Asbestosis
Started by Jamie Clark74 · · 👁 12 views · 123 replies
#82 ·
Images showing asbestos-related diseases
Pleural plaque on the lungs
Mesothelioma on lung plaque
Cross-section image of pleural mesothelioma
Asbestos plaque
#83 ·
A quick summary of the debate following that 60 Minutes program!
The nightmare surrounding James Hardie just keeps going.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
I've already lost a brother to this asbestos, and now I have another brother who is struggling. I'm suffering, and my whole family is feeling the weight of this.
James Hardie's newest attempt to fix the mess left behind by its asbestos legacy has completely blown up in its face. The company, once The biggest producer of asbestos in the US, is trying to push more responsibility onto the New York State government while asking shareholders to cough up more cash for future claims. Honestly, you have to wonder if that money will even cover it. Even under this new proposal—which still requires a green light from the courts—James Hardie is clearly trying to dodge its future liabilities. Unions and victims were Quick to respond , calling for a boycott of James Hardie products and a targeting of Directors. Ross GREENWOOD reports.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
in 1948 in The shadow of The Hamersley Ranges a town was born , Wittennell
Ross GREENWOOD: After 16 years, the message hasn't really changed much.
I just lost one of my brothers. My Father died of this horrid Disease on September 25, and now both my other brother and I are dealing with it ourselves.
Ross GREENWOOD : this fra business Sunday's 1988 award-winning story on asbestos victims in Wittennell, and this week former James Hardie workers.
BERNIE BANTON: I've already lost a brother to this asbestos. Now, I have another brother who is suffering. I'm suffering, and my whole family is feeling the weight of this.
Ross GREENWOOD : this fra business Sunday's 1988 Ross GREENWOOD: James Hardie was once The biggest producer of asbestos in the US, and this week they announced they’ll be turning to shareholders to help cover future liabilities for victims. However, they've attached certain conditions to the deal. Instead of calming things down, those terms have just fueled even more anger toward the company.
GREG Combet, SECRETARY, AFL: We have claimants here who were just children when they were exposed to asbestos products. We have the wives of men working in James Hardie Operations or even in sectors like the electricity industry, where asbestos was standard. You had women cleaning their husbands' overalls—people facing exposure at every level within the community. And then you have this group, this James Hardie, clearing out to the USA with all the assets.
Ross GREENWOOD: The real source of all this fury is that decision to move operations overseas three years back, leaving behind nothing but a $296 million fund. Now, the inquiry into the James Hardie asbestos fund has uncovered a massive potential shortfall of $1.3 billion.
Paul BASTIAN, United Auto Workers: We have definitely been pushing for it, and we’ll keep pushing, to ban holding offers by the CEO Peter McDonald and other senior board members. Our stance is clear: the fund directors need to be ousted and replaced. Furthermore, we will be demanding that the SEC undertake an investigation of the actions of both the directors of James Hardie and in the fund in relation to this scandal.
Ross GREENWOOD : this fra business Sunday's 1988: This was James Hardie CEO Peter McDonald speaking on Business Sunday in 2001, right when the company decided to move its operations offshore:
PETER MCDONALD: I truly believe the framework we’ve established is nearly perfect for James Hardie. It ensures that our future growth and the profits we earn overseas can be brought back home to our shareholders in the US—who own 90 percent of the company—in a way that is both profitable and tax-efficient.
Ross GREENWOOD: The company claims they’ll turn to shareholders for funding, but there’s a catch—they’re only doing it if the New York State government plays ball and agrees to cap their liability. It’s a classic move. While unions and victims are working hard to pierce the corporate veil to get at James Hardie's assets in the USA, James Hardie is focused on one thing: limiting how much they actually have to pay.
PETA SPENDER, CORPORATE LAW EXPERT, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA: This is a pretty gutsy move regarding the corporate veil—essentially arguing that shareholders aren't responsible for debts, specifically that a parent company isn't on the hook for its subsidiary's liabilities. It’s a bold stance. While it’s likely grounded in legal theory and technically accurate under the law, it feels like it clashes a bit with basic public morality.
Ross GREENWOOD: There are major precedents for freezing assets and liabilities. Take the Patrick Corporation case, where they spun off new subsidiaries using labor hire firms during the dock strikes, or Christopher Skase’s collapsed Quintex group. In that instance, a court decision implied that subsidiaries have to act in their own best interests, not just follow whatever the parent company wants. Now, though, the unions are ramping up the heat—legally, ethically, and financially.
Paul BASTIAN: The advisory council for the inquiry has put forward two main suggestions. First, they recommend stripping away limited liability in these specific scenarios, something we’d definitely back. Second, they suggest looking into Chapter 11-style bankruptcy laws here in the States. In this particular case, we’d firmly oppose any attempt to voluntarily wind down or liquidate James Hardie, especially since there are clearly enough assets to cover their debts, held both in the Netherlands and the USA.
Ross GREENWOOD: Back in the US during the 1980s, the biggest asbestos companies actually used bankruptcy laws as a way to dodge their liabilities, even when they were perfectly solvent.
GREG Combet: To start with, the state government needs to simply tell James Hardie to get lost regarding their attempt to limit liability. From what I’ve gathered, the Governor seems to agree they should be told to pound sand, so that’s a solid beginning.
