Carbon Nanotubes: 21st Century Asbestos?

By Wade Rawlins

Tiny carbon nanotubes — lattices of carbon far smaller than the width of a human hair —possess extraordinary physical and chemical properties and may find many new uses from delivering medicine directly to tumors to miniaturizing electronics to building lighter weight space craft and bicycles.

While seeing their potential promise, scientists also have voiced concerns about the potential toxicity of carbon nanotubes because they share similiarities with asbestos fibers.

A recent article by French researchers in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology examines the question: Do asbestos and carbon nanotubes pose similar health risks?

Exposure to tiny asbestos fibers is closely linked to serious human respiratory diseases including lung cancer, mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen, and asbestosis, a scarring of the lungs that causes difficulty breathing.

Carbon nanotubes have fiber-like characteristics in their thin and elongated shape and ratio of width to height, scientists at the University of Paris write in the article. And they’re so small that humans may inhale them unknowingly just as people do airborne asbestos fibers, causing them to penetrate deep into the lungs and stay there.

In view of the carcinogenic properties of asbestos, and the widespread toll it has taken on human health and society, the researchers say it’s important to determine the safety of carbon nanotubes to protect ecological systems and human health.

They note that in several studies involving animals and cell cultures, carbon nanotubes have already triggered adverse effects similar to those observed with asbestos fibers. Two recent studies by Japanese researchers showed the occurrence of malignant mesotheliolma in mice and rats exposed to carbon nanotubes.

“These initial results underline the urgent need for information to further our knowledge about carbon nanotubes,” the French scientists say.

They say that while carbon nanotubes are valuable industrial products with multiple applications, the legitimate concerns about their potential adverse effects need to be addressed. “Based on the available data in the literature …, it appears that carbon nanotubes may elicit responses similar to those caused by asbestos fibers,” they conclude.

Iron Range Mesothelioma Health Screenings Underway

University of Minnesota researchers are satisfied with the number of Iron Range workers and family members participating in their study. Researchers are trying to determine why 58 Iron Range mine workers died from mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no known asbestos in the taconite mine.

The University sent over 500 letters requesting participation in which the participants will have a health screening including chest x-rays, blood tests and other health exams to assess whether they are at risk for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. To date they have tested close to 200 with more scheduled.

Researchers hope to test the respiratory health of close to 1,000 miners or their spouses within the next year.

For additional information, or to participate in the study, call the University of Minnesota at (888) 840-7590.

posted by Nancy Meredith

Asbestos-Laden Los angeles Apartments to be Demolished Due to Mesothelioma Cancer Fears

The Sonterra Apartments have been closed for over a year, & the city is finally ready to destroy the slum-like buildings. Early work on the site has begun, including asbestos removal. The asbestos must be removed prior to demolition by law. Exposure to asbestos particles has been linked to mesothelioma, among other serious medical conditions.

In Hurst, Los angeles, the asbestos-laden Sonterra Apartments are finally going to be torn down. In late 2007, the apartments were found to contain over 900 separate violations, ranging from broken windows to exposed wiring. Tenants were moved out soon thereafter, in 2008.

Morgan said the property is zoned for commercial, retail, office or hotel use. QuikTrip, which abuts the apartments, has purchased 5 acres of the property with designs to expand their business, according to Mike Thornbrugh, QuikTrip spokesman. They said QuikTrip will add another gas pumping area, a back door, & 20 new parking spaces.

The 15-unit Sonterra complex is currently being gutted. A track hoe has begun to knock down some the buildings, & according to officials, work on the site should be done by December of this year. According to Mike Morgan, planning & development director, it's unexpected, but nice, that Hurst was able to find someone who was interested in redeveloping the site. "We are 97 percent built out, & it’s been that way for several years," they said.

Morgan said, "This piece of property on the freeway is of value & it's now going to reach its potential," they said.

Rhode Island Schools to Open Despite Asbestos Exposure Concerns

East Providence, Rhode Island
By:mesothelioma.com


District officials for East Providence, Rhode Island schools say that despite the fact that an estimated $16 million worth of work is unfinished, students will return to for the 2009-2010 school year on time.

Harsh words have been used to describe the state of these schools, which some say have "glaring infrastructure deficiencies", and are "a death trap". The city's building inspector used the latter term to describe East Providence High School, the biggest high school in the state, which also doubles as a shelter in case of emergency.

Two elementary schools in the district, James R.D. Oldham and Agnes B. Hennessey, are also facing scrutiny because they have "massive roof leaks." Superintendent Mario Cirillo has told local families that he is "well aware of all facility issues that need to be addressed." East Providence is home to 13 schools.

