Company Reinsurers off Hook for 'Long-Tail Liabilities' Dec 14, 2007
But most of Integrity's risks were spread among reinsurers and many, such as for asbestosis, were not expected to result in reportable claims until long after the policies were issued ... During oral arguments on appeal to the court, lawyers from both sides estimated the commissioner has already had paid out $598 million in asbestosis claims and has estimated potential future claims of nearly $2. (Law.com)
Banton, an Australian hero, farewelled Dec 5, 2007
For several years Mr Banton had suffered from asbestosis, having contracted the diseases from working at a Hardie asbestos insulation products factory in western Sydney in the 1960s and 70s. Mr Banton's brother Bruce, a pastor with a pentecostal church, conducted the proceedings held in the Acer Arena at Sydney's Olympic park. (The Australian)
What do you think of city plans? Nov 30, 2007
Your condolences, tributes and thoughts of asbestosis campaigner , who died today after a battle with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer. Posted by SMH Online in at. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
For those who would have missed out Nov 28, 2007
They covered the virulent mesothelioma, the benign but debilitating asbestosis, asbestos-related pleural disease and lung cancer. The fund is for illness linked to products made by James Hardie, Australia's largest manufacturer of asbestos pipes, sheeting and insulation material until production was halted by health concerns in 1987. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Libs did themselves in with union scare campaign Nov 28, 2007
Abbott was forced the following morning into a humbling apology, and also to approve the drug that would help combat asbestosis. For many years, poll after poll has shown that the union bogey that occupied so much space in the world view of Howard and Costello simply did not exist for most. (The Age, Australia -- Breaking News)
Initial action to reduce threat from asbestos almost done Nov 28, 2007
Exposure to asbestos can cause disabling or fatal diseases such as asbestosis, an emphysema-like condition; lung cancer; mesothelioma, a cancerous tumor that spreads rapidly in the cells of membranes covering the lungs and body organs; and gastrointestinal cancer. The symptoms of these diseases generally do not appear for 20 or more years after initial exposure. (Herkimer Eening Telegram, NY)
* World News Quick Take Nov 28, 2007
Banton contracted asbestosis after working for a James Hardie subsidiary from 1968 to 1974. Workers at the factory were known as "snowmen" because they were regularly coated with the white asbestos powder that the company made into fire-repellant wallboard and other products. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
A battler who kept the fire to the end Nov 28, 2007
Ted died 00004000 of mesothelioma in 2001 and Albert contracted asbestosis. Bruce, who stayed only a short time, took over the Foursquare Church from his father in 1979, moving it to Westmead. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Legacy of asbestos campaigner lives on Nov 28, 2007
Mr Banton died early on Tuesday after a long battle with asbestosis and mesothelioma, an incurable asbestos-related cancer. On Wednesday, his nine-year-old grandson Jack, the son of Mr Banton's son Adam, took up the ceremonial shovel to turn the first sod of earth on the institute construction site. (Brisbane Times)
Family and friends flock to Bernie Nov 23, 2007
Mr Banton yesterday won a second lot of compensation for his terminal mesothelioma, after he was given $800,000 compensation for asbestosis in 2000. Mr Parker said the second payout was not a substantial amount of money but the case was settled to finalise it in Mr Banton's lifetime, give him some closure and provide a leg up to other asbestos victims in claiming similar exemplary damages. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Dying asbestos campaigner fights on from hospital bed Nov 22, 2007
Mr Banton's suit is unusual because he received compensation for the less serious disease asbestosis in 2000. Last week Judge O'Meally said Mr Banton was the first person he was aware of to take advantage of a provision that allows plaintiffs awarded compensation for asbestosis to return to the tribunal if they later contract mesothelioma. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Bernie Banton wins bittersweet victory Nov 22, 2007
"Mrs Banton's eyes filled with tears as she spoke of "my Bernie" and his struggle for justice."I feel very privileged to be married to Bernie Banton and very honoured to be able to care for him in what is likely to be his final days," she said.Family have been by Mr Banton's bedside around the clock over the past four days as his condition has rapidly deteriorated.He has had more than 60 litres of fluid drained from his abdomen, and is very weak.Thursday's settlement was the second for Mr... (Sydney Morning Herald)
Fresh go at Hardie granted Nov 21, 2007
This was because Mr Banton contracted the less serious disease asbestosis in 1999 and was paid $800,000 compensation in 2000. Mr Banton's barrister, Jack Rush, QC, argued that although his client's 2000 case included a claim for exemplary damages, the out-of-court settlement did not include any payment for exemplary damages. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Hardie lawyers push for Banton claim to be struck out Nov 20, 2007
