Asbestosis

Seeking Specialists for MM Patient - Chicago,
Pi

Dear Mr. Worthington,

Back in January, my father-in-law (62) was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

He presented with the standard symptoms, and we had to drain a large pleural effusion (about 3.6 liters). To prevent this from happening again, they performed a talc pleurodesis.

The prognosis seems manageable at first glance, as the tumor doesn't appear to have spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the pleura. However, his current doctors aren't suggesting surgery, radiation, or chemo; they're strictly recommending palliative care for symptom management.

While searching for clarity, I found your site incredibly helpful and realized this passive approach is fairly common. My concern is that waiting too long could allow the disease to progress to a point where it's truly hopeless. We really need to consult a top-tier mesothelioma expert—someone who understands the granular details of DMM—to determine which treatment path offers the best shot.

My question is: Do you know of any specialists in the US or perhaps elsewhere in the West that you could recommend? He is willing to fly to the States if it's necessary, though that brings its own set of hurdles. Finding someone closer to home would be ideal.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Best regards,
Markus Middell
Chicago, IL
mailto:mmiddell@smallworld.de

==============================================

Markus:

I went through my notes from the IMIG conference, but I didn't find any specific references to doctors in the US. For a directory of experts specializing in the diagnosis, research, and treatment of mesothelioma, please check the roster at http://www.mesothel.com/pages/imigrost.htm.

Wishing you the best.

RGW [/b]

A letter sent to the leading American firm that handles thousands of asbestos-related cases. It was written by a son-in-law
regarding a 62-year-old man whose lung issues were essentially just managed by specialists in the US.
They aren't offering radiation, chemo, or anything substantial—just consultations for pain management.
The son-in-law continues: through his research, he found this is standard practice. Since time is running out, he asks for recommendations in the US or abroad, noting that his father-in-law would prefer not to travel extensively.
We'd be very grateful for any leads!

Sincerely,
Markus Middell
Chicago, IL
mailto:mmiddell@smallworld.de

Response,

Sir,
We reviewed all our IMIG conference records
from the US. For a list of researchers studying mesothelioma, please refer to... bla, bla, bla.

Comment: Jamie Clark74,
As I've mentioned, I've read over 3,000 specialist articles, and the data is grim:
Survival averages between 3 to 9 months, depending on the diagnosis date.
Globally, only a handful of people
have lived even slightly longer than 9 months.
That's why there is NO CURE AND NO
HOPE for those unfortunate souls facing a "MESOTHELIOMA" diagnosis.

Do you remember the article by Mr. Edwards?
In a region of Australia with a population of only 1.5
million, we see 50-60 mesothelioma cases every single year. And how many of those people end up moving away?

What comes next will surprise you even more.
6/02/03...

As I'm writing this, I'm listening to the news. They're reporting that
during the school break,
an entire asbestos roof was replaced at a local school. All legal precautions were taken, yet now that the kids are back, they're finding pieces of asbestos and dust inside the building.
The children have been sent home, and a different contractor will finish the job under strict inspection.

Wellstone and Dayton are making a serious push to get asbestos banned. It’s about time.

