Asbestos Testing

The purpose of asbestos testing

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Many old homes, offices and schools in Louisville still contain asbestos, a fibrous mineral that’s known to cause lung cancer. Asbestos can be in appliances, paint, floor tiles and heating and plumbing ducts. It begins to cause problems when something disturbs it; for example, during a painting or remodeling project.

Those who inhale the mineral may not develop serious health problems until several years down the line. The sooner it is eliminated, however, the better, and it all starts with asbestos testing. Accredited labs can submit a sample of an object suspected of carrying asbestos to one of three kinds of tests — transmission electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy or phase contrast microscopy.

The first two distinguish between asbestos and non-asbestos materials. TEM uses magnification and chemical and mineral tools while PLM, true to its name, uses polarized light. PCM magnifies but cannot tell apart the materials. However, it is the least expensive test while TEM is the most expensive.

Any asbestos found on a property should be removed by a qualified company. Asbestos exposure leads to not only lung cancer but also asbestosis and mesothelioma. As the fibers lodge in the lungs, they can cause difficulty breathing, a decrease in appetite, chest pains, a persistent cough and other symptoms.

Exposure to asbestos on the job is all too common. Fortunately, this type of injury is covered under workers’ compensation law, so victims can file a claim in the effort to be covered for medical expenses, disability leave and a portion of their lost wages. Negligence does not need to be established. In return for these benefits, though, employees will waive their right to sue their employer in the future for the same condition. It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer, especially since claims can be denied.

Spouses of workers exposed to asbestos

Spouses of workers exposed to asbestos can also end up sick

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When people think of mesothelioma, a cancer correlated with asbestos exposure, they often think of men who work in manufacturing, construction or mining occupations. While it is true that those who work in certain fields may risk environmental asbestos exposure, those employees are not the only ones at risk.

Workers who come home with asbestos on their person or on their clothing can unwittingly expose their families to this dangerous carcinogen as well. Wives of men who work in fields with asbestos exposure may wind-up developing mesothelioma, even if their spouse never becomes sick. Second-hand exposure to asbestos, also called secondary exposure, is dangerous just like first-hand exposure for workers.

Sometimes, workers bring the danger home with them

Asbestos is a mineral that various industries have used for a range of purposes for centuries. Since the early 20th century, employers and medical professionals have known that asbestos poses significant health risks to workers. This knowledge has led to an increase in regulations for worker safety when they must handle or work with asbestos.

Unfortunately, these protections don’t extend to their spouses, who may have exposure in the home. Particulate fibers can wind up embedded in the clothing, hair or even vehicle of an exposed worker. Their family members, who will often embrace them or assist with laundry and other tasks, can also end up breathing in asbestos fibers as a result.

Regardless of how someone winds up exposed to asbestos, the more asbestos they inhale, the greater their risk of developing conditions in the future. Women who have never worked or those who have never had any direct environmental exposure can still end up developing cancers like mesothelioma because of secondary exposure to asbestos, especially if their spouse regularly worked with asbestos.

Anyone sickened by environmental asbestos has rights

Due to the severity of mesothelioma and the expense and difficulty in treating it, there are many financial options available to those diagnosed with mesothelioma. This cancer starts in the lining of organs, including the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. People often don’t realize they have mesothelioma until it has become severe, though medical science advances help provide better and faster diagnosis.

There are funds that provide money for treatment to those diagnosed with mesothelioma. There is also the potential to hold product manufacturers or employers accountable for environmental asbestos exposure and mesothelioma or other cancers that result from that exposure.

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating. Treatment is difficult, and the condition is almost universally fatal. However, your family should not have to bear the financial burden of the illness as well as the physical realities of it. Exploring your legal and financial options after a diagnosis is a wise decision.

Honeywell facing probe for underestimating asbestos liability

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it was investigating Honeywell International’s accounting on Oct. 19. In particular, the SEC said that it was investigating the Louisville company’s accounting for its liabilities related to asbestos. According to a regulatory filing, Honeywell filed a revised estimate for these liabilities as of the end of 2017. They amounted to $2.61 billion, a jump of $1.09 billion over previous estimates from the firm.

