In Clear Creek, California, there’s a San-Francisco-sized chunk of land loaded with asbestos-containing rock. Plants–including the hardy local scrub pines–don’t grow there much anymore. Up until recently, dirt bikers and motorcyclists flocked to this place. They loved the hundreds of miles of clear, open trails where they could race to their hearts’ content. At most other sanctioned riding spots, riders are jammed “nose-to-tailpipe” and don’t have any sense of freedom.

After the California Bureau of Land Management (BLM) discovered heavy concentrations of chrysotile asbestos–common in California–in the air above the spot, they closed the area down. Bikers were enraged–even moved to calling the BLM spokesman at a public meeting a liar. And those who want to keep the land open are focusing on one of the biggest myths of all about asbestos: that chrysotile asbestos is not dangerous.

The BLM had made an attempt in 2004 to satisfy bikers. They agreed to close the land down in the summer and reopen it in the fall when supposedly the rain would keep the dust down. But in 2008 the EPA report concluded–you were putting your health in danger from even taking a hike on the lands once a year, let alone racing around on motorized vehicles and stirring up the dust.

Bikers who rode the land for 30 years and are not yet sick protest that the EPA is using scare tactics–threats made up for political reasons. And they are unwilling to accept the fact that the deadly asbestos-caused cancer called mesothelioma can take up to 40 and even 50 years to develop.  So they went “shopping” for a scientist who would back up their claim that chrysotile asbestos is not dangerous.

Part of the problem is that an earlier lawsuit filed by the regional California Native Plant Society alleging that bikers’ tires were destroying native species. Some bikers are still convinced it’s the “eco-freaks” using asbestos as an excuse to keep them from riding on the best spot in the region. Others feel that the government has no business telling citizens what to do–that it should explain the supposed “danger” and let people make their own choices.

What a different situation from those who were unwittingly exposed to asbestos while on the job or living around a mine and who now have developed the deadly asbestos disease,  malignant mesothelioma. The truth is, we humans can fool ourselves so easily when it comes to getting what we want. Until you or someone you love receives a mesothelioma diagnosis or are struggling with the realities of living with mesothelioma, it’s startlingly easy to disbelieve the facts.

It is good to see that the international medical community is devoting an entire conference to studying how collaboration between treatment specialists can improve survival rates for lung cancer patients. For even though it is rare and is unusual in how fast it spreads, and we know that it is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer.

Of particular interest at the conference will be new advances in radiotherapy, how combining it with chemotherapy, and how adding molecular therapies (targeting specific  human genes) can help patients survive longer. Doctors are now also trying to personalize their treatments based on a patient’s individual molecular profile.

Every advance in the general care of lung cancer patients can potentially lead to improvements in mesothelioma treatment and mesothelioma diagnosis. The hope is that mesothelioma patients will also benefit as the length of time increases for survivors of all forms of this complex cancer.

Even as Canada continues to ignore the facts about asbestos and keeps claiming that the chrysotile form of asbestos is not dangerous, research is going on that hopes to show exactly how asbestos fibers cause diseases such as malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer. At Ohio University a study is underway that looks at how an asbestos fiber bonds with a human cell.

A new technology called atomic force microscopy allows researchers to “feel and observe what’s on molecular surfaces.” They are using this technology to study how long it takes a bond to form between an asbestos fiber and a cell–minutes, hours?–and to see what other processes get triggered when the touch first occurs and once the bond forms.

We like to think that asbestos exposure is a thing of the past since the US banned its use in commercial applications, but the fact is that asbestos is still around in old buildings and can easily be released with demolition or rehabbing. And according to the US Department of Labor, more than 1.3 million workers today are still being exposed to asbestos on the job.

This study is first focusing on crocidolite, or blue asbestos, long considered the most deadly type because of its long, thin fiber shape.  Crocidolite is the type that was often used in cement pipes, especially those manufactured by Kubota-Voss and used in California, where workers who develop mesothelioma must file a lawsuit for compensation within one year of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

The hope of the research is to find a way to intervene somewhere in the process after exposure and prevent disease from developing in the exposed individual.

One disturbing part in the story says “some forms of asbestos can dissolve in the lungs if they are inhaled…” In all the reports and research done by credible scientific organizations such as the World Health Organization, no form of asbestos is considered safe for humans; all are considered carcinogenic. The only studies or reports that suggest otherwise are those commissioned and paid for by representatives of the asbestos industry itself. Let us hope that there is no involvement by those interests in funding this study at Ohio University.