Rob Hotakainen and Shira Kantor

The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
June 19, 2002
http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/2914090.html
Most Americans would be stunned to learn that asbestos hasn't disappeared from our lives. It’s still showing up in everything from brake pads to roofing shingles and home insulation. As Senator Paul Wellstone pointed out, this isn't just a minor oversight—it’s actively harming and killing far too many people.
Senator Mark Dayton was one of those folks who didn't quite grasp that asbestos can actually still be legally included in certain products. "It’s the same old story," he noted. "Corporate interests have once again won out over the public interest."
On Tuesday, Minnesota Democrats joined forces with Senator Patty Murray of Washington to roll out a new bill. The goal is straightforward: phase out the use of asbestos across the country by 2005.
It’s partially a tribute to their late friend, Congressman Bruce Vento from Minnesota, who passed away in 2000 after battling mesothelioma—a lung cancer triggered by asbestos exposure.
His widow, Sue Vento, testified before Congress to champion the legislation, stating, "We have to put an end to this devastating disease once and for all."
It’s not just victims fighting for attention in Washington right now. Large corporations and insurance giants are also making noise, claiming they desperately need Congressional intervention to stem a rising tide of asbestos litigation.
"We're not convinced the court system alone can handle this whole mess," noted Jan Amundson from the National Association of Manufacturers.
The sheer volume of asbestos litigation is becoming unmanageable. We’re seeing a massive surge in lawsuits, even from people who were exposed but haven't actually developed any illnesses. It’s putting an incredible amount of pressure on corporations, often leaving them with no choice but to file for bankruptcy just to handle the massive settlement payouts.
Corporations have already shelled out over $20 billion in settlements, per the Asbestos Alliance—a coalition of business leaders and insurers currently lobbying Congress for relief. This group is now pushing for new legislation that would establish "minimum medical criteria," essentially raising the bar for what a claimant must prove before they can even file a lawsuit.
Amundson noted that the coalition is pushing for compensation for those suffering from illness. However, with over 200,000 asbestos claims currently clogging up both state and federal court systems, she pointed out that the massive backlog is preventing the most critically ill patients from actually receiving their settlements.
Last year, both the House and the Senate introduced legislation aimed at providing federal funds to help manufacturers manage asbestos compensation claims. Senator Mike DeWine of Ohio, one of the bill's sponsors, argues that since the federal government failed to implement an outright ban on asbestos, the government should shoulder some of that liability to prevent these companies from going under.
"Every time another asbestos manufacturer or distributor files for bankruptcy, it's a direct hit to the victims' chances of getting the compensation they deserve," DeWine noted.
Amundson pointed out that the Democrats aren't exactly jumping at the chance to help the Asbestos Alliance, largely because so many of them get backing from the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
"Trial lawyers are incredibly wealthy, and they stay laser-focused on backing candidates who will defend their absolute right to file lawsuits," she noted.
The spokesperson for the American Bar Association, Carlton Carl, stated that they support members from both political parties.
"It’s a tough sell for anyone in D.C.," he noted. "Trying to persuade members of Congress to back a bailout for an asbestos company is an uphill battle—especially when that industry knowingly put millions of Americans at risk with a deadly product."
The Governor noted that this asbestos ban is exactly the type of legislation that would have fired up Bruce Vento’s passion. He called the late Senator a true hero to many in our community.
Sue Vento, an ex-elementary school teacher now working with the Minnesota Department of Education, noted that her husband was fully committed to fighting his cancer, staying incredibly disciplined about his health throughout the process.
"There’s a certain irony to it all," she remarked. "He spent his college years working factory shifts on the East Side of St. Paul just to earn his degree and become a science teacher. In the end, he was exposed to a disease we've been dealing with for sixty years."
Even with all the data available, she noted that science, industry, and the government "haven't quite managed to get their act together" regarding an asbestos ban.
According to Murray, the EPA estimates that up to 3,000 different products still contain asbestos.
"Like most Americans, I assumed asbestos was already banned," she remarked.


Translation:
Senators Wellstone and Dayton fighting for an asbestos ban in 2005

Washington, D.C. — Most Americans would be stunned to learn that asbestos is still being used today, found in things like brake pads, roofing materials, and insulation.
It kills people and wreaks havoc on public health. Senator Dayton
is one of those who wasn't aware that it's still legal to include asbestos in manufacturing. It’s just another example of how the hunger for
profit can override the law.

On June 18, 2002, Democrats and Republicans joined forces to push for a total ban on all asbestos products in the U.S. by 2005.

This effort is a tribute to their late colleague, Senator Bruce Vento, who passed away from mesothelioma. His widow has held rallies, advocating for the eradication of this devastating disease.

She points out that while many people have been exposed to asbestos and aren't sick yet, "CORPORATIONS" are rushing toward bankruptcy just to avoid massive liability payouts.

According to reports from the Asbestos Association, damages paid out to date have reached $20 billion.

There are currently 200,000 claims waiting to be settled in court. Last year, the federal government provided assistance to help distribute funds to those affected.