Seven years ago Mr Banton received $800,000 in compensation for the lung condition asbestosis. He has since developed the asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma of the stomach, and is suing his former employer Amaca for further compensation. (ABC Online)
Hospice helps families, terminally ill cope with difficult experiences Nov 18, 2007
Kittitas resident Ruby Harris worked with Hospice Friends for six months when her husband Jake was dying from asbestosis. Photo by Joe Whiteside/Daily Record. (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Asbestos campaigner 'fading fast' Nov 18, 2007
Mr Banton, 61, has already received a compensation payment for asbestosis, a condition that is not necessarily life-threatening, from a $4 billion 40-year asbestos compensation fund set up by James Hardie in 2000. He lodged his application for a second round of compensation after being diagnosed with the terminal cancer mesothelioma in August this year. (The Age)
Hammer time for our galumphing Health Minister Nov 3, 2007
Then there was the gratuitous insult to Bernie Banton, the heroic asbestosis victim. After that, we had the late arrival for the TV debate with Labor's health spokeswoman, Nicola Roxon, followed by the sotto voce "bullshit" during the closing exchange of teeth-grinding unpleasantries. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Abbott on the boil in Mersey Nov 2, 2007
This week Mr Abbott has apologised after insulting the asbestosis sufferer Bernie Banton, and appeared 30 minutes late at a national debate. These episodes took the gloss off the Government's announcement on Wednesday of $440 million more for nurses' home visits and medical training. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Politicians behaving badly Nov 1, 2007
The Age Blogs: Your Say. Welcome to The Age Online. (The Age)
County workers file suit over asbestos Nov 1, 2007
RAP wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:29 PM:" Note to Proofreader: "Tuesday's action comes on the heals of a lawsuit" should have been Tuesday's action comes on the HEELS of a lawsuit. Note to Stick: Asbestos-related medical problems (asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural disease, including mesothelioma) often are not manifested for decades after exposure so the potential harm to those exposed in this case can only be estimated based on the severity of their exposure to asbestos fibers liberated during Mr.... (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Was Abbott's tardiness rude? Nov 1, 2007
His bad language, disorganisation, contempt for the asbestosis victim, disrespect for the public - all disqualify Mr Abbott from any further position on the public payroll. Posted by: Melissa on November 1, 2007 7:38 AM. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Asbestos shame Oct 27, 2007
Once inhaled, the fibres become tangled in lung tissues, where they wreak havoc typically lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare, painful and almost always fatal cancer of the lining of the chest wall. The World Health Organization estimates asbestos kills at least 90,000 people a year about half of all occupational cancer deaths. (Globe and Mail)
Unions and the election Oct 19, 2007
To me as a voter I am extremely worried about having these people in power, under the direction of a man who doesn"t seem to have any policies, that could benefit the ordinary persom. Rudd is going tit for tat, with John Howard. Rudd reminds me of a snotty nosed little school boy, in short pants, trying to get one up on the headmaster. Rudd to me presents as weak and led by the mose, by the left wing of his party, is this how our country will be run, by socialists and a school boy at the helm, I... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Asbestos victims lose compensation fight Oct 18, 2007
Pleural plaques on the lungs can be a forerunner to diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. In the leading judgment, Lord Justice Hoffmann said that proof of damage was an essential element in a claim of negligence. (Scientific American)
Too many election spending promises? Oct 18, 2007
Did they stand up against James Hardie on behalf of the asbestosis sufferers. Were they responsible for the Government implementing the fairness test in Workchoices. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Your say: Howard calls a November 24 election Oct 15, 2007
Australia has never had it so good as we enjoy now across the spectrum" Gregory, you clearly do not "have a clue" about the realities facing these younger voters whom you are so patronising towards. They are faced with rising home prices, soaring fees for Higher Ed and lower job security; and you wonder why Generation U-Tube has turned on Howard? Posted by: Masina on October 14, 2007 4:03 PM We just cannot afford to have Labor governments at both State and Federal levels. I think Labor will just... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Poor Indian Labourers Happily Scrap "Toxic" Ship Oct 11, 2007
"Asbestosis is also a silent killer at Alang.". Story by Rupam Jain Nair. (Planet Ark, United States)
Asbestos found in partly demolished apartment Oct 9, 2007
Asbestosis symptoms won t appear in humans for 20 to 30 years, Wingler said. When the lung sac has an asbestos fiber in it, the body tries to attack it by starving the tissues surrounding the fiber, he said. (KHOU.com, TX)