Honeywell previously owned a company called Bendix Friction Materials, a manufacturer of automotive brake linings. While the company sold off Bendix in 2014, it is responsible for liabilities related to Bendix’ manufacture of automotive brake linings that contained asbestos. Thousands of people have filed personal injury claims citing illnesses caused by their exposure to asbestos in the brakes, particularly people involved with manufacturing and repairing the asbestos-containing devices. As a result of the revision, Honeywell revised its reported earnings per share for 2017. They fell 14 cents lower to $2.00.

Asbestos is related to fatal diseases, especially mesothelioma. This is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. While there is no known cure for the cancer, early treatment and diagnosis can help people fight back against the disease. The people most vulnerable to mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure are factory workers who directly participated in asbestos manufacturing. Other severe illnesses are also caused by asbestos exposure, including asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural plaques and pleural disease.

Workers in Kentucky may have been exposed at multiple job sites to asbestos in the workplace. The consequences can be medically catastrophic for workers and their families. People who have suffered from disease due to asbestos exposure at work might consult with a lawyer to help them pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

Supreme Court looks at third party liability for asbestos deaths

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The dangers of asbestos exposure have been understood by people in Kentucky for years, but courts continue to sort out the legal consequences of its use in manufacturing and construction. A case now being heard before the Supreme Court of the United States has pitted two widows against a manufacturer. At issue is the company’s potential liability for the toxic exposure that resulted when its equipment was used with asbestos insulation.

Legal counsel for the company insists that no liability exists for the men who died from lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos while working on U.S. Navy vessels. According to the company’s legal argument, they do not bear responsibility because the asbestos insulation was applied to their products after they were sold.

The attorney for the women, however, argued that the manufacturer could foresee that hazards would result when their equipment came in contact with asbestos products. The company should have warned consumers of its products about the risks of asbestos. A precedent established by the Supreme Court has assigned liability based on dangers that could be foreseen.

When people are exposed to asbestos, they could develop fatal diseases like cancer and mesothelioma. A person could experience a long period of illness that prevents earning a living and requires ongoing medical care. Someone who believes that a company neglected its duty to protect workers from harm could speak to an attorney about how to pursue damages. An attorney could organize evidence about the asbestos and document the financial toll that disease has taken on the victim. After filing a lawsuit, an attorney could manage the trial or possibly negotiate a pretrial settlement.

Treatments for malignant mesothelioma

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Louisville residents exposed to asbestos over a long period may develop malignant mesothelioma. There are four standard treatments for this cancer in addition to one that’s currently undergoing a clinical trial. The type of treatment that is chosen will depend on the patient’s situation.

The first standard treatment is surgery. In a pleurectomy and decortication, the doctor removes part of the covering of the lungs and the lining of the chest. In an extrapleural pneumonectomy, the doctor removes part of the membrane around the heart, the lining of the chest and diaphragm and the diseased lung.

Radiation therapy is the second treatment. High-energy X-rays or another type of radiation are used to kill the cancer cells or prevent them from growing. In external radiation therapy, the radiation is sent through a machine. In an internal treatment, the radioactive substance enters the body in needle, seed, wire or catheter.

Through drugs injected into the bloodstream, cancer cells can be killed or prevented from multiplying. This is known as chemotherapy. In systemic chemotherapy, the drugs spread to the whole body; the opposite is regional chemotherapy. A less harmful approach to treatment is targeted therapy, which also uses specific drugs to attack cancer cells.

Biologic therapy, or immunotherapy, is currently being tested. Substances made in a laboratory can be used to direct a patient’s immune system against the cancer.