I won't bother translating the part about the lawyers; they tend to want to stay on the good side of the government and political parties while simultaneously trying to line their own pockets with a percentage of the "settlements."

During a Senate speech, it was noted how difficult it is to convince senators to vote for payouts to "asbestos companies"—companies that
knowingly made hundreds of thousands of Americans sick through their products.

The EPA believes there are roughly 3,000
asbestos-containing products still out there.

Like most Americans, we all thought asbestos had been banned.

[color=red
Hairdryers Might Contain Asbestos - USA[/color

You might find this relevant. The US Social Security Administration has acknowledged that my wife developed mesothelioma due to her career as a hairstylist. She worked in salons throughout the 1960s, and officials agree that the asbestos used in the heat shields of those vintage salon dryers was likely the culprit. I'm not sure if you've encountered similar cases, but I thought this connection might be useful for your research. My wife actually left the salon industry around 1970, but that’s just how this disease works—it takes its time. Her old employers aren't around anymore, but hopefully, this info helps you help someone else.
Best, Mike

==============================================

Translation:

Hairdryers can contain asbestos - USA

You may be interested to know that the US Social Security Administration has ruled that my wife contracted mesothelioma from her work as a hairdresser between 1960 and 1970. They've determined that the asbestos insulation in the equipment was the most probable cause of exposure.

I don't know if you are seeing similar cases, but I wanted to pass this along in case it serves a purpose.
Good luck, Mike

Just so everyone is aware:
When it comes to expert medical testimony involving pulmonologists in asbestos-related compensation cases, we’re seeing a troubling trend. At least in local courts like those in Phoenix, experts are claiming it's possible to have asbestosis without actual lung damage or impaired lung function. This effectively strips plaintiffs—who are genuinely suffering—of their right to damages. Essentially, they're arguing that even if a doctor can indisputably diagnose someone with asbestosis, the fibers haven't caused physical harm or affected respiratory performance. IF THAT IS AN EXPERT'S ACTUAL "OPINION," then what on earth are we supposed to be treating?

How? Asbestos causes lung damage by driving those tiny needle-like
particles straight into the lung tissue!

It’s obvious what kind of game they’re playing in Tampa. If they actually banned asbestos, that factory over in Clearwater would have to shut down—and not just them (unless they pivot to "emerging" markets in the third world, which I honestly worry about)...

One thing is certain, though. It looks like only the most toxic industries ever got built along the coast... stuff that now has to be closed, or is already being phased out, like the industrial zones around the Gulf Coast... it stretches from Florida all the way up the Atlantic seaboard... a total disaster. Then again, there's no work anyway; even the shipyards are barely hanging on... but it’s coming, inevitable... the shutdown of all that heavy, polluting industry... though before that happens, they'll probably just manage to land another municipal water pipe contract here and there...

Look, Jamie Clark74, this isn't about self-governance. It’s just a total economic disaster. People are actually relieved if they can land any decent job that's even remotely related to their degree—and even then, the pay is peanuts. There’s barely any work in these small towns... Most people are just trading services and goods directly to get by. And all of this is happening while the dollar is overvalued. Imagine what would happen if the currency actually tanked...

People focus on existential threats first. They won't shut up about that stuff unless it hits them personally. In the West, social safety nets are way stronger than what we deal with here in America. We just kept the worst parts of socialism—bribery in small towns, endless bureaucracy, getting government jobs through connections... plus the courts and the police are a mess. They haven't really changed their methods at all...

The workers are getting totally screwed...

And then there’s those other filthy plants along the coast...

STOLEN CONTAMINATED WORKWEAR, BOOTS, AND RAINCOATS

Warehouse theft at a local manufacturing plant
carries a deadly risk: asbestosis!

PHOENIX - An unidentified perpetrator made off with a significant amount of winter gear during a break-in at a regional warehouse facility.

The thief forcibly pried open the boards of a storage unit to steal a large quantity of protective suits, work boots, raincoats, paints, and varnishes.

Property damage is estimated at roughly $1,800.

