Asbestos &amp; Mesothelioma News

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The SAIAC Asbestos Cartel Controlled Much More Than Just Profits

The use of asbestos throughout the world came to prominence in the 20th century and since then has not only cost thousands of individuals their lives, but has had a significant impact on the environment. The known dangers of asbestos such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis date back to the 1920s and 1930s, but widespread knowledge about this carcinogen did not happen until decades later, particularly in the EU. Part of the blame in this delay in action in Europe can be traced back to four prominent and influential families of the industry: The Hatshceks, the Schmidheinys, the Emsens,...

29 May

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Despite Asbestos Regulations, CDC Reports Increase in Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is specifically caused by asbestos exposure. The cancer affects the lining surrounding various organs and cavities within the body called the mesothelium. Asbestos fibers, which are nearly invisible, sharp, and easily inhaled, become embedded in this soft tissue. The body is unable to break down or expel the fibers, resulting in damage and scarring to this protective lining that surrounds the organs. Approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year and even though it is a rare cancer, mesothelioma is aggressive, and with no known cure, the average life expectancy once one is...

29 May

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Asbestos in Our Schools: How the EPA Keeps Children and Adults Safe

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created to protect the environment and the health of humans by regulating substances that could potentially be harmful to both. Asbestos is a carcinogen that was used in many places that we come in contact with daily: our schools, our homes, the buildings we work in, and the products we buy. While asbestos is illegal to mine in the United States, it is not illegal to import and asbestos is still used in products and manufacturing today. Many schools that were built before 1980 contain asbestos because of the many qualities to the substance;...

29 May

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Asbestos-contaminated Dental Tape Linked to Mesothelioma in Dentists