The Deadly Cancer of Twentieth Century - Mesothelioma

The cancer known as Mesothelioma caused by asbestos is a tumor that shows up in an organ%26rsquo;s Mesothelial cells. The abdominal, lungs, and heart organs are likely to be attacked by this disease. Pleural Mesothelioma is the common type of this cancer that affects the lungs linings. Exposure to materials used in construction like and floor tiles, roofing, ceiling, pipes, insulation and was the main cause of this cancer till 1975. A material that contains asbestos fibers is highly toxic. Vehicle brakes contain asbestos fibers and auto repairers are at risk for developing this cancer. To know the possibility Mesothelioma in a person depends on during which time he was exposed. It depends on the volume of exposure too. It is hard to detect it, as this cancer for a long time does not show up. The average time is about 35 to 40 years after the last exposure to asbestos. The symptoms begin to show up slowly. Back pain and chest pain are the common complaints in the beginning. Difficulty in breathing, loss of weight and fever, are symptoms that call for a doctor%26rsquo;s diagnosis. Unfortunately once Mesothelioma shows up, the disease starts growing swiftly. Many types of treatments are available for Mesothelioma patient. These include radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. The best way is to detect this disease in its early stages to increase chances of patient’s survival. In court it has been proved that building material manufacturers were aware of the deadly risks of asbestos but, continued to manufacture and sell asbestos without giving an alert to the worker or the consumer. When the patient is reported to have developed Mesothelioma with exposure of asbestos, manufacturers are asked to compensate for it. Patients who are eligible to apply for and receive the compensation include the families of victims who died of this cancer before this mandate was declared.

The danger of Asbestos

Asbestos is the collective term used to describe a family of several types of mineral fibrous rocks. There are currently six different regulated types of asbestos, with the three main types being Crocidolite, Amosite and Chrysolite. Crocidolite which is usually blue can be found a lot in southern Africa, Australia and in Russia. The Amosite which is usually brown is most commonly found in Africa. The Chrysolite is of a white colour and can be found in different places all around the world. All those three types were actually imported a lot in the United Kingdom before being banned from use in the eighties for some and at the end of the nineties for others.Asbestos fibres have been incorporated into many different materials and especially building materials since the end of the nineteenth century because of their useful properties. It was used as an acoustic insulator, a thermal insulator but also as fire proofing. The mineral fibre was actually known by the ancient Greek who recognized certain hazards of it. But its disadvantage is that it is a highly toxic material and can cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.Asbestos fibres can be easily inhaled and can become lodged in the tissue of your chest and as a result, your body’s natural defenses may not be able to break them down. This can then lead to lung diseases and cancer especially if you are exposed to the fibres repeatedly over a certain number of years.Even though the white asbestos, also called chrysolite, is still used a lot in the United States and known as less dangerous as the other types of asbestos, it can still cause cancer in humans but with some uncertainty as to the scale of the risk involved there.The first death recorded as related to asbestos occurred in 1906 and at the same period, scientists started to notice a large number of deaths and lung diseases in asbestos mining towns.The British Lung Foundation carried out a survey recently that revealed that most tradespeople were actually unaware of the health risks posed by asbestos, and that they did not think about asking if there was any asbestos on the site they were working on.Today, the best way to find out if there is asbestos in a building is to ask a company to carry out asbestos surveys. More and more companies have actually specialized in asbestos surveys as well as asbestos risk assessment and legionella risk assessment.