However, much greater harm awaits the thief or anyone purchasing these items. These goods sat in storage for an extended period, absorbing lethal asbestos particles that cause severe, incurable respiratory disease.

Staff Report, 11/23/2002

What a shame.

Maybe this belongs in a new thread, but does anyone know anything about aluminum toxicity? It's everywhere—from Diet Coke cans to Old Spice deodorant. I've read stuff linking it to Alzheimer's and MS... basically damage to the nervous system...

I only managed to find one link, and it's in French. Here it is:

(Some of the most common additives containing aluminum include
like food colorings 🙂

aluminum-based additives, such as dyes (why do processed sauces have color? Is it actually natural ingredients? 😁)

E173, which is aluminum itself (used for blue coloring in water).

(Or even anti-caking agents:)

Like anti-caking agents made with sulfate and aluminum compounds, found in processed foods, seasonings, bottled sauces...

E520, E521, E522, E523: (the aluminum sulfate family: used in egg whites for cooking, candied fruits, and preserved veggies...)
E541 (confectionery items),
E554, E555, E556, E559: Aluminum Phosphates and Silicates (found in dried powders like soups, mashed potatoes, refined salt, industrial cheeses, and powdered milk—which is also known to be hard on the placenta during pregnancy)

French link here

imirosev said:Just a heads up:
In cases involving pulmonologist experts during asbestos compensation claims, these specialists—at least at the county court level in a city like Chicago—claim it’s possible to have asbestosis without actual lung damage or impaired lung function. By doing this, they directly deny plaintiffs their right to damages. Essentially, even if doctors confirm someone has asbestosis, these experts argue the fibers haven't damaged the lungs or affected respiratory function. IF THAT IS A SPECIALIST'S "OPINION," then what exactly are we treating when we diagnose asbestosis?

Did you see that article about Canada, where the government changed the laws so you can't sue for damages if you were exposed before 1993?
It's because the medical profession knows it takes 10, 15, or even 30 years for the consequences to surface.

And when it comes to money in court, there are always experts who will swear on a "holy book" and say just about anything to win.

I once went up against one of those types in court (on behalf of my wife). He was a neurologist who clearly worked for the corporations. Since I was representing her myself, I called him a liar to his face. The prosecutor actually warned me that he could sue me and I'd lose my house and everything else. I told him I wasn't afraid to go on national news,
to expose what they do and call him exactly what he was: a failure, a liar, and a fraud.

We lost the initial workers' comp case, but I filed another claim and we won through Social Security.
It was the same neurologist again, though this time he tried to rush things. I wouldn't let him leave until I had stated my piece regarding the injury. I had prepared thoroughly using labor protection
laws, so much so that even the judge asked me for copies to keep on file.

We won. The neurologist just mumbled that "some doctors disagree with me" and that "some patients are different."

I never actually used those specific insults in the courtroom.
I did get some payback, though—I paid two trucks to dump manure in front of his clinic in the middle of the night.

It made the news, and several people immediately came forward saying they had also been wronged by that same doctor.
While all that was happening, I was 249 miles traveling, so when the police questioned Jamie Clark74, he was completely cleared by the facts.

🙂 😉 😎

Could anyone with a decent handle on English take a look at this article for me?

THANKS in advance

http://www.mesothel.com/pages/hazen_pag.htm

🙂 😉 😎

New Asbestos Laws Could Benefit Halliburton
Friday June 6th 2003,4:51 PM ET

By Carolyn Koo
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Halliburton Co. (NYSEHAL - news) announced Friday that it plans to push back the bankruptcy filings for two of its divisions until the third quarter. This delay might allow the firm to lower its projected costs for settling asbestos-related litigation under a pending piece of legislation in the U.S. Congress.

Late last year, the massive oilfield services provider reached a $4 billion agreement involving both cash and stock to resolve roughly 200,000 asbestos lawsuits.

The core of this settlement relies on the prepackaged bankruptcy filings of the company's subsidiaries, Dresser Industries and Kellogg Brown & Root, which are slated to cover the bulk of the payouts.