To its international shame, the Canadian government continues to ignore overwhelming scientific evidence that chrysotile asbestos is a source of lung diseases such as asbestosis and malignant pleural mesothelioma cancer. The Building and Woodworkers’ International union accuses the government of continuing to support the mining and exporting of asbestos, and of discounting the advice of the very panel of experts it convened to support its position.

A powerful paper called “Exporting Harm,” details Canada’s disgraceful history with asbestos. Over the years, every international scientific group began unequivocally condemning asbestos in all forms as a carcinogen, and most industrialized countries banned its use. It was then that Canada began pushing its lucrative asbestos product to developing countries, where working conditions are terrible, and health protections non-existent. But also where ignorance about asbestos dangers is all but complete, and the profits to be made from using it are irresistible.

The report accuses the Canadian government of many shameful activities, including using public funds to support the asbestos industry, deliberately spreading inaccurate information about asbestos dangers, denying help to Canadian victims of asbestos, and actively working against UN efforts to educate developing countries about the health risks of asbestos.

One of the tricks the government is accused of was to promote chrysotile asbestos–the type Canada mines–as different, and therefore not as dangerous, as other types. However, the report says that 95% of all asbestos mined for commercial use is of the chrysotile type. And that means that a large percentage of the disease and death resulting from asbestos exposure and sources of all types has likely involved chrysotile asbestos.

The “hundreds of billions of dollars” at stake in courtrooms around the world as compensation to victims of asbestos provides a huge motivator to the asbestos industry and the “experts” it pays to keep denying the harm from chrysotile asbestos.

The report points out that Canada is the fourth largest exporter of asbestos–after Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, India and Russia–but the only country with a reputation as a “good guy” in international politics. And that the government takes advantage of this belief to present itself as trustworthy in its dealings in asbestos. It invites embassies from developing countries to hold asbestos-promotion events. It supports non-credentialed experts to make statements and publish press releases stating that chrysotile asbestos is absolutely not harmful to human health.

And all this goes on, even as Canada is having asbestos removed from the halls of its Parliament–because of the potential danger to its MPs. We can only pray that the Canadian government will soon be sufficiently embarrassed about its activities that it will at last listen to the scientific community and to the voices of so many asbestos victims.

Mesothelioma is a rare lung disease associated with exposure to asbestos. It can take up to several decades after exposure to manifest itself, and by the time the patient and doctor get around to a mesothelioma diagnosis, the disease has usually progressed beyond the stage where there is much that can be done. But doctors are constantly searching for new ways to approach the diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease.

In a recent study conducted in mice, a form of Vitamin A called all-trans-retinoic acid was found to slow the growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells. It is exciting to think that researchers may be able to combat this disease by using more natural substances, even in part, than the typical harsh killer chemicals in typical chemotherapy.

It’s important to talk with your doctor about your options for treating mesothelioma. Because of the intense focus being placed on the study of mesothelioma today, and the fact that the incidence of the disease is expected to continue to grow for the next couple of decades, means that new discoveries are constantly being made. Be sure to choose a doctor who keeps up with all of this research so that you will always know of new discoveries, all the latest clinical trials, and have access to the best available resources and support in your area.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a lung disease related to asbestos exposure that often expresses with pleurisy-like symptoms. Current efforts to halt and/or slow the disease have met with little success. Researchers are investing much time and effort in searching for more effective ways to deal with the disease.

A recent study of gender factors influencing the prognosis for malignant mesothelioma yielded a surprising result. Scientists found that estrogen receptors, normally associated with the female gender, seem to suppress the growth of mesothelioma tumor cells. The promise of the study is that doctors may be able to use some form of estrogen receptor to better predict how mesothelioma will progress and to improve results of therapeutic efforts.

Fighting fires is a dangerous occupation. Not only must firefighters face the risks of building collapses, burns, and smoke inhalation, but they also risk exposure to cancer-causing agents such as asbestos. Old buildings were often constructed with materials containing asbestos–walls, pipes, electrical and heating insulation, as well as roof and siding tiles and even flooring materials.

And of course, old buildings are the ones most likely to be fire risks. Disturbing asbestos in crumbling materials or releasing it through burning releases those deadly asbestos fibers. The long, thin fibers penetrate lungs and, unlike some contaminants, can’t be cleaned out by the body’s natural defense systems. Because of this, firefighters even today may be at higher risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung diseases. As these materials deteriorate with age and are damaged or disturbed by fire or fire-fighting efforts, the asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled by firefighters.