U.S. working to give researchers access to mesothelioma information online

Because the problem of rising numbers of mesothelioma victims is beginning to hit full stride—mesothelioma is an asbestos-exposure lung cancer that can take up to 50 years to show up—doctors and researchers are urging organizations to ramp up efforts to understand this deadly disease. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this disease. It is a particularly aggressive lung cancer that attacks the space between or the linings of the lungs. In a recent study of more than 4000 patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in Italy, median survival time was found to be 9.8 months after diagnosis.One of the latest initiatives for helping researchers speed up their work on mesothelioma of all types involves creating a national “bank” of tissue samples for them to work with.The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) will collect and organize samples of mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal and pericardial tissues, along with blood and DNA samples. It will catalog and make the samples available for study through an Internet interface that coordinates with existing cancer and other research data.Much research is already being done on mesothelioma, but the point of the new NMVB is to help researchers everywhere translate their theoretical work into more practical approaches that can actually help patients sooner. The new urgency is a welcome development as more and more cases of mesothelioma are being found in countries around the world. And you don’t have to have worked in a mine to have been exposed to asbestos. In Wittenoom, Australia, 3000 women and girls who lived in the town—a blue asbestos (crocidolite) mining and milling town—have been identified after some of them began dying of malignant pleural mesothelioma. A study done this summer predicts that the death rate from this disease will nearly double for this group of women in the next 20 years.Despite the frightening speed with which mesothelioma kills, it’s important to get a mesothelioma diagnosis as soon as possible so that doctors can help you deal with the effects—and to investigate whether you and your family may be eligible to receive compensation through an asbestos lawsuit for your environment-related exposure.

An Introduction to Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare, highly aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, which is a thin tissue lining covering the thoractic cavity (the pleura), the heart sac (the pericardium) and the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). The function of the mesothelium is to support, protect and lubricate organs and body cavities.There is concrete evidence linking the principal cause of mesothelioma to asbestos exposure. Indeed, between 70-80 percent of all mesothelioma cases are linked to excessive exposure to asbestos at work. Thus, it is typically classified as an “Industrial Disease”. Asbestos is a natural, fibrous mineral with exceptional fire-retardant properties, which led to its widespread use in fireproofing buildings.Unknown at the time of Asbestos’ introduction to building materials, when disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres are released, easily inhaled and can become permanently lodged in the lungs. Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos, meaning that the next decade at least will surely see continuing mesothelioma diagnoses. According to The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, mesothelioma in Western Europe is expected to peak between 2010 and 2020. This is due to mesothelioma taking between 20 and 30 years to develop.The two main types of mesothelioma diagnoses are for pleural (thorax) and peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include: pain in the lower back or the side of the chest, persistent coughing, developing a husky voice, weight loss and shortness of breath. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: abdominal pain and swelling, diarrhoea or constipation, poor appetite and sickness. The problem is that these symptoms can be applied to many different illnesses, but it are particularly important to consider if the person developing symptoms has a history of absestos exposure.Asbestos was banned in the United Kingdom in 1999, with several lobbying organisations working towards a worldwide ban. Typically, high risk professions include: metal plate workers, vehicle body builders, carpenters, plasterers, construction workers and other construction trade-based professions. Tony Whitston of Greater Manchester’s Asbestos Support Group has said: “Many believe that asbestos is a problem which was faced by shipyard workers and laggers decades ago. But asbestos is still a danger for our tradesmen today. [...] If we do not act now a whole new generation of people will develop mesothelioma in 30 years time.”Unfortunately, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed when the disease is in the advanced stages, due to a lack of symptoms, people don’t go to the doctors early on. This is one of the main reasons why patients diagnosed with the cancer are often told they only have a year to live. According to Cancer Research, 10% of diagnosed patients will be alive three years later, going down to 5% survival rate after 5 years.Surgery will not cure mesothelioma, but can help control the disease and keep the victim healthy for as long as possible. Like most cancers, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in conjunction with fluid drainage (Palliative Care) programmes. Even major surgery involving removing entire lungs and the surrounding mesothelial layers cannot cure the disease. Whilst mesothelioma is terminal, many victims choose to seek action against their employers for negligence and seek to make a mesothelioma claim. This is usually successful if the victim was owed a duty of care, there was a breach of duty or workplace exposure to asbestos can be directly attributed to causing mesothelioma.

An Introduction to Mesothelioma
by PPC and Affiliate Programs - Fast Feedback Loops

Mesothelioma is a rare, highly aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, which is a thin tissue lining covering the thoractic cavity (the pleura), the heart sac (the pericardium) and the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). The function of the mesothelium is to support, protect and lubricate organs and body cavities.

