Attorneys at Cooney Conway Report: As is the case with many older buildings, prisons may contain some amount of asbestos, often found in walls or flooring. In Kansas, multiple correctional facilities have initiated asbestos abatement, or removal, programs in the past several years.

In one example, the abatement occurred after The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that an asbestos-contaminated prison facility in Topeka violated the Clean Air Act and Toxic Substances Control Act during renovation work. Specifically, prisoners and prison employees were involved in breaking down flooring at the facility, which may have contained asbestos.

It is not uncommon for inmates to perform work within prisons while they are incarcerated, which makes it important to take proper precautions to protect both prisoners and prison staff. Over the years, there have been cases in which prisoners have developed mesothelioma or lung cancer as a result of being exposed to asbestos while performing work in prison, or even from being exposed to crumbling asbestos in some areas of prisons.

Complaints surfaced citing that asbestos had been mishandled and disposed of in non-compliant, unsafe ways in the facility which accommodated 500 offenders and was staffed by 200-plus employees. In addition, asbestos inspections had not been made prior to renovation, which violates regulations set forth in the Clean Air Act. A notice of noncompliance was served on the corrections department after it failed to take these necessary precautions to minimize asbestos exposure.

The EPA found that further safety measures should have been followed, including equipping renovation workers with respiratory protective devices, providing adequate training on asbestos removal and handling in advance of the renovation, and overseeing the labor to ensure safety.

As a result of the EPA’s findings, outside contractors were hired by the Kansas Department of Corrections to examine more than half a dozen state prisons for asbestos before any additional renovations could take place. The goal was to ensure that any future work would follow the rules set forth in the Clean Air Act to protect people from the dangers of asbestos and mesothelioma causes.

During this inspection, asbestos was found in areas including pipe insulation, ceiling materials, walls and floor tiles. Glue containing asbestos was even found on the floor of two inmate dormitory rooms. Asbestos was also found in various rooms in the prisons that were tested, from chaplains’ offices to libraries to staff lounges.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and would like to learn more about your legal rights, an asbestos attorney may be able to provide answers to your important questions. The asbestos attorneys at Cooney Conway can provide you with a free consultation to discuss the legal merits of your case.

References:

http://cjonline.com/news/state/2010-08-24/ks_prisons_tested_for_asbestos

http://cjonline.com/news/legislature/2010-05-17/kdoc_tests_prisons_for_asbestos

http://www.aele.org/law/Digests/jail89.html

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2008/02/12/asbestos.ART_ART_02-12-08_A1_M39B4RI.html

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Topeka, KS

Many of us associate asbestos with occupations such as construction and pipe-fitting. Over the decades, though, asbestos has been used in varying degrees in many other professions.

Lost-wax casting is an ancient molding procedure that has been employed in various lines of work. It is used to form a shape in a wax mold. Jewelers, dentists, artists, and art students have been known to utilize this method in their work. Asbestos was sometimes used in the process, which put users at risk of inhaling the fibers. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in the lungs and can result in future development of diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

The lost-wax process is commonly used in crafting fine jewelry out of sterling silver and gold. In the past, this has been the source of asbestos exposure. For jewelers, asbestos exposure may have also occurred as a result of soldering in their jewelry-making. Jewelers would often use protective asbestos plates during soldering, which they would cut out with their hands. Soldering would eventually break the plates down, causing asbestos fibers to become airborne.

In dentistry, casting is used to create corrective dental pieces such as crowns, bridges, and inlays. The lost-wax method became widespread in dentistry in 1907 with the introduction of the process through the casting machine. Asbestos was used to line casting rings. Ceramic and absorbent paper components can serve as safe substitutes.

Artists have used lost-wax casting in their creations. Students have also sometimes employed this technique in art classes, specifically when sculpting. Other potential asbestos hazards in the sculpting process include use of serpentine, soapstone, and greenstone as casting stones. In addition, heat-resistant gloves were sometimes made from asbestos in years past.

Since knowledge of the dangers of asbestos has become more widespread, use of asbestos has widely declined. Substitutions of alternative, non-asbestos containing materials should be made whenever possible. The Chicago Artists Resource, for example, recommends using alabaster in place of soapstone in sculpting.

Contact the lawyers of Cooney & Conway for issues related to asbestos, mesothelioma and any other types of injury resulting from asbestos.

