Mesothelioma Pages

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADOA) will host a conference in Atlanta, Georgia to inform and educate the public on the growing threats of asbestos exposure. The ADOA and groups like it are closely following the recent asbestos exposure crisis in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Flamingo Hotel.

During renovations at Flamingo Hotel asbestos was allegedly exposed in large amounts and was referred to as a threat to public health. With an abundance of national regulations covering the use and abatement of asbestos the federal government became involved to investigate the happenings at the Flamingo. The renovations were being done to keep the property up to US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) codes.

This would not be the first time repairs attempting to keep facilities on par with national health standards have been the cause of violations against those very regulations. Particularly difficult are the cases of asbestos abatement; tampering and removing damaged or worn materials can potentially cause greater exposure risks than leaving the containing materials untouched.

Asbestos was used heavily in the US before the 1980s. Now, as materials used in original construction are wearing out, asbestos, which was once safely contained in building components, is becoming free and airborne.  This is a greater problem in schools and municipal buildings with longer times of use and higher traffic patterns within the same structure.

Airborne asbestos fibers can cause fatal respiratory conditions. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelium, lung lining, which is caused almost solely be asbestos fibers. If inhaled, asbestos fibers can begin a mutation process in the mesothelium and lining of other abdominal cavities, which grows into irregularly patterned tumors.

Mesothelioma claims about three thousand American lives annually. It takes decades to develop making it extremely difficult to diagnose. Patients who do not know they were exposed to asbestos may have mesothelioma for much of their lives with no idea they are ill at all. Symptoms begin to show twenty to fifty years after development begins. They include wheezing and coughing which further postpones proper diagnoses being taken for pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses. Although mesothelioma treatments exist, there is no known cure.

Although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes asbestos regulations in their Clean Air Act, many individuals and companies choose to violate these laws rather than follow them. Public health and safety is put at risk when illegal, profit-saving methods are used to cut corners in proper removal, disposal and clean up of asbestos.

For one couple in Platteville, Wisconsin, “through sickness and health” is ringing true. After 41 years of marriage Ralph and Kathy Bjork are being tested by their wedding vows taken so long ago.

Following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis Ralph lost all physical ability other than slight head movement. Through his worsening condition, his bride Kathy has stayed by his side and cared for his needs.

Recently, Kathy was diagnosed with rare cancer mesothelioma. Struggling with symptoms for a while, the diagnosis was a grim surprise. Quickly losing her own strength, Kathy and Ralph now both rely on others for their care.

Mesothelioma affects about three thousand Americans each year. Characterized by a long latency period, many mesothelioma patients have no idea they have been struggling with cancer until decades after development started. Although there are many mesothelioma treatments available, there is no known cure.

Mesothelioma is almost solely caused by toxic chemical asbestos. Asbestos is present in countless building materials and is perhaps most commonly associated with floor and ceiling tiles in homes and offices. Although non-threatening when contained inside these materials, asbestos dust can cause severe health problems. Once asbestos fibers become airborne, the risk is high. If inhaled, asbestos fibers can begin a mutation in lung lining and lining of other abdominal cavities, which grows into mesothelioma. Asbestosis and lung cancer can also be caused by asbestos fibers.

Construction, remodeling and wear and tear are some reasons behind airborne asbestos fibers. When asbestos containing materials such as floor and ceiling tiles are worn down or broken down for removal, asbestos dust is released. Kathy Bjork suspects asbestos removal, which took place in her office some 25 years ago, to be the catalyst for her disease. A common problem in older homes and buildings, asbestos exposure has become a leading issue in the American environmental arena.

As health risks related to asbestos began to be proven, use of the material died down. In the 1980s the US took a hard line on asbestos and began strictly regulated its use. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act describes Americans’ responsibilities to maintain and protect the quality of American air. However, safe and approved removal of asbestos is a costly business, and corners are often cut leaving workers and the public at risk of exposure.

Kathy Bjork has joined an experimental mesothelioma program at University of Chicago Medical Center. The Bjork’s sons, as well as medical professionals, have taken over Ralph’s care at this time. In light of the growing medical bills, the Bjorks are receiving great support from the community. Lutheran Church of Peace is organizing a benefit to help them offset medical expenses not covered by insurance.