Someone who develops an asbestos-related illness may be able to file a claim against the responsible party. This is where a lawyer can come in and have the case investigated. Medical experts could determine the extent of the illness and help in setting a fair amount for the potential settlement. If negotiations between the two sides fail to produce an agreement, the lawyer could proceed to litigation.

asbestos may be hiding in your home

Places asbestos may be hiding in your home

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Manufacturers commonly used asbestos products in building until the 1980s, which means that many homes still contain products with asbestos in them. The natural fiber is generally safe when left undisturbed, but many individuals expose themselves when remodeling their homes.

Asbestos is a cancer-causing mineral, which can be dangerous when inhaled or ingested. It is unfortunate that asbestos kills 12 to 15 thousand  individuals every year. What are common places asbestos may be inside your home? What to do if you suspect there are asbestos-infested products in your house?

Where to find it

It may surprise you how many places you can find asbestos. Possible places include:

  • Insulation
  • Plaster
  • Floor tiles
  • Popcorn ceiling
  • Wallpaper

What to do if you suspect asbestos

It can seem daunting to know of all the possible places asbestos could be lurking in your home, but how do you know if your ceiling or floor tiles, wallpaper or insulation contains asbestos or is completely safe?

Unfortunately, it is not as easy as just looking at the product in question. If you suspect that there is asbestos in your home, you should treat it with caution. You can send samples to a lab for professionals to analyze. If it comes back positive for asbestos fibers, it may be wise to hire a team of professionals to remove the material.

Asbestos exposure is dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. If you think there is asbestos in your house, the best bet may be to call a professional to deal with it.

I Have an Asbestos-Related Disease

Asbestos exposure and mesothelioma

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September 26 is the annual day for mesothelioma awareness. Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition that’s caused by asbestos exposure. People in Louisville who develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure might not experience symptoms for 50 years. However, mesothelioma tends to be fast-moving once diagnosed, and a person may only live for about a year after diagnosis.

There are a number of misconceptions about asbestos in the United States. Some people believe it is banned. While this is true in many countries, it is not the case in the U.S., where the rule phasing out asbestos was overturned in 1991. In the summer of 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that asbestos could be allowed back in products in limited amounts as long as those products are unlikely to degrade and expose people to asbestos. However, some argue that asbestos is not safe at any level of exposure.

One consumer watchdog group said it found asbestos in makeup and crayons marketed to children by the brand Claire’s. It may be possible that some talc products are contaminated with asbestos since both are mined from the ground where there may be contact.

Fortunately, treatment for mesothelioma is improving. The increasing use of artificial intelligence for diagnosis and treatment could mean the disease is detected earlier and that patients are offered tailored treatments.

Someone who has developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure might want to contact an attorney. If the person was exposed to mesothelioma by a product, the manufacturer may be liable for medical costs, loss of income and other expenses. An attorney could provide advice as to how to go about seeking compensation. In some cases, if many people suffered as a result of the exposure, there might be a class action lawsuit.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Does gender have an impact on mesothelioma?

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When the doctors diagnose you with mesothelioma, they determine your survival rate and what treatment you need using several factors. They could figure it out by your age, medical history, how long you have had the disease and various other conditions. It plays a large role into whether you require simple surgery or periods of chemotherapy.

However, one major factor in determining your survivability rate and treatment is your gender. As it turns out, there is a significant difference between how often men and women survive or obtain mesothelioma. It is crucial to understand what advantages each gender has when it comes to this cancer.

How it is acquired?

The most common occupations for men to acquire mesothelioma are firefighting or working at a construction site, power plant, or shipyard. While there are women within these occupations, men significantly outnumber women in these professions. Because of this, most women often get this disease from secondary exposure. It’s possible for family members to be exposed to dangerous materials by dirty work clothes.

Who has the better survival rate?

Studies have shown that women have a much higher chance of surviving mesothelioma than men. In the first year they have around an 8 percent higher chance of living, but the gap significantly widens in the following years and increases to over 10 percent. While there is no definitive answer as to why this is, many theorize that hormonal differences or a lack of firsthand exposure influence the data. Women also are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which has a higher chance of successful treatment than pleural mesothelioma.