A recent study looked for but didn’t absolutely prove a connection between firefighting work and all types of cancer.  But because mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos, it’s easier to make a correlation.  In a story in Fire Fighting News, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is quoted as saying even though more study is needed, firefighters should still be given every possible benefit when they are diagnosed with cancer. And they should, of course, always take every possible precaution to avoid dangerous asbestos exposure and sources of any other possible carcinogens. That even includes conditions in their own fire stations. Acting United States Fire Administrator said:

“What is appropriate at this time is continued vigilance on the part of all firefighters to limit their exposure to toxins and known carcinogens by use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), by proper decontamination of PPE and other equipment, and by use of diesel exhaust removal strategies in fire stations throughout our nation.”

Mesothelioma is so unique that anyone who is diagnosed can be nearly certain that asbestos exposure was the cause–even if the person doesn’t think he was or doesn’t remember being exposed.

Because mesothelioma can take so long to develop–as long as four or five decades–it’s critical for firefighters of all ages to be alert. It makes sense for them to locate and begin a relationship with a doctor who understands the deadly effects of asbestos exposure and has a thorough knowledge of the early signs and symptoms of mesothelioma. The earlier the disease is caught, the greater the chances that treatment can prolong the patient’s life and improve the quality of life.

Having hope is important for anyone who’s been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the so-far-incurable form of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure.  Keeping up with the latest developments in therapies and drugs can help you feel as empowered as possible while you’re living with mesothelioma.

Scientists are always urgently searching for better ways to treat mesothelioma. Now in the U.S. some of them will have more money with which to conduct their studies. In a move that surprised many, President Barack Obama raised the budget of the National Institutes of Health by 30%. That will mean that a large chunk of about $10.4 billion will now be available towards supporting research by medical experts, scientists, and doctors into discovering new drugs and treatments, new ways of getting an earlier mesothelioma diagnosis, and even possibly a way to cure this and other fatal diseases.

One of the approaches that may now receive additional attention is the research into using combinations of various therapies to see how much that might improve results–either for diagnosing, testing drugs, or reducing the size of tumors.

Some of the newer techniques they’re testing include bioluminescence imaging. This is a procedure in which researchers inject into the bloodstream a special chemical that reacts with the gene that makes fireflies glow (so far they’ve only tried it with mice). Then they track how much light is emitted from the tumor as a way to see how fast it’s growing–and also to tell what effect various drugs have on that rate of growth. It hasn’t been used yet in humans, but it’s very promising to help speed experiments to find better drugs to treat mesothelioma.

Another therapy they’re experimenting with combining is radiation. In one study they used a new tumor-killing substance (APO010) and bioluminescence to try to enhance the effects of radiotherapy.

At Hendlerlaw, we’ve created an extensive collection of helpful resources for dealing with mesothelioma, at whatever stage you are in. Please feel free to browse through the information and the many links to places to find resources and support, including many ways to use non-traditional treatments for malignant mesothelioma.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention collaborated to build a registry for the past 10 years to track cases of cancer and survivor rates. One of the findings is that a high number of cases of mesothelioma have been found among former workers in the U.S. Naval shipyard near North Charleston.

The pattern holds true for former workers at many shipyards, including commercial ones such as Bethlehem Shipyards in San Francisco and on Terminal Island. Asbestos was commonly used, especially before the 1980s when regulatory laws began to be enforced, to insulate industry equipment like boilers, steam pipes, and so on. An earlier study by the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine showed that nearly 90% of workers after 20 years in shipbuilding jobs developed mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. The Mt. Sinai School of Medicine is very active in working to help the U.S. Government protect the rights of workers who may be exposed to toxic substances such as asbestos.

EPA experts and North Dakota state government officials are trying to do the right thing by offering to pay residents to be tested for potential lung damage from an asbestos-like material that’s been being used to pave country roads through the state. But the story points out some of the many obstacles that often get in the way of sincere efforts to help—both with asbestos and with other asbestos-type materials.

Like asbestos, the substance called erionite that’s found in the gravel that covers thousands of miles of western North Dakota roadways, can be broken down into the tiny fibers that make it up. These minute fibers are then easily breathed in and can be very hard for the lungs to clear out. That’s how asbestos fibers cause mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer. The concern here is that erionite fibers might have similar reactions in the lungs of those who breathe them.

The problem with the current study is that few people are willing to sign up for it–even though they will receive free chest x-rays and CT scans and will also be paid $100 for their trouble. The reasons are typical of when human beings face the possibility of any serious disease—many people simply don’t want to know, especially when they’re told they can’t do anything to change what will happen.