Asbestos - Asbestosis

We are currently interviewing potential clients in the area of Asbestos exposure and Asbestosis. These are often serious or fatal conditions. We routinely provide free information on these topics, with no obligation.

Once you have finished your review, you may (1) print, fill out, and fax to us the questionnaire found by clicking on the blue key in the upper left hand corner of this page, (2) call us toll free at (800) 447-6443, or (3) send us E-Mail by clicking on the key found at the bottom of this page.

Our research results in a large amount of pertinent and up to date information on asbestos, the asbestos industry, asbestos diseases and treatment options. We have compiled some of that information here in an on-line reference. We hope that by providing this information we create a valuable resource for afflicted people, who will benefit from having access to it.

Part of our responsibility is to provide clients with potentially lifesaving information on doctors, hospitals, and healthcare. While we are not doctors, we do possess some information on medical doctors who specialize in aggressively treating malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and pleural disease.

We try to keep our clients up to date on the newest research, diagnostic information and treatment options for their conditions.

The Table shown below contains hyperlinks to and a brief description of a compilation of graphs showing mortality due to Asbestos exposure. These include age, race, sex, and occupation. We recommend this information to any reader!

Tables and Figures: The following tables and figures were abstracted directly from the 1996 Work-related Lung Disease Surveillance Report. These pages may be freely copied or reprinted.

• [Figure 1-1.] Asbestosis: Number of deaths, crude and age-adjusted mortality rates, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1968-1992
• [Figure 1-2.] Asbestosis: Crude mortality rates by state, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1991-1992
• [Figure 1-3.] Asbestosis: Median age at death, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1968-1992
• [Table 1-1.] Asbestosis: Number of deaths by sex, race, and age, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1991-1992
• [Table 1-2.] Asbestosis: Number of deaths by state, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1968-1992
• [Table 1-3.] Asbestosis: Mortality rates (per 1,000,000 population) by race and sex, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1991-1992
• [Table 1-4.] Asbestosis: Years of potential life lost by race and sex, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1991-1992
• [Table 1-5.] Asbestosis: Total number of deaths, crude and age adjusted mortality rates (per 1,000,000 population), and total years of potential life lost (YPLL) to life expectancy, by state, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1988-1992
• [Table 1-6.] Asbestosis: Most frequently recorded occupations on death certificate, U.S. residents age 15 and over, selected states, 1991-1992
• [Table 1-7.] Asbestosis: Most frequently recorded industries on death certificate, U.S. residents age 15 and over, selected states, 1991-1992
• [Table 1-8.] Asbestosis: Proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) by usual occupation, selected states and years, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1985-1992
• [Table 1-9.] Asbestosis: Proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) by usual industry, selected states and years, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1985-1992
• [Figure 1-4.] Asbestosis: Total number of deaths by county, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1983-1992
• [Figure 1-5.] Asbestosis: Age-adjusted mortality rates by county, U.S. residents age 15 and over, 1983-1992

 The Background Facts Surrounding Asbestosis

EPA Region 6 Fact Sheet: Intact and undisturbed asbestos-containing material (ACM) does not pose a health risk. Asbestos becomes a problem when due to damage, disturbance, or deterioration over time; the material releases fibers into the air. Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems. If inhaled, these tiny fibers can cause normal functions of the lungs to be disturbed.

American Lung Association on Asbestos: In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and provide heat insulation and fire resistance. In most products, asbestos is combined with a binding material so that it is not readily released into the air. However, if asbestos should become airborne and is inhaled, it can remain in the lungs for a long period of time, producing the risk for severe health problems that do not appear until many years later.