There is concrete evidence linking the principal cause of mesothelioma to asbestos exposure. Indeed, between 70-80 percent of all mesothelioma cases are linked to excessive exposure to asbestos at work. Thus, it is typically classified as an “Industrial Disease”. Asbestos is a natural, fibrous mineral with exceptional fire-retardant properties, which led to its widespread use in fireproofing buildings.

Unknown at the time of Asbestos’ introduction to building materials, when disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres are released, easily inhaled and can become permanently lodged in the lungs. Millions of people have been exposed to asbestos, meaning that the next decade at least will surely see continuing mesothelioma diagnoses. According to The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, mesothelioma in Western Europe is expected to peak between 2010 and 2020. This is due to mesothelioma taking between 20 and 30 years to develop.

The two main types of mesothelioma diagnoses are for pleural (thorax) and peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include: pain in the lower back or the side of the chest, persistent coughing, developing a husky voice, weight loss and shortness of breath. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: abdominal pain and swelling, diarrhoea or constipation, poor appetite and sickness. The problem is that these symptoms can be applied to many different illnesses, but it are particularly important to consider if the person developing symptoms has a history of absestos exposure.

Asbestos was banned in the United Kingdom in 1999, with several lobbying organisations working towards a worldwide ban. Typically, high risk professions include: metal plate workers, vehicle body builders, carpenters, plasterers, construction workers and other construction trade-based professions. Tony Whitston of Greater Manchester’s Asbestos Support Group has said: “Many believe that asbestos is a problem which was faced by shipyard workers and laggers decades ago. But asbestos is still a danger for our tradesmen today. [...] If we do not act now a whole new generation of people will develop mesothelioma in 30 years time.”

Unfortunately, mesothelioma is typically diagnosed when the disease is in the advanced stages, due to a lack of symptoms, people don’t go to the doctors early on. This is one of the main reasons why patients diagnosed with the cancer are often told they only have a year to live. According to Cancer Research, 10% of diagnosed patients will be alive three years later, going down to 5% survival rate after 5 years.

Surgery will not cure mesothelioma, but can help control the disease and keep the victim healthy for as long as possible. Like most cancers, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in conjunction with fluid drainage (Palliative Care) programmes. Even major surgery involving removing entire lungs and the surrounding mesothelial layers cannot cure the disease. Whilst mesothelioma is terminal, many victims choose to seek action against their employers for negligence and seek to make a mesothelioma claim. This is usually successful if the victim was owed a duty of care, there was a breach of duty or workplace exposure to asbestos can be directly attributed to causing mesothelioma.

