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. Read the rest of this entry »

The Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act

Recently, large organizations pushed for new legislation to minimize the compensation paid to families who are victims of asbestos diseases. This legislation was called The Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act. It was proposed with the intent of resolving Asbestos Lawsuits before they reached the court system—in effect, denying victims their right to have their case heard in court. Mesothelioma lawyers, victims, physicians, and advocates widely opposed this legislation. This asbestos law, proposed in 1999, did not pass. Read the rest of this entry »

Understanding Asbestos Lawsuits

If a person believes that he or she has been injured by the misconduct of another person or company, that person can seek compensation for the injury from the person or company they believe is responsible by filing a lawsuit. The person seeking compensation is called the plaintiff. The person or company that compensation is being sought from is called the defendant.

If the plaintiff has been wronged by the misconduct of more than one person or company, then the plaintiff must sue more than one defendant. Asbestos cases will sometimes have as many as forty or more defendants, because the plaintiff may have been exposed, over the course of his or her career, to Asbestos products made by many different manufacturers. Read the rest of this entry »

Hire an asbestos contractor by getting multiple bids, checking references, and comparing what they promise to do. Also ask them to demonstrate how they meet and perhaps go beyond local, state, and federal regulations for handling this hazardous material. Try attaining a list of contractors by contacting the agency that regulates asbestos in the state. Ask each contractor to verify actual licensing of the company and perhaps of individual workers. Make sure they describe what equipment and procedures will be used to protect your family, the workers, and the community from the release of asbestos fibers into the air. Read the rest of this entry »

First, have a professional asbestos inspector verify that asbestos-containing materials are present. This requires taking samples to a federally certified laboratory for evaluation. The next step, as actual removal begins, is to isolate the area where the work will be done. If it is a room, seal it off from the rest of the house with plastic sheeting. The final preparation for the ACM itself is to wet it (in a way that is designed for the material at hand, to account for both its friability and its absorbency) to minimize the generation of dust that sets asbestos fibers free into the air. This may have to be done in sections, and each section may require several sprayings of water, with enough time between each spray to let the moisture soak in

Think globally, start locally. Paying attention to federal regulations is crucial and sometimes difficult, but there are federal resources that should help the process. Most states and some counties have extensive resources through their agencies that regulate asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The best place to begin is the local building department. They can explain what their code contains as well as what is needed to get a building permit. They may also be able to provide referrals to professionals who know the regulations and can help with the procedures.

Consider hiring an asbestos inspector to assess the situation and oversee the work of all the contractors. These inspectors can take samples to verify whether the suspicious materials really do contain asbestos and can even test the air for dangerous levels of loose asbestos fibers. Read the rest of this entry »

If removal is to be performed when users are still present in the building, it is usually necessary to relocate some users temporarily. Typically, the part of the building from which asbestos is being removed has to be sealed off in order to prevent contamination of the other areas. Methods of sealing off an area often include the use of Polyethylene film, duct tape and negative air pressure machines which are fitted with HEPA filters. The idea is that the contained area is pulling fresh air in as to not allow asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment. Read the rest of this entry »

You can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, unless it is labeled. If in doubt, treat the material as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. A professional should take samples for analysis, since a professional knows what to look for, and because there may be an increased health risk if fibres are released. In fact, if done incorrectly, sampling can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Taking samples yourself is not recommended. If you nevertheless choose to take the samples yourself, take care not to release asbestos fibres into the air or onto yourself. Material that is in good condition and will not be disturbed (by remodeling, for example) should be left alone. Read the rest of this entry »