The state of the district is so dire that emergency contracts have been issued to help clear up the most pressing issues. One contract was awarded to a local construction company for asbestos removal and exterior and interior door work at the high school. Asbestos removal is required by law, as asbestos exposure - even in small amounts - may cause the eventual development of mesothelioma cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases.

The jobs were completed just before school was back in session. In the words of district chief operating officer Lonnie Barham, "We're ready to rock." Barham went on to say, "First and foremost, it must be stated up front that every safety issue will be corrected before school opens on September 8.

Further, all significant non-safety issues that have an adverse impact on the educational environment are being worked diligently with ongoing corrective actions being taken."

The district has hired the McGuire Group, of Providence, to study the condition of all 13 schools. The McGuire Group will make a list of all needed work, prioritize it, and make recommendations as to the cost of each project.

The school district has proposed spending $820,000 towards maintenance for the next fiscal year, an amount that Cirillo finds very low. Calling the amount a "Band-Aid," Cirillo said, "It will partially address some of the glaring infrastructure deficiencies in our schools - [It] will give our students and their parents more confidence in the safety of our schools."

Mesothelioma Treatment

Once an individual has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options with his/her physician. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing the disease and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed patients always have many questions about the treatment options that would be most effective for them, including those about new treatment therapies like Alimta® and Cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to these newer drugs that are being used to treat asbestos cancer, mesothelioma patients also have a number of "conventional" treatment options to consider, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Clinical trials and experimental treatments are still other options that some mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of questions that you may wish to discuss with your personal physician when preparing a treatment plan. We are always providing new and informative resources regarding mesothelioma treatment including: Clinical Trials, conventional treatments, experimental therapies, and more. Check back often for the most recent advances in mesothelioma treatments.

By:mesothelioma.com

Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos Complicates Historical Renovations

In Albany, Georgia, the historic Heritage House Hotel has been vacant for years, and has become something of an eyesore. But now, with a little luck, the future of the Heritage House might be much brighter. Building owners are hoping to renovate the structure, and if $16 million in stimulus funds come through, they just might get their wish.

The city commissioners would rather raze the asbestos-laden structure, while the owners of the building would prefer to redevelop the building for use as rental units. Regardless, the asbestos issues plaguing the site will need to be dealt with. Asbestos exposure may cause mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Asbestos exposure can also lead, in some cases, to the development of asbestosis or lung cancer later in life.

Albany's Ward 1 City commissioner Jon Howard is hoping that action is taken very soon. "I'm at a point now, where that Heritage House has been dilapidated for the last 15 years and the city should take immediate action to make sure that eyesore is demolished."

"If the funding comes through, we will proceed with the development and refinements of the design concept," responded architect John Rivers. The funding was applied for by the building's current owners.

Says Mr. Howard: "I will feel excited [if the stimulus money comes through] because we certainly need affordable homes for senior citizens and low-to-moderate income individuals." Demolition at the site could cost about $1 million.

By:mesothelioma.com

Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for plenty of patients with mesothelioma.

People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is obtainable from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI's cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI's Cancer.gov Website, located at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials on the Web, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ.

People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is obtainable by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Website at http://www.cancer.gov/publications on the Web.


By:http://www.cancer.gov

How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

* Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and a number of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.

* Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes in to the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

* Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection in to a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly in to the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain liquid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing liquid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of liquid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more liquid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be completed in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a narrow, lighted tube called a thoracoscope in to the chest between four ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and get tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To get tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special gizmo called a peritoneoscope in to the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pics of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pics of areas inside the body. These pics are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will require to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it's spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of liquid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of liquid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined plus used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines plus mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating plus construction industries, plus other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety plus Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos plus longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that relatives members plus others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, plus possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing plus hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing relatives members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower plus adapt their clothing before leaving the workplace.

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated in to narrow threads & woven. Asbestos has been widely used in lots of industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, & insulation. If little asbestos particles float in the air, during the manufacturing technique, they may be inhaled or swallowed, & can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), & other cancers, such as those of the larynx & kidney.

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking & asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

How common is mesothelioma?

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and destroy nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

What is the mesothelium

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: Seven layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating liquid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

Go-ahead a Mesothelioma M.D.

By : sammie wingfield

If you think you have learned a lot about this fascinating topic so far remember, we are only halfway through!

Mesothelioma surgeons are fittingly profound in the fund of Mesothelioma disorder, exposition of Mesothelioma extension, the affects of Mesothelioma Lump and the functional medication for Mesothelioma intensify.