You’d think that the multimillion dollar settlements seen in some mesothelioma lawsuits would have taught us a lesson. Since the 1950s, when the first lawsuits involving mesothelioma and asbestos hit the courtrooms and the juries, we’ve been hearing about the dangers of asbestos to humans. Asbestos, the most common fireproofing material ever used, is a naturally occurring mineral with remarkable qualities. Those qualities made it one of the most widely used materials of any kind in construction, heating, roadwork, insulation, shipbuilding, railway work and many other industries. The profits to be made in the sale and use of asbestos were enormous - enormous enough that many companies that used it in their products deliberately hid evidence that it causes deadly lung diseases, endangering any workers that handled asbestos regularly as well as the general public. It took years of research and court battles, but it was finally established that asbestos causes mesothelioma, one of the most virulent forms of cancer known. Further and more importantly, lawyers for the plaintiffs in one mesothelioma lawsuit after another proved that the companies in question had acted with disregard for the safety of their workers. The general public was horrified to learn how callously businessmen had made decisions that condemned thousands of their employees to death for the sake of bigger profits. Public pressure forced legislation that finally put restrictions on the use of asbestos, requires full disclosure of the dangers of working with asbestos, and mandates the use of protective equipment for all workers who handle asbestos in the course of their work. Many of the companies that were charged in the earliest stages of the mesothelioma suits have declared bankruptcy in the light of large settlements in favor of the plaintiffs. The companies fought back, hiring the best lawyers they could find, pitting their deep pockets against the meager resources of the plaintiffs - most of them working class men and women who had spent their lives building for retirement years that they’d never live to see. They combated - and still fight - every restriction and safety measure proposed, arguing that the expense was unjustified, that the risk was unproven, that the proposed regulations would cripple American industry and cause a national depression in a domino effect. The laws passed, though, in most cases, and we breathed a little easier. But at least, we believed, big business had learned a lesson - that the American public would not tolerate the lies; that they’d be held accountable and made to pay. But apparently, it %26#39;s not so.In the El Dorado hills of Northern California, the cases of lung disease, pneumonia, asbestosis and mesothelioma are far above the statistical norms. The cause - veins of natural asbestos that run through the serpentine earth. In 2002, construction of a soccer field at a local school uncovered a vein of asbestos. The EPA did further tests over the course of the next three years and published their report on the asbestos contamination in the area in 2005. The findings - that El Dorado has a higher level of airborne asbestos than Libby, Montana, the most notorious site of asbestos exposure in the country.Residents on the El Dorado area have been pressing for investigation and safeguards and regulations to control construction in the area since the late eighties. While residents applauded proposed regulations, area construction industry protested that there was no proof that the asbestos levels were a problem. Area mining, building and construction concerns joined together to sue the air board over the proposed regulations. The reasons? The costs are prohibitive. The necessity to comply with regulations will drive companies out of business or force them to relocate elsewhere. Even the county environmental office was skeptical of the EPA report. Local officials called the EPA “alarmist” and accused them of spreading scare stories that could “destroy the county for years”. It %26#39;s estimated that there is naturally occurring asbestos in the ground in 41 California communities. The issue is that the asbestos is released at high levels when the ground is disturbed. Once inhaled, the asbestos can eventually cause mesothelioma.If this all sounds familiar, it should. These are the exact same arguments that are mounted by the lawyers for defendants in mesothelioma lawsuits all over the country. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you could be at risk of developing mesothelioma. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, you’ll want a top mesothelioma lawyer in California to evaluate your case and learn about your rights to compensation.

Hearing news from a doctor that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma is never good. It may be time, though, to choose your mesothelioma attorney in New York because you may be able to recover some of the costs of your medical bills. Asbestos-related illnesses have been known to cause health problems for many years. Here are some details as to why you may be entitled to money with the help of a mesothelioma attorney. If you have ever been exposed to asbestos at any time in your life, especially if for a prolonged time, then you may have a risk of getting mesothelioma. Researchers and doctors have known for some time - since the 70 %26#39;s - that exposure can lead to mesothelioma and cancer. Not every mesothelioma, however, is asbestos related. In a mesothelioma lawsuit, there would have to be evidence given that you were definitely exposed at some time in your life to asbestos. Your mesothelioma attorney would be able to determine if there was a real case for it, or not. Certain industries in the past - mostly prior to the early 70 %26#39;s - regularly exposed their employees to asbestos fibers in the air. Asbestos was used openly and without precautions being taken - even though it was known to cause mesothelioma. It was not until the late 1970 %26#39;s , though, just how much of a problem it actually was - when much testing was done. Besides asbestos, however, there are other materials that could also be implicated in causing mesothelioma. Radiation can cause it, and so can other forms of fiber-like materials - if breathed in, such as erionite. Once you have been exposed to asbestos, there can be a very long time before any mesothelioma may develop. It may be that more than 30 to 50 years will pass before you start having any mesothelioma symptoms. Because the numbers are still rather low, with only about 1 person in one million people actually getting it, it is quite possible that you may not get it at all. When you compare this number to about 1,000 per one million who get cancer from smoking cigarettes, it is still very low. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you select a New York mesothelioma attorney to discuss your options. Some of the laws concerning mesothelioma are in the process of changing, and you will need to be informed of the latest legal decisions and how they could influence your case.Your mesothelioma attorney may even be able to help you to remember or discover just when and how you were exposed to asbestos, or other materials. Mesothelioma is not at all limited to men, but women also can get it as a result of asbestos exposure. Men, however, are the primary candidates - apparently because of workplace conditions where the exposure might take place. Your mesothelioma attorney knows of various industries that regularly used asbestos at that time. Some of these could include companies that made the following products: car brake pads, roofing tiles or siding, insulation, some textiles, cement, the car industry, and more. Altogether, there were about 5,000 products that had asbestos in them. Servicemen were also exposed to asbestos - on a much wider scale. The ships were insulated with asbestos in many of the rooms. As it was being installed, and then out at sea, asbestos particles may have been constantly in the air. If you served on board of one of Uncle Sam %26#39;s ships and have mesothelioma, then you definitely should talk to your New York mesothelioma attorney.Smoking could also enter into the picture if you used a specific brand at one time. Apparently the Kent cigarette brand had used some asbestos to make their filters. Although this was in the 1950 %26#39;s when this took place, some people did get mesothelioma from it. If you have mesothelioma and used this brand, then you may be entitled to recover money to help you pay for the cost of treating the mesothelioma. One of the best ways to select your mesothelioma attorney is to look for one that has experience in this type of case. Because of the experience of the attorney, the more familiar he or she would be of the current laws and decisions that apply to your case. This would enable your mesothelioma attorney to be able to present your case better and you can probably expect better - and more desirable results.