By utilizing these subsidiary bankruptcies, Halliburton—which was previously led by Vice President Dick Cheney (news - web sites)—can avoid filing for bankruptcy itself.
The Houston-based company now aims for a third-quarter filing. This marks a second delay this year, after the timeline was previously moved from March to the second quarter.

Management attributed the holdup to the extended time needed to finalize reorganization plans and trust distribution protocols.

According to Jim Wicklund, an analyst at Bank of America Securities, waiting on these filings could be a win for Halliburton. He suggests the total payout to asbestos victims could drop from $4 billion down to $450 million.

Such a significant reduction hinges on Senator Orrin Hatch’s push for federal asbestos legislation. The proposed bill seeks to establish a $108 billion trust fund to manage asbestos injury claims over the next 25 to 30 years.

Designed to curb a wave of litigation that experts estimate could exceed $200 billion, the bill could potentially disrupt existing negotiations, including Halliburton's current settlement path.

Wicklund, who maintains a "buy" rating on the company despite not owning any shares, noted that if the Hatch bill fails, Halliburton will simply proceed with its current settlement. Since the market has already priced in the settlement, there isn't much downside.

"Either way, Halliburton comes out ahead," Wicklund added.
Halliburton confirmed in its statement that it is closely monitoring congressional moves regarding asbestos reform. The company indicated that the progress of any such legislation will factor into its final decision on the settlement.

For now, however, Halliburton expects to wrap up its review of asbestos claims this July.
The company expressed confidence that the current documentation offers a solid foundation to move forward with the global settlement.

On the New York Stock Exchange (news - web sites), Halliburton shares climbed 35 cents, or 1.5 percent, ending the day at $24.05.
*** POSTED JUNE 11, 2003 ***

translation follows

Translation of the post above!

Halliburton, the world's second-largest oilfield services firm, promised last year to pay out $4 billion to settle
claims for 200,000 people affected by asbestos.

However, on June 6, 2003, the company announced they would file for bankruptcy for two of their units within the next three months. Their logic? They could pay out significantly less money under the newly proposed "Hatch Bill" currently before Congress.

Because of this move, it’s incredibly important that companies like Dresser Industries and Kellogg & Root filed for bankruptcy beforehand. If Halliburton follows through with their filing, that original $4 billion commitment for asbestos payouts could shrink to a mere $450 million.

The new legislation being debated in Congress, known as the "Hutchins Bill," aims to establish a $108 billion trust fund to cover asbestos victim payouts over the next 25 to 30 years.

Jamie Clark74's take: This just means the number of victims stays the same, regardless of... whatever new safety measures or protections they claim to be implementing.
From what I can see and from my own experience, these are people who are being poisoned by asbestos RIGHT NOW.

Jamie Clark74 says;

Jamie Clark74 is dying from asbestosis—and he’s already in his 60s.
Honestly, I feel for you. No way of dying is ever pleasant.

But how many people actually passed away from other illnesses entirely?
Modern technology brings so much to the table—and honestly, they haven't even come close to experiencing what's next.
How old is he?

The radio contains asbestos.

Does anyone have data on how many people have actually used this fibrous mineral without facing fatal complications?
It all comes down to asbestos.
Why didn't they die? Isn't that an open question?

==============================================

If I had my way, I’d just take the fastest route possible.
When you're dealing with mesothelioma, you really need to consult a specialist. It’s heavy stuff, but honestly, some people can live with it for 20 years.
It’s been a year since the asbestos exposure... one man is on oxygen now and facing a death sentence.
Suffocating from pain... who would ever choose a death like that?

I’d probably choose euthanasia myself if I wasn't such a burden on everyone around me.
It depends on you... length and other health factors play a role.
I’ve written it down, and I can personally testify that I won't let myself be pushed around.
CPR. Basics matter.

Most people don't even realize they're dealing with these newer health issues. They’re flying under the radar entirely.
It won't be long now. It’s a sad thought, I suppose, but at least there won't be any more struggling.

Yeah, I agree. There are plenty of instances where that's true, and now I have a much better handle on exactly WHEN it happens.
Too late!
I honestly can't tell you where or how it happened... all I know is that I was being difficult.
I smoked until I was 46, and honestly, that probably made it about 80% to 90% easier for me to score an 80-year-old.