Challenges of secondary exposure

While women can rejoice in having a higher chance of beating this awful disease, there is one major drawback. Because the majority of women diagnosed with mesothelioma obtain it from secondary exposure, they have a much harder time obtaining coverage for the medical bills. Since it was often their husband’s occupation that caused this, they cannot apply for workers’ compensation since they do not work at the same place.

Whether you are a man or woman, it is crucial to obtain the right legal assistance in helping you obtain coverage for this devastating disease. Kentucky citizens have the right to take any mesothelioma issues to court in order to obtain sufficient compensation.

type of mesothelioma

Understanding the types of mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by direct and indirect exposure to asbestos. There is no known cure for the disease, but early diagnosis and treatment options make for better odds of beating mesothelioma.

There are around 3,000 mesothelioma diagnoses in the U.S. every year, most of which are people who were exposed on the job. Mesothelioma most commonly forms around the lungs (70%) and around the abdomen (20%). It can also form in the lining of the heart and testicles, though this is rare.

Pleural mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma don’t just show up overnight, as it can take years to develop and take effect. Named after its location, the pleural lining, it is the most common type of mesothelioma. Most patients qualify for the available treatments, which can add months or even years to a person’s life.

Symptoms include:

  • Dry cough
  • Chest pains
  • Fatigue
  • Faint or harsh breathing sounds
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty swallowing

Peritoneal mesothelioma

This is the second-most common type of mesothelioma. Formed in the lining of the abdomen, patients experience symptoms including – abdominal pain and swelling, bloating and bowel changes. They may also experience fevers, nausea, anemia, unexplained weight loss and low blood sugar level. The life expectancy with peritoneal mesothelioma depends on the stage of the cancer, treatments available and the quality of medical staff treating the patient.

Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, along with testicular. Located in the lining of the heart, prognosis typically ranges from six weeks to 15 months. Surgery helps some patients live longer than expected. The diagnosis is typically at a later stage and can cause an irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, murmurs, chest pain, among other symptoms.

Testicular mesothelioma

Researchers tend to not understand this diagnosis. Most of these patients have no history of asbestos exposure, and research is lacking because of its rarity.

The first step to extend your life expectancy is to find a doctor who specializes in your type of mesothelioma. Working with a specialist can give you access to the latest treatment. Improving your diet and exercising can boost health before, during and after cancer treatment.

Fighting for pain and suffering damages

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If you become injured in a car accident, you might realize that it has a bigger impact on your life than incurring extra expenses. A crash can take a devastating toll on your emotional state and physical ability as well.

Experiencing nightmares, new fear, depression, limited mobility, disfigurement or debilitating aches after the incident are a few signs that a crash victim may benefit from seeking pain and suffering damages.

This type of claim applies to the trauma and difficulties that the victim faces due to another driver’s negligence. Usually, it accompanies a claim for compensation of medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages and other financial needs.

How can you prove what you’re feeling?

The main obstacle to obtaining compensation for pain and suffering is providing evidence. Many insurance companies do not agree to pay these damages without a compelling reason or court order.

Although an insurance representative or judge will not be able to experience what you feel, there are ways to support your claim, such as:

  • A diagnosis from your doctor or therapist
  • A record of your medical treatments
  • A record of your symptoms and absences from work
  • Prescriptions for pain or mental illness

Despite the evidence, insurance companies could still deny your claim. If this happens, you can challenge their refusal through negotiations or court with the help of your lawyer.

When can’t you receive this type of compensation?

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to claim pain and suffering damages after an accident. For example, Kentucky does not allow victims to sue unless they suffered severe physical harm or owe at least $1,000 of related medical costs.

You also cannot file a claim after a certain deadline according to the related Kentucky statute of limitations. After that deadline passes, victims automatically waive their right to seeking damages for the accident. For this reason, crash victims need to speak to their attorney immediately.