Finding out that you have mesothelioma means that you should call your mesothelioma attorney in New York. Because of the cost of treating your mesothelioma symptoms, and to recover some of those costs, you should quickly contact the top mesothelioma lawyer in New York to help settle your case. Mesothelioma law is changing, and you need your attorney to be as up to date as possible to provide you with the best opportunity to get a mesothelioma settlement. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. There are also some other fibers that can produce mesothelioma, as well, but asbestos is the primary cause. These fibers enter into the body - either through the lungs, or by swallowing sputum, and then are passed into the epithelial layer that surrounds the various organs. This layer is called the mesothelium and it is made up of just a single layer of cells. The asbestos fibers pass through the stomach and lungs to this layer and then can become cancerous after many years. It was known for many years that asbestos could cause cancer, but only recently did more research (1970 %26#39;s ) prove it and that brought about governmental intervention on industries that widely used it. Many industries used a lot of asbestos in their products, and this would especially include the auto industry, the shipyards, manufacturing and the railroad industries. One problem here, though, was that the mesothelioma typically took from 30 to 50 years to surface. This means that if you were exposed to asbestos that long ago, then you might begin to have problems from it now and be starting to show mesothelioma symptoms.Asbestos remains around you in many places. In many cases, though, it is not harmful if it is left undisturbed. In fact, it is not even recommended that you test it yourself, but get an asbestos professional to do the testing for you. If asbestos is exposed where you live - in an apartment building, or on pipes, etc., then you should also immediately contact a professional and have it checked and sealed - if necessary. You may also want to take pictures to present later if any evidence might be needed. Your top mesothelioma attorney in New York can help you to discover if your mesothelioma has a cause from asbestos. He or she is very familiar with the products and industries that regularly used asbestos. When a lawsuit is filed with your top mesothelioma attorney in New York, it will be necessary to show a connection proving that you were actually exposed to it. A mesothelioma diagnosis, unfortunately, means that you will have to come up with a lot of money to cover your medical expenses. The truth is that the lifetime of someone with mesothelioma is about a year - unless the doctors prescribe a very aggressive attack on it with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Regardless, in most situations you will not be able to afford the treatments needed. A mesothelioma lawsuit, guided by your mesothelioma attorney in New York, will be needed to help you to recover some of your expenses because of it. If you had a loved one that has already passed away due to mesothelioma, then you also may be able to recover some of your expenses, as well. Your top mesothelioma attorney in New York will be glad to provide you with a consultation and then help you with a mesothelioma settlement to recover expenses of those who helped financially. Since asbestos fibers can stay in the human body for a long time before any mesothelioma symptoms may be experienced, it is important that you have a physical as soon as possible if you start to experience problems that may be related. If there should be a mesothelioma diagnosis, then you should contact your mesothelioma attorney quickly to see what legal options are available to you. Mesothelioma is not always caused by asbestos, but most of it is - about 80% and possibly more. It also seems to be that the smaller the fibers are, the greater the likelihood of mesothelioma to develop. Receiving a mesothelioma settlement in time to help recover some of your medical expenses, means that you need to talk to your top mesothelioma attorney in New York quickly. Current estimates are that the medical expenses typically run between $400,000 and $800,000 for the costs of medicine, oxygen, and more. Talk to your mesothelioma attorney today to see what can be done to help you.