I’ve worked with asbestos cables before. Yeah, asbestos.
I wore gloves and used asbestos sheets for coverage.
Use electric controls. It’ll stop you from ruining everything while you're busy cutting through the iron.
With OxyContin.

I was swapping out some instruments that had been wrapped up in...
Asbestos? Yeah, I was cutting through some old asbestos just to get to them.
The dust was everywhere while we were swapping out those pipe wraps.
It was practically invisible.

I’ve spent the last ten years working in an office with 24-hour air conditioning, and...
Heating.
After six years of smooth sailing, our heating finally gave out on us. We had to pull the whole system apart just to figure out what went wrong, and that's when we found it.
If all those heating elements had been installed on asbestos backing, what kind of mess would we be looking at?
I’m falling apart at the seams here. Honestly, who even knows how many years have passed?
Particles have entered the system.

I spent my years working for myself from '73 to '89, doing quite a bit of renovation on older homes.
Asbestos.
I worked on some new houses after my first job as a sub.
As a contractor, I’ve built over 250 homes. How much asbestos am I looking at?
I’m thinking about drilling and hammering my way through some asbestos to run these cables.

Seriously, how many people actually worked around asbestos and didn't end up dying from it?
How many people actually die from lung cancer caused by smoking? Does anyone have the real numbers?
People died in hospitals because they couldn't breathe, and nobody ever said a word about it.
Are they actually dying from asbestosis?

I’ve stood at the funerals of dozens of people who lost their lives to...
Asbestos wasn't even disclosed back then... we were the ones who eventually unionized.
They went looking for the data and ended up uncovering a cover-up.

Ever since the 1930s, we've known all about the dangers of asbestos. By 1939, even Nazi Germany was already dealing with the fallout.
She was paying out disability claims for her workers who fell ill from asbestos exposure.

The West didn't really have a clue about this until somewhere around 1975 or 1980... if I recall correctly.
The workforce.
Factory owners and doctors alike knew exactly what was happening, yet everyone stayed silent.

Look, Mr. Hardliner... too many lives have been lost. We're talking millions upon millions.
Those who dug until the very end... what could possibly be worse than that?
It didn't even involve working directly with asbestos, yet he's still facing a death sentence just for being in the vicinity.
Where exactly was the asbestos exposure happening? Was it through direct contact at a job site, or were people breathing it in at school or something?
Libraries versus offices when it comes to heating and cooling.

I’ll be posting about those things over on Reddit.

It really depends on how much asbestos they were actually exposed to. You’re going to face consequences regardless, but the extent varies.
How much, and when?

Comparing these tiny local statistics to thousands of data points elsewhere is honestly pretty laughable.
There is documentation available all over the world.

I’ve always said that the truth eventually comes to light. In the end, everyone sees exactly who was telling it.
sorting out the truth and figuring out who’s actually lying or just clueless.

God help the fool!

🙂 😉 😎

Jamie Clark74 said:May God have mercy on a fool!

I’m afraid even He might have reached His limit by now. 😁

Ethan Martinez11 said:I’m starting to think even he can't pull this off anymore. 😁

Thanks for the input. It was a great read—the hunt for zsbestose has officially begun!

🙂 😉 😎

The truth about

Here’s the stuff > was talking about. It's wild how that whole legal-medical mafia just screws people over. Meanwhile, everyone's terrified of getting laid off.
Supposedly the company is doing great... but they claim they don't have the cash for settlements. Instead, they'd rather just grease the palms of certain doctors and judges.

shadowgardener12, I wanted to say thanks for all the support and for your
contribution.
shadowgardener12, when I read the news, it shocked me, though I can't say I was surprised.

As long as there are people like me receiving help from Microsoft
, we won't get very far. She claims maybe only 5% of people actually read this stuff and that I’m just bothering everyone by writing about things nobody cares about.
Here is a snippet from one of those posts:

So why are you even posting on American forums? Did you ever sue the company that hired you under those conditions? Save your energy for something smarter, like filing a lawsuit, instead of venting on a forum that Americans don't even read.
If you have kids, at least do something productive for them... complaining about your own life isn't exactly a virtue.