References:

http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/9156

http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/9297

http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/9335

http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/9322

http://www.ramshornstudio.com/lost_wax.htm

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/348436/lost-wax-process

http://leenadentalcare.wordpress.com/2011/06/05/casting-procedures-and-defects/

http://www.webdental.com/profiles/blogs/casting-procedures

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Mesothelioma News - At the age of 12, James Fogle stole a car and set sail on what would be an endless string of crimes throughout his life. He spent the majority of his life in prison, and passed away behind bars from probable malignant mesothelioma at the age of 75 in August of 2012.

Fogle was born in a small town in Wisconsin, and said that he was a restless child who had an abusive father. Stealing cars became a form of escapism for him. He spent much of his youth in juvenile correctional facilities where, he said, he learned tips from fellow detainees on how to pull off crimes. He continued his life of crime upon his release and, after serving time in jail as an adult and learning from fellow inmates, he began robbing drugstores. For the rest of his life, he was in and out of prison, and was rarely free for more than a year at a time.

At one point during his prison stint, Fogle was trained to be a steam pipe fitter. It is believed that this is where he was exposed to asbestos, which later led to his development of mesothelioma. If exposed, asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs when inhaled, and can cause deadly diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure. There is often a latency period of 20 to 50 years from the time of exposure to the development of symptoms. Due to his mesothelioma, Fogle was forced to use an oxygen tank to breathe toward the end of his life.

Fogle had only a sixth-grade education, but—inspired by books he read while locked up—wrote 11 autobiographical novels while behind bars. “Drugstore Cowboy,” which told the story of drug addicts who joined forces to support their addictions by robbing pharmacies, was the only one that was published. The novel was made into a highly-regarded, successful film by Gus Van Sant in 1989 in which Matt Dillon played the lead role. William Burroughs, one of the major faces of the Beat Generation, had a minor role in the movie, and lauded Fogle’s novel.

Fogle was serving a 16-year sentence for his crimes at the Monroe Correctional Complex in Monroe, Washington when he passed away.

References:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/30/us/james-fogle-author-of-drugstore-cowboy-dies-at-75.html

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/aug/26/local/la-me-james-fogle-20120826

http://seattletimes.com/html/obituaries/2018979541_cowboy24m.html

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Address: Chicago, IL
Phone: 312-436-2441
Url: http://cooneyconway.com/infamous-author-dies-from-mesothelioma_8621.html

CHICAGO, IL - (News: asbestos attorney news) — Most people are aware of the common places where asbestos has been found, such as in insulation, drywall, and automotive parts. But asbestos has shown up in some lesser-known and somewhat surprising places too. As a result, in the past, some people may have unknowingly exposed themselves to asbestos, which can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, while doing chores around the home or using everyday products.

One place where you may have least expected to find asbestos is in a handheld hair blow dryer. Blow dryers were often manufactured using asbestos, but it took a photographer to discover that the dryers actually emitted asbestos fibers. The photographer was drying film negatives with a blow dryer, and noted small flecks of dust on the negatives, which turned out to be asbestos. It was found that exposure to asbestos through use of a hair dryer was comparable to—or even higher than—exposure near construction sites. As a result, many people grooming themselves in their own homes may have unintentionally exposed themselves while using this tool. A 1979 study noted that while health risks from occasional use of asbestos-containing hair dryers were less than risks associated with routine on-the-job asbestos exposure, the sheer number of consumers using hair dryers should have been reason enough to stop its use in these products.

Many other familiar household products have also been manufactured using asbestos over the years—even products made for children. Some crayons contained trace amounts of asbestos and a similar substance known as “transitional” fiber up until 2000. Studies showed that the risk posed to children was extremely low, but crayon manufacturers subsequently agreed to eliminate use of these materials in crayon production. Electric blankets, curling irons, and toasters are just a few more examples of common household products that have been found to contain asbestos.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued statements to increase public awareness of asbestos hazards in various products over the years, as well as issuing some bans on the use of asbestos in these items.

Media Contact: Mesothelioma Firm of Cooney & Conway | 312-436-2441

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Mesothelioma Firm Report: It is known that asbestos is dangerous and may lead to health problems including mesothelioma. But what is asbestos?

Asbestos refers to six different fibrous minerals which are divided into two groups that occur in mineral deposits throughout the world. It is a chemically inert substance that does not conduct heat. It is also fire resistant, insoluble, and odorless. Because of these properties, asbestos was regularly used in shipyards, automobiles, factories, and other commercially distributed products.