Mesothelioma has long been linked to the inhalation and exposure to asbestos fibers and dust, so when scientists uncovered an additional potential cause for this incurable form of lung cancer, the unthinkable became a reality.According to researchers based out of the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington D.C., the early 90 %26#39;s development of carbon nanotubes has been an amazing feat for technological applications, however, it has not gone without its price. Specifically, carbon nanotubes may be causing harm to the human body in the form of mesothelioma cancer.If the carbon nanotubes are introduced into the wrong environment, the development of lesions and inflammation of the lungs occurs - symptoms similar to that of mesothelioma cancer and asbestos exposure. Researchers uncovered the finding through exposure of carbon nanotubes to animals.Dr. Andrew Maynard, who published a study in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, described the use of nanotubes and the potential link to mesothelioma cancer. He said that currently, nanotubes are being implemented because of their awesome abilities at conducting heat and electricity. Mostly, Dr. Maynard explains, the nanotubes are being implemented into sports equipment. He said that there are no regulations as to where nanotubes can be implemented and there are currently no requirements for the use of nanotubes to be disclosed to the general public.What Are Nanotubes?According to Maynard, nanotubes are a product of nanotechnology research, one he considers the “poster child” of nanotechnology. The nanotubes are cylindrical structures comprised of carbon atoms that have been rolled together. Maynard %26#39;s study found that when mice were exposed to nanotubes, they developed asbestos-induced symptoms within the lungs. While he and other researchers consider nanotubes to be safe - when encased - the risk occurs when nanotubes are incinerated or broken.Nanotubes are currently being used in: * a variety of sports equipment * bicycle frames * tennis rackets * electronic gas detectors * radiosAdditionally, because of the strength of nanotubes, many consider its future use to vastly effect several business ventures and areas, and be widely used in industries including: * aerospace * automobile * airplanes * television box productions * medical * environmental usesWorking with NanotubesWhile the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is doing research on nanotoxicology, there is little knowledge or research currently available regarding the safety of using nanotechnology. Additionally, Dr. Maynard noted that because of the ever-increasing nanotechnology industry, which is likely to be worth $2.6 trillion by 2014, it will be difficult to adequately and accurately assess nanotechnology safety because of the technology %26#39;s quick growth, which is also being used in the food industry.Transparency of nanotoxicology among some nanotechnologically-produced products may fall into the hands of manufacturers and producers, which John M. Balbus, health program chief for the Environmental Defense Fund who was interviewed in a Washington Post article on nanotechnology, said could either be a very good thing with open communications, or a very bad thing replicating the mistakes made among the construction industry %26#39;s use of asbestos. However, he noted that upfront communication regarding the dangers of nanotechnology with the public may increase because of the previous mistakes made by other industries in hiding mesothelioma conditions from the public.Finding Help with Nanotube Related MesotheliomaIndividuals, especially nanotube factory workers who have previously worked with carbon nanotubes or have been exposed to the potential dangers associated with the nanotubes and developing mesothelioma should receive medical attention immediately.It may also become necessary for these individuals to locate a law firm with knowledge of mesothelioma-related litigation in order to develop a mesothelioma lawsuit. Because of the nature of the industry and the continued funding flooding into carbon nanotube research it is important to develop a lawsuit that will also alert others, in a similar predicament, and provide aware of the potentially serious health risks associated with nanotechnology. Further, because only 5 percent of the funding, which consists of billions of dollars annually, provided by the National Nanotechnology Institute is going toward health and safety research, it is important for individuals with nanotube-induced mesothelioma to develop a lawsuit that may offer monetary compensation to victims suffering from this irreversible and deadly lung cancer.