All of that was addressed back in the psychiatry and mental health thread.

Best, catch you later.

🙂 😉 😎

Don't mention it. As for those big corporate types and their lobbyists, they're just playing ignorant. If people actually knew what was going on, there’d be way more public outcry. Eventually, these dirty industries are going to have to face the music if America wants to stay competitive globally.

Regarding asbestos-related illnesses and things like that... have you ever looked into Ayurveda? You could probably find some Ayurvedic practitioners out in California. They use a lot of oils designed to pull toxins out and balance the body. I'm not sure how much it helps specifically with asbestos damage, but an Ayurvedic treatment isn't going to hurt, especially when someone is already struggling. For breathing issues, there's Pranayama—it's this subtle yogic breathing technique. In cases of actual lung damage, who knows how much impact it'll have. But I do know that practicing Pranayama and just improving overall health can make a massive difference...

September 10, 2003
The Sunday Times.
Adelaide, South Australia

Caught red-handed. Someone just dumped asbestos out in the open, and it’s a complete disaster. This is illegal, dangerous, and frankly, unacceptable.

By Chris Pippos
and Craig Clarke

Illegal asbestos dumping is popping up in the suburbs around Chicago, and it’s a serious problem. We’re seeing hazardous waste from construction sites and old industrial plants being tossed into unauthorized spots, putting local workers, DIY renovators, and entire neighborhoods at risk. It's dangerous, irresponsible, and needs to be addressed before someone gets hurt.

An investigation by the Sunday Mail just pulled back the curtain on a nasty practice: some folks are mixing asbestos building materials into regular trash and dumping them uncovered at local landfills. It looks like they’re doing it just to dodge those massive hazardous waste disposal fees.

The Department of Health and Human Services just issued a warning about asbestos fibers blowing off local landfills and drifting toward nearby residential areas. It’s a legitimate health concern we should all keep an eye on.
The potential risk to local residents remains a serious concern.

It also serves as a warning for sanitation crews and construction workers who might come into contact with the material.
Home renovators who don't know what they're doing might be walking right into a trap with asbestos waste. It's a real risk.

Watch out for asbestos. It’s often hiding in plain sight—tucked away in household pipes, eaves, roofing, siding, or even vinyl materials.
Flooring, shingles, and AC ducts—it’s a lot to handle, even if it seems manageable at first.
The 1980s were effectively off-limits.

Those exposed to these lethal fibers might not see the consequences for up to 40 years.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma.

The Sunday Mail carries that too.
I’ve learned my lesson.

They dumped asbestos roofing right on Commonwealth property.
I was staying out in the northern suburbs of Chicago and headed out for three days before...
It happened three weeks ago. I was removed.
Demolition crews are reporting that trash—including hazardous asbestos—is being dumped illegally under the cover of night and over the weekends. It seems bad actors are waiting for those windows when the EPA isn't around to monitor the sites.

It’s frustrating when certain employees ignore safety protocols and skip out on wearing their protective masks. It really waters down the entire safety culture we're trying to build here.
Or just wrap up any asbestos according to the safety protocols.

It looks like a handful of demolition firms in Chicago are currently...
They’re operating without the proper licenses.
The government in California is currently reviewing several proposals submitted by insurance companies regarding...
We need to rein in the power held by the Dust Diseases Tribunal in South Australia. Right now, they have too much sway. We should be looking for the fastest legal route to ensure victims of these diseases can actually access their compensation without endless delays.

Sab, the training coordinator over at the National Construction Training Academy.
Feleppa, joined by the Sunday Mail, stumbled upon an even larger pile.
Found ten broken asbestos sheets sitting right next to the household trash. Not exactly the best look for the neighborhood.
There was some activity over at the municipal landfill near Chicago last week.

People were dumping trash right next to the exposed asphalt.
Asbestos. People just walk right past it, totally oblivious to the danger.