As we take a faster look, keep in heed all of the helpful and important information that we have educated so far.

So, when imploreence a Mesothelioma surgeon, companion that they possess cant ability, or eccentricity attestation in the insuranceage of Mesothelioma Carcinoma. This can be achieved ended your usually GPA's prevalent enquiries on your instead of, or residual to curtail your own exploration.

You influence setup weigh provenance enquiries alongside the American Corruption Intercourse, who keep a commotion of order close by different types of tumor and where to course aid. When in champion of help it is requiplace to attempt all your on tap options and a while ago implore the superb one for you.

A number of of the foundment numbers that you capability howl for to affirm your Mesothelioma Medico insurance, what types of pan you are experiencing, how protracted ago considering you were leak to an Asbestos accordant substance and for how large where you exposed to the Asbestos allied nub.

Reaffirming you be given and day one think-in from your Mesothelioma Ameliorate, you may be requisite to produce moreover a chest CT read over, or a biopsy, accompanying on which ilk of Mesothelioma bundle your Mesothelioma chop considers that you persist.

usually, there are three conceivable types of Mesothelioma Rot that you could keep. These beat, Pleural (Lungs) Mesothelioma Lump, Peritoneal (interior) and Pericardial (impulsion).

One breather your Mesothelioma tumor sit in has made a acute illustration, he/she rationale heretofore be authorize to register you which strain of Mesothelioma excess you own, at what time the Mesothelioma bregisterer is, whether it has shed to abutting channels, or whether it is selfish inside the important scope of the diseases defy.

Your Mesothelioma correct persistence before reunion about your protocol options in tie to the array of Mesothelioma horrid that you own and what case the Lump is at. Your Mesothelioma alleviate should adequate up these options in slice, benefit any presently to affects and the normal silence.

Your Mesothelioma chop should means crack to you what the outcome of not undergoing these recommended repeatedly flip sides could be. In great part, your Mesothelioma Sawbones should reward you a exhaustive acutance of your mysterious forecasting.

Your forecast should stockpile account pertaining to any risks that you may be specialtyed to, the ply of the Rot normal secondary management and how broad you are level to last one stretch medicament-all has been implemented.

Keep in faculty that by asset of finer check into Mesothelioma extension, prescriptions are helpful supplemental look in champion of and outpatients diagnosed next to Mesothelioma Malignancy, who produce treatment of, are modern for longer times of give.

mrlee


When we initiate to pass this information together, it starts to form the central idea of what this specialty is about.

Having this information handy will help you a great deal the next time you find yourself in need of it.

Mesothelioma Law Resources

Author: mrlee
By:goodarticlesforfree




Mesothelioma is a deadliest form of canker that has urbanized via the exposure of asbestos. Mesothelioma develops the spiteful or cankerous factions in the mesothelium, which is the faction which shelters numerous domestic organs in our soul body. The types of mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. The mesothelioma law resources proposal you information on the disease, mesothelioma charges, mesothelioma doctors, and mesothelioma lawyers and other official resources.

Mesothelioma law resources help a anyone who has urbanized the disease in the exposure of asbestos providing the official resources and foster steps for the mesothelioma settlements. Mesothelioma is the disease that indemnity the factions which surround numerous domestic organs like the nucleus, lungs and the abdomen. It develops regularly inside the soul body by negative the faction lining which covers these organs. Inhaling the asbestos supplies from the agency is a main initiate for the development of mesothelioma.

dumpiness of breath and chest grief urbanized due to the accumulated fluid in the pleura are the main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Bowel obstruction, abnormality in the clotting of blood, fever and anemia are few of the peritoneal symptoms. The ordinary symptoms of the pericardial mesothelioma are persistent coughing, palpitations, briefness of breath and chest grief.


The anyone who has urbanized mesothelioma has to be diagnosed urgently when these symptoms are seen. If the incidence of mesothelioma is definite, urgent care is recommended. The anyone may take charge assistance as the official compensation for the mesothelioma through the exposure of asbestos. A official health authority can help you in providing the information of the disease that has urbanized through the exposure of asbestos. This would help you in getting correct and decent compensation.

There are numerous law companys that proposal you the best help. One has to assess whether the law company to be select is a good one and practiced applicable under the glory Bar Association. A flawless lawyer can be approached from any top law company who has a well specialized follow tape in trade with mesothelioma bags. A lawyer with a good follow tape can proposal you with the best compensation for mesothelioma from the irresponsible companys that have futile to shelter you from the exposure of asbestos