The first group of asbestos, Serpentines, contains only one type of asbestos: Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos. This is the most common type of asbestos, accounting for approximately 95 percent of all asbestos found in industrial and commercial products. It is unique because its fibers are curled compared to the needle-like fibers present in the five other types. Because of its high quantities, it accounts for most people’s exposure and thus their asbestos-related condition.

The five other types of asbestos are in the Amphibole group. Amosite asbestos, also called Grunerile or brown asbestos, is classified as the second most common type of asbestos found in industrial and commercial products including cement sheet and pipe insulation. Crocidolite asbestos, also known as blue asbestos is found in various products. And finally, Tremolite, Actinolite, and Anthophyllite asbestos are found occasionally in industrial or commercial products.

Regardless of what type of asbestos a person is exposed to, it can lead to adverse health effects including mesothelioma. It should be noted that asbestos fibers cause problems. Once the fibers are released into the air so that it can be inhaled it poses serious risks to humans. However, since asbestos fibers are odorless and can be invisible to the naked eye, extreme caution should be exercised when around asbestos or asbestos-containing products.

Contact Cooney & Conway Lawyers for issues related to asbestos, mesothelioma and any other types of injury resulting from asbestos.

Sources:

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/noa/docs/Asbestos%20FAQ_ENG_web.pdf

http://www.mesorfa.org/exposure/asbestos-types.php

http://www.ehs.utoronto.ca/resources/asbestos/asbestosawareness02.htm

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It’s hard enough when you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma. It’s even harder when you’re diagnosed with a rare form of the disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects about 30% of individuals diagnosed. The only known cause at this time is exposure to hazardous asbestos materials.

Most asbestos fibers tend to get inhaled and lodged into the lining of the lungs, which is known as pleural mesothelioma. Experts believe peritoneal mesothelioma can form in two ways. The first is through inhalation. Once inhaled, the fibers move through the lymphatic system and into the abdominal lining or the peritoneum. The second is by swallowing the asbestos fibers. Once ingested, the fibers move into the intestinal tract and get absorbed into the tissue surrounding the abdominal.

Regardless of how the fibers reach the abdomen, peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Their presence in the abdominal area causes inflammation and can eventually form cancerous tumors. The three primary types of tumors are:

Dry (the most common): one large or several small masses are seen.

Wet: accumulation of fluid build-up and swelling, no solid masses but small nodules and plaques are visible.

Mixed: a combination of both fluid build-up and solid masses are evident.

Misdiagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is common because it closely mimics stomach and abdominal discomfort or hernias. When presenting symptoms to your doctor it is important to mention your occupational exposure to asbestos, even if it occurred many years ago. This information could speed up the process of diagnosing you correctly. Here are some signs and symptoms you should be aware of:

Unexplained weight loss

Continuous fluid build-up

Severe abdominal pain and swelling

Visible abscess protruding from the abdomen

Similar to other types of mesothelioma, symptoms may vary with each person depending on the location/size of the tumor and your overall health (age, weight, disease history, etc.).

Once you are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, treatments are available to relieve pain and suffering. However, many people live for less than a year after diagnosis. In cases where fluid has accumulated in the abdomen, paracentesis may be performed to drain the excess fluid from the abdomen. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, you may be eligible for surgery, which could potentially add years to the initial prognosis. Chemotherapy/radiation is also available and is the most common treatment for mesothelioma disease. You may also want to look into clinical trials being conducted for mesothelioma.

Doctors and researchers are eager to find a cure and continue to make strides towards finding a way to prolong the life of individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma. Keep yourself informed and up to date with the latest treatments and make sure you have regular checkups with your doctor to discuss all options available.

For more information on mesothelioma treatment developments visit CooneyConway.com or call 888-875-7899 now. Free Consultation with mesothelioma lawyers that focus on mesothelioma cases.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779

http://www.surgicaloncology.com/meso.htm

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malignantmesothelioma/patient/page2

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Standard methods of treating mesothelioma such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have had success, but doctors are continually searching to find better ways to treat this devastating cancer. There are sometimes opportunities for current sufferers to take part in the newest procedures through what are known as clinical trials. Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies. These trials must be in the last stages before the treatment or procedure becomes FDA approved.