In late 2007, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) found asbestos-tainted toys had reached the shelves of thousands of toy stores across the country. Most notably, the CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit, which was made in China, had been found to contain asbestos in its white and glow powder.While production of the toy has ceased, an article from The New York Times in April 2008 elaborated on the near forgotten incident. The ADAO has filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court against CBS Corporation, Planet Toys Inc. (manufacturers of the CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit) and several retailers for their involvement in the sale of the asbestos-tainted toy. Families affected by the contaminated toy should also consider developing litigation for the exposure of “substantial quantities of tremolite asbestos.”The ADAO has also continued its testing of other products and found several containing asbestos, including additional children %26#39;s toys.ADAO is an organization that utilizes volunteers, several of whom have either been affected directly by asbestos-related illnesses or have watched friends and family suffer from the diseases, including mesothelioma. The organization funds research that may affect public health, and the group acts as a watchdog for asbestos-tainted products or violations of asbestos policies, which have been set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).What is Asbestos?Asbestos is considered a human carcinogen by the federal Department of Health and Human Services and is a “naturally occurring, fibrous silicate mineral,” according to the EPA. Microscopic fiber bundles that become airborne create asbestos. When inhaled, the results can be deadly and severely damage an individual %26#39;s body through the development of mesothelioma cancer. In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos can cause lung cancer or asbestosis, in which fibrous tissue scars the lungs.According to the EPA, asbestos was mined for use in:* thermal/acoustic insulator used for fire proofing * roofing and siding shingles made with asbestos cement * textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints * artificial ashes and embers for gas-fired fireplaces * stove-top pads * vinyl floor tiles, flooring and adhesives * asbestos blanket or tape for hot water and steam pipes * oil and coal furnacesAsbestos-Affected Children %26#39;s ToysTracing asbestos can be a difficult process because it is often overlooked, especially since it is not a common ingredient in manufacturing products anymore, although, it was at one time. The ADAO has been testing thousands of products for the contamination of asbestos in toys as well as regular products. Currently, they have determined several toys to have had trace amounts of asbestos including: * CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit * Ja-Ru Toy Clay (found among three varieties of the product) * Art Skills’ Clay Bucket (asbestos found in six colors of clay)Additionally, there are several other products the ADAO found with asbestos traces that are not directly related to children %26#39;s toys, but could still affect a child %26#39;s health. One of the major concerns is use of talc baby powder on babies, which could contain small amounts of asbestos. Other products that have been found with asbestos contamination, according to the ADAO, include: * Scotch High Performance and All Weather Duct tapes * DAP Crack Shot Spackling Paste * DAP 33 Window Glazing * Gardner Leak StopperThe organization also found that hair rollers, hot plates, powdered cleansers and small appliances were at risk for adversely affecting public health with asbestos fibers. The organization noted that these products are all being sold at national retail chains including: * Wal-Mart * Costco * Toys “R” Us * Home Depot * Lowe %26#39;s * Macy %26#39;s * Bed Bath %26amp; Beyond * CVSConsumer Affairs, a Web-based consumer news and resource center, issued the following tips to assist parents, relatives and friends with purchasing toys for children, in order to better protect children from asbestos exposure. The list includes the following: * Be a vigilant shopper and read all warnings that may include a toy breaking, containing small parts or fire and choking hazards. * Read product reviews that are both done by independent panels and consumers. * Research information on the most recent product recalls. * Inspect toys; any toys that are broken should be thrown away. * Before buying, consider how and where products were assembled.What to do if Your Child is Exposed to AsbestosIf a child is exposed or even may have potentially been exposed to asbestos containing tremolite, it is imperative that medical assistance is sought immediately. Because of the nature of asbestos-induced conditions, if a child is exposed to asbestos and goes untreated as if everything were fine, they could develop mesothelioma cancer years later, which is why immediate medical care is advisable.Individuals should also understand that because the exposure of asbestos is considered highly preventable, especially among children, it may be necessary to develop an asbestos lawsuit to receive compensation for the irreversible damages caused by the exposure of asbestos. Victims should located an experienced mesothelioma attorney to learn more about developing a mesothelioma lawsuit.