A waste disposal subcontractor didn't seem to grasp the risks involved with the site.
Asbestos is a different beast entirely. It really should have been properly wrapped up and processed in a dedicated section of the landfill.

In a formal statement, Sue Filby, the General Manager of City Assets for the City Council, noted: "The council wishes to express its gratitude to the Sunday...
Mati did a great job spotting two sheets of asbestos that some random person had illegally dumped over at the local park.

Mr. Feleppa, who provided training for demolition crews and contractors in...
Some local city councils have been calling for stricter asbestos safety protocols. They’re claiming that both the EPA and OSHA haven't done nearly enough to address the risks posed by hazardous asbestos, though the EPA is flatly denying those allegations.

"It's a widespread issue across the whole demolition and renovation sector, fueled by nothing more than pure complacency and a lack of awareness," Mr. Miller noted.

It seems like there’s a massive wave of people out there catching a raw deal when it comes to their taxes. It’s honestly a bit much.
I believe there’s some confusion regarding asbestos fibers.

Demolition crews have mentioned that it was pretty standard for quite a few folks in the industry to...
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It's being tossed right in with the regular trash in both industrial zones and residential neighborhoods.
And more often than not, people just dump it illegally.

A standard 6x4 foot dumpster filled with general trash will run you about $23.
Dropping off at the Wingfield landfill costs $69 for the same load if it’s contaminated with asbestos.

Terry, a committee member for the American Asbestos Victims' Association.
Miller mentioned he’s worried that people just don't seem to care enough about the asbestos issue.

It’s a bit concerning to see so many people pouring money into older properties these days.
"When you're tackling home renovations, you run into asbestos more often than you'd think. A lot of these older houses have it hidden in the walls, and most people just aren't aware of the risk," Mr. Miller noted.

Fact.

The initial wave of asbestos-related illnesses hit during the height of the industrial boom.
the mining sector during the early 1900s.

According to the Asbestos Disease Society, thousands of
deaths linked to asbestos occur every single year.

In fact, more than 1,000 affected Americans have already seen their
common-law damage claims settled.

These diseases stem from tiny fibers—nearly impossible to spot even with a high-powered
microscope—that settle deep within the respiratory system, below the larynx.

EXPOSED: ASBESTOS IS BEING DUMPED WITHOUT PROTECTION.

Asbestos from both residential and industrial sites is being illegally dumped and mixed right in with regular trash.
It’s a massive health risk for workers, DIY homeowners, and entire neighborhoods.
In the US, asbestos has been strictly regulated since the late 1970s.

You can find asbestos products in older homes, office buildings, factories, and schools everywhere—anything built before the mid-20th century.

It’s in everything: pipes, partition walls, roof insulation, roofing shingles, heating and cooling systems, linoleum flooring, and plenty of other materials.

The Department of Health and Human Services warns that
asbestos dust and fibers spread from "trash sites" all over the area, infecting local residents. Victims who inhale these fibers might not show symptoms until 40 years later when they develop asbestosis.

Workers in the industry say people are sneaking out at night or dumping it on weekends when there’s zero oversight.

At the same time, some specialists performing these jobs aren't even wearing respirators, wetting the material down, or wrapping it properly.

Keep in mind the cost difference: you pay about $23 for a standard 2m x 1.2m bin of regular trash, but it jumps to $69 for asbestos disposal.

An asbestos victim advocacy group in the US says they are deeply concerned for the community. They feel no one is truly looking out for the dangers of Azbestus, despite there being plenty of public education available.

THE TRUTH:

Asbestos use dates back to the early 1900s.
Thousands of Americans die every year from asbestosis.

Regarding asbestosis diseases, authorities claim they have resolved a thousand cases and paid out damages.

Meanwhile, we have thousands more sick people waiting for compensation.

There are already rumors that insurance companies are going to try and make the claims process nearly impossible—not that it isn't difficult enough already.

Jamie Clark74 comments:
Unfortunately, it seems educating people doesn't help much if they aren't paying attention. It looks like millions of people worldwide will die from something that could have been prevented... but there's always that "but," isn't there?

Did we not know?
Did we not think?
Did we not listen?

🙂 😉 😎