California EPA: Many sources of asbestos are in man-made products. The most common sources are heat-resistant insulators, cement, furnace or pipe coverings, inert filler material, fireproof gloves and clothing, and brake linings. Asbestos has been used in the United States since the early 1900's, however, asbestos is no longer allowed as a constituent in most home products and materials. Many older buildings, schools, and homes still have asbestos containing products.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Leaflet on Asbestos in Your Home: This leaflet will help you understand asbestos: what it is, its health effects, where it is in your home, and what to do about it. Even if asbestos is in your home, it is usually NOT a serious problem. The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous. The danger is that asbestos material may become damaged over time. Damaged asbestos may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard.

This Asbestos Awareness module was prepared with information provided by the Oklahoma Department of Labor, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the EPA Region 5 (Asbestos is a hazardous pollutant) and OSHA "Technical Link" to Asbestosis. It is designed to inform employees who may work in buildings that contain asbestos about the hazards associated with asbestos. Workers who conduct asbestos abatement operations must be licensed by the state Department of Labor.

EPA Region 4: "The Asbestos Informer": The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are responsible for regulating environmental exposure and protecting workers from asbestos exposure. OSHA is responsible for the health and safety of workers who may be exposed to asbestos in the work place, or in connection with their jobs. EPA is responsible for developing and enforcing regulations necessary to protect the general public from exposure to airborne contaminants that are known to be hazardous to human health.

OSHA Rules and Regulations: A listing of various OSHA rules, regulations, and codes dealing with asbestos in the workplace.

OSHA "Technical Link" to Asbestosis: An estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. Heaviest exposures occur in the construction industry, particularly during the removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition. Employees are also likely to be exposed during the manufacture of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction products, insulation, and other building materials) and during automotive brake and clutch repair work. Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard and is highly regulated. OSHA and EPA asbestos rules are intertwined.

NIOSH List of Asbestos Documents: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is the only federal Institute responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries. This NIOSH list contains "Alerts" and "Current Intelligence Bulletins". This is a very complete listing and is an excellent resource guide.

EPA Region 4: "The Asbestos Informer": Asbestosis is a serious, chronic, non-cancerous respiratory disease. Inhaled asbestos fibers aggravate lung tissues, which cause them to scar. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath and a dry crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling. In its advanced stages, the disease may cause cardiac failure. There is no effective treatment for asbestosis; the disease is usually disabling or fatal.

Malignant Mesothelioma: Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or abdomen (the peritoneum). Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. A doctor should be seen if a person has shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. If there are symptoms, the doctor may order an x-ray of the chest or abdomen. CancerNet, a service of the National Cancer Institute, is a key source of information on this topic such as: What is malignant mesothelioma, what are the stages of malignant mesothelioma, and what are the Treatment Options. This is an excellent source of information for a person suffering from this disease.

Urbana Atlas of Pathology will give the reader an up-close view of what we are discussing. Warning!!! The afflicted reader is cautioned about viewing this link.

Virtual Hospital: Diagnosis of Diffuse Lung Disease is text and pictures relating to the diseases that we are battling. Warning!! The afflicted reader is cautioned about viewing this link.

Tulane Medical School: Pathology -- Lung Overview shows a picture of diffuse interstitial fibrosis. Warning!!! The afflicted reader is cautioned about viewing this link.

Pitfalls to Watch For When You Go to the Doctor is a list of 15 pitfalls, written by a doctor, for other doctors. This list is helpful for you, the patient, as well. Use it as your own checklist to monitor your own doctor’s diagnosis and treatment in your case.

 Conclusion

Once you have finished your review, you may (1) print, fill out, and fax to us the questionnaire found by clicking on the blue key in the upper left hand corner of this page, (2) call us toll free at (800) 447-6443, or (3) send us E-Mail by clicking on the key found at the bottom of this page.

 Don't Lose Your Rights!

It is very easy to lose your rights completely. Each state has its own deadlines, called statutes of limitation, for allowing victims of asbestos disease to file lawsuits. This means that there are strict deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits after becoming aware that you have an asbestos disease or after a loved one dies from an asbestos disease. We are happy to discuss this with you, and you can access our "Legal Notices" section shown below.

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