Posts Tagged ‘respiratory diseases’

EPA Fines Several Arizona High Schools For Asbestos Offences

June 2nd, 2010

Three Arizona Charter schools have been fined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violations regarding the ‘AHERA’, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. The Act is in place to regulate, inspect, catalogue and handle asbestos in all US schools.

The Act, which has been in effect since 1986, outlines 8 precautions that must be taken to protect students and staff from exposure to asbestos. These steps include instructing maintenance staff on asbestos awareness and handling, conducting a six month periodic survey of asbestos sources, creating an asbestos management plan that is accessible to all staff and parents, ensure ongoing documentation of all asbestos related activity.

The use of asbestos is outlawed so these rules exist to ensure that any pre-existing material is monitored by trained professionals and to make sure it isn’t damaged by renovations or age. The EPA considers asbestos safe as long as it is in tact but once broken or exposed, it releases microscopic fibres which can lead to several forms of unique yet fatal cancer.

The best known asbestos related disease is Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that breaks down the protective linings surrounding the lungs, heart and organs. The disease generally lies dormant for up to five decades, making it notoriously difficult to monitor or catch at an early stage. Once it appears it usually means the victim has around twelve months to live.

The Arizona high schools were found guilty of failing to conduct initial inspections or developing an asbestos management plan. Another five schools broke similar regulations but were lucky enough to be found to not contain any asbestos.

The EPA fined the schools almost $30,000 and they are now all in compliance with AHERA regulations. One of the worst offenders, Cave Creek High School in Phoenix, was fined for failure of ongoing inspections after it documented 12,580 square feet of asbestos-containing building material on its premises.

Following the publication of these breach of regulations, many of the students have undergone health checks to make sure they were not affected by any exposure, if so they could be eligible for a mesothelioma claim as long as they hire a decent asbestos lawyer.


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One Million Pound Asbestos Removal Job For Welsh Fire Departments

May 26th, 2010

Asbestos, the lethal fireproof insulation material banned in the 90s has been found and removed at nearly 40 fire stations in South Wales, costing the taxpayer over 1 million. A station in the country’s capital was found to require emergency work along with stations in 7 other towns. The cost of the removal was revealed after a Freedom of Information request from Chris Franks, a member of the Welsh political party, Plaid Cymru.

The total involves the majority of fire stations in the south Wales area, only 5 remained untouched. The majority of the asbestos found was of the lesser toxic white variety although the extremely toxic brown variety was found at a minority.

According to the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, nearly 300,000 was spent on the removal of asbestos with the costs at each premises ranging from 1,000 to 35,000 with an extra 170,000 also spent on refurbishment works.

The head of South Wales Fire and Rescue has written to ministers to highlight the severe impact the cost has had on the budget for the services in the region. Although the work is essential, it will place a significant burden on the financial abilities of the public sector, something that cannot be taken lightly in the emergency services especially during a time of severe cuts.

It is a legal requirement that asbestos removal is undertaken by qualified professionals and handled and disposed of correctly. Many individuals run scams where they charge huge amounts for work that can be done much cheaper claiming that due to strict laws they have no choice but to charge that price.

The use of asbestos is outlawed but many buildings predating the ban have copious amounts lining the walls and ceilings as a fireproof insulation. Some types of asbestos are considered fairly safe if in tact but once it becomes damaged or begins to age; it can release lethal fibres into the air causing fatal diseases such as Mesothelioma or Asbestosis.

The total cost of the removal has crippled the emergency service budget in South Wales but they could face further costs if any of the workers wish to hire an asbestos lawyer to make a mesothelioma claim.

categories: asbestos,respiratory diseases,mesothelioma,lung cancer,construction,building,insulation


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Asbestos: The Hidden Killer Of 9/11

March 17th, 2010

Over 3,000 people died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the September 11th attacks in New York but the death toll is set to rise due to a hidden killer. The Twin towers which dominated the Manhattan skyline were completed in the early seventies and experienced much of their construction during a period in which Asbestos was perfectly legal.

The buildings were fireproofed throughout their construction but it was by the time builders had completed the 40th floors that asbestos was banned and alternatives were used. Despite the ban there was no rule forcing builders to remove existing material, of which the cost was estimated at more than the value of the buildings themselves.

When the planes crashed into the towers and the buildings eventually collapsed there was thousands of tonnes of debris blown into the air much of which was a combination of toxic gasses which remained present for over 5 weeks and continues to be lethal. The EPA declared the city safe for return after just 5 days but the toxins contaminated much of the area’s buildings, walls, furniture and air conditioning systems.

Despite the Environmental Protection Agency declaring the city safe for residents just a few days after the event many thousands of workers, volunteers and residents had already been exposed and if not were putting themselves at maximum risk by returning to the area. A study discovered that 76% of all surviving first responders, workers and local residents are already suffering from respiratory problems.

Around 100,000 people have reportedly been exposed to toxic materials which can cause a variety of lethal diseases such as Asbestosis, Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma. But this number does not include those who have visited and left New York since the attacks which could be much higher.

In 2006 a New York Fire Official died of Mesethelioma, Deborah Reeve was declared the first fatality of the 9/11 attacks directly linked to exposure to asbestos but if research has given accurate results she is unlikely to be the last victim of the attacks as experts say many more will suffer in years to come.

Want to find out more about asbestos contamination, then visit ‘whatsmyclaimworth’ for advice on compensation payments for you.


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So You Think You Have Mesothelioma?

February 26th, 2010

A rare form of cancer called Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelial cells covering the outer surface of most of our internal organs. Mesothelium is a lining which gives the disease its name, the disease most commonly occurs in the tissues covering the lungs.

Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos and approximately 80% of people diagnosed with the disease have reported being in contact with the material during their life. People were freely exposed to it before the material was banned and the more someone was exposed, the more at risk they are but some patients cannot recall any prolonged exposure.

From the 1940s to the 1990s asbestos was used as a fire retardant insulator in construction putting those who worked in that industry at the most risk. Even though it was finally outlawed in 1999 is still poses a risk wherever present.

Mesothelioma may not develop until up to 40 years after exposure which is why many cases go undiagnosed for decades before becoming terminal. Because asbestos was banned in the 1990s it is predicted that the cases of the disease will continue to rise until around 2020 after which we should experience a decline.

Although the early stages of Mesothelioma do not have many symptoms it is important so seek medical advice if you experience issues such as respiratory problems, weight loss, bowel issues and heavy sweating.

If you believe you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and you do experience any of the symptoms it would be wise to seek medical advice. If you are unlucky and are diagnosed with Mesothelioma you may have a right to claim compensation. It can be very easy to claim using the right legal representation and many have been successful even if it is difficult to prove your exposure to asbestos.

Want to find out more about Respiratory diseases, then visit the ‘whats-my-claim-worth site for advice on Mesothelioma claims.


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