Clinical trials are sometimes the best way to gain access to state-of-the-art treatment. And some have proven to be very effective. These trials also help benefit others who will be diagnosed with mesothelioma in the future.

Some of the risks of these trials are that they may not work and also that time will be lost where more conventional treatment could have potentially been used. Because these treatments are experimental, not all of the side-effects may be known when treatment is started. These treatments can take longer and be more expensive. Another factor to consider is that your insurance may not cover the cost.

Despite the risks, some people find that clinical trials are right for them, but they aren’t for everyone. You will need to weigh the risks and benefits in relation to your specific situation (i.e. cancer stage, overall health, other treatment options.) Your doctor can help give you the facts on clinical trials with regards to your specific condition.

If you do decide that clinical trials are right for you, you should talk to your doctor about the clinical trials available to you specifically. There will be a list of requirements that you will need to meet in order to participate in the study. These requirements will vary depending upon the clinical trial in which you wish to take part.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignantmesothelioma/detailedguide/malignant-mesothelioma-treating-clinical-trials

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The cells in the brain create confusion and an inability in balancing becomes a characteristic sign of leukemia. Other parts of the body being affected are the digestive tract, heart, kidneys, lungs or testes.

Lymph nodes may become swollen because this is the location where the blood cleans itself. The excess leukemia cells are drained and deposited here.

Frequent infections and excessive bleeding are common symptoms. Patients with leukemia might notice purple patches under the skin. Another leukemia symptom is the shortness of breath. It might develop into dyspnea. Leukemia may often lead to anemia. The reduction of red blood cells and platelets reduce the ability of blood to carry oxygen and can lead to additional number of symptoms, when the body is not receiving the necessary amount of oxygen to function in a normal manner.

The Lawyer Internet Marketing Company One SEO Company helps mesothelioma lawyers attract new clients to their law firm websites. Qamar Zaman, One SEO Company’s Chief Visionary, explains what a law firm should look for when hiring a company to provide search engine optimization services.

First, you should establish what type of results the company expects to achieve and the timeframe for achieving those results.

Second, you should inquire about the company’s experience in your industry. For example, One SEO Company provides its services almost exclusively to lawyers and law firms. Because of this, the company is sensitive to concerns faced by lawyers. Of course, this also raises questions about conflicts of interest. One SEO Company avoids conflicts of interest; the company does not accept new business from law firms that provide competing services in the same market as an existing One SEO Company client.

Third, you should ask about the techniques the company uses to achieve its results. Some companies engage in unethical “black hat” practices. One SEO Company does not. Finally, you should ask to see examples of the company’s work and speak to references at those law firms.

One SEO Company may be able to help your law firm attract new clients to your law firm’s website. To speak to a representative of One SEO Company about its SEO services, contact One SEO Company at 972.530.1600 x 115. To get free tips on lawyer Internet Marketing visit our Dallas Internet Marketing blog

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The lining of the lungs is called the pleura. When it becomes diseased with cancerous tumors, these are called mesothelioma. This is a malignant form of cancer. Every year two to three thousand people in the United States are diagnosed with this cancer.

By and large, mesothelioma is caused by repeated inhalation of asbestos particles over a long period of time. Symptoms don’t emerge until at least thirty and as many as fifty years have passed. For this reason, the majority of people who are diagnosed are over 65. Most people with mesothelioma are men who have worked in the construction industry for extended periods of time in the past when asbestos was not carefully regulated.

Asbestos is a mineral that can break down into fine particles that float in the air around projects in which asbestos is used. It was used a great deal in the mid-twentieth century for all kinds of construction applications. It can be found in insulation, flooring products, roof shingles brake linings, cement and more. It is more heavily regulated today than it was in the past.

Men who worked in construction and in industries such as shipyards and heating services in the middle of the last century are at high risk to develop mesothelioma, as are men who worked in asbestos mines. In fact, this is still one of the most hazardous occupations where mesothelioma is concerned today.

It would seem logical to believe that smoking would increase the chance of a person developing mesothelioma; however, this does not seem to be the case. This is not to say that smoking doesn’t increase the chance of developing other forms of lung cancer, it definitely does.

Since it takes such a long time for symptoms to occur, mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until the prognosis is very grim. A person’s chances of survival are dependent on a number of things such as general health, the health of the heart, and the person’s age, lifestyle and outlook. Scientists continue to research possible treatments for mesothelioma, and say that survival of more than five years following diagnosis is becoming more and more the norm.