The next step involves the New York State government receiving the commission's report and scrutinizing those recommendations. The federal government will also have to weigh in, as I expect they'll tackle the issue of national corporate law. Plus, the federal government needs to move fast to establish a treaty with the government in the Netherlands. This ensures that any legal judgments leveled against directors or James Hardie entities can actually be enforced over in the Netherlands.
Ross GREENWOOD: The unions deciding to ban James Hardie products from construction sites is the first real commercial blow the company has taken due to its asbestos exposure. Usually, a company would just cap its losses and try to move past the scandal. But the trouble with this soul-crushing disease is that so many healthy people are walking around right now who won't realize they're sick for another ten years or more. Their eventual need for compensation could dwarf any estimates we're making today.
Ella Sweeney is a prime example of someone caught in the crosshairs. She’s a nurse who contracted the illness after taking a shortcut through a section of her hospital undergoing renovations. What she assumed was just simple dust turned out to be asbestos.
ELLA SWEENEY: It wasn't so much a surprise as it was a total shock; it was devastating. For one, I didn't even know what I was dealing with, so I had to do my own research, which, as I mentioned, was heartbreaking for my whole family. Then the anger set in. I thought, "Wait a second—I'm right here in a hospital, doing my job, trying to help people and save lives, and this very place is what's taking my life away."
The nightmare surrounding James Hardie just keeps going.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
I've already lost a brother to this asbestos, and now I have another brother who is struggling. I'm suffering, and my whole family is feeling the weight of this.
James Hardie's newest attempt to fix the mess left behind by its asbestos legacy has completely blown up in its face. The company, once The biggest producer of asbestos in the US, is trying to push more responsibility onto the New York State government while asking shareholders to cough up more cash for future claims. Honestly, you have to wonder if that money will even cover it. Even under this new proposal—which still requires a green light from the courts—James Hardie is clearly trying to dodge its future liabilities. Unions and victims were Quick to respond , calling for a boycott of James Hardie products and a targeting of Directors. Ross GREENWOOD reports.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
in 1948 in The shadow of The Hamersley Ranges a town was born , Wittennell
Ross GREENWOOD: After 16 years, the message hasn't really changed much.
I just lost one of my brothers. My Father died of this horrid Disease on September 25, and now both my other brother and I are dealing with it ourselves.
Ross GREENWOOD : this fra business Sunday's 1988 award-winning story on asbestos victims in Wittennell, and this week former James Hardie workers.
BERNIE BANTON: I've already lost a brother to this asbestos. Now, I have another brother who is suffering. I'm suffering, and my whole family is feeling the weight of this.
Ross GREENWOOD : this fra business Sunday's 1988 Ross GREENWOOD: James Hardie was once The biggest producer of asbestos in the US, and this week they announced they’ll be turning to shareholders to help cover future liabilities for victims. However, they've attached certain conditions to the deal. Instead of calming things down, those terms have just fueled even more anger toward the company.
GREG Combet, SECRETARY, AFL: We have claimants here who were just children when they were exposed to asbestos products. We have the wives of men working in James Hardie Operations or even in sectors like the electricity industry, where asbestos was standard. You had women cleaning their husbands' overalls—people facing exposure at every level within the community. And then you have this group, this James Hardie, clearing out to the USA with all the assets.
Ross GREENWOOD: The real source of all this fury is that decision to move operations overseas three years back, leaving behind nothing but a $296 million fund. Now, the inquiry into the James Hardie asbestos fund has uncovered a massive potential shortfall of $1.3 billion.
Paul BASTIAN, United Auto Workers: We have definitely been pushing for it, and we’ll keep pushing, to ban holding offers by the CEO Peter McDonald and other senior board members. Our stance is clear: the fund directors need to be ousted and replaced. Furthermore, we will be demanding that the SEC undertake an investigation of the actions of both the directors of James Hardie and in the fund in relation to this scandal.
Ross GREENWOOD : this fra business Sunday's 1988: This was James Hardie CEO Peter McDonald speaking on Business Sunday in 2001, right when the company decided to move its operations offshore:
PETER MCDONALD: I truly believe the framework we’ve established is nearly perfect for James Hardie. It ensures that our future growth and the profits we earn overseas can be brought back home to our shareholders in the US—who own 90 percent of the company—in a way that is both profitable and tax-efficient.
Ross GREENWOOD: The company claims they’ll turn to shareholders for funding, but there’s a catch—they’re only doing it if the New York State government plays ball and agrees to cap their liability. It’s a classic move. While unions and victims are working hard to pierce the corporate veil to get at James Hardie's assets in the USA, James Hardie is focused on one thing: limiting how much they actually have to pay.
PETA SPENDER, CORPORATE LAW EXPERT, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA: This is a pretty gutsy move regarding the corporate veil—essentially arguing that shareholders aren't responsible for debts, specifically that a parent company isn't on the hook for its subsidiary's liabilities. It’s a bold stance. While it’s likely grounded in legal theory and technically accurate under the law, it feels like it clashes a bit with basic public morality.
Ross GREENWOOD: There are major precedents for freezing assets and liabilities. Take the Patrick Corporation case, where they spun off new subsidiaries using labor hire firms during the dock strikes, or Christopher Skase’s collapsed Quintex group. In that instance, a court decision implied that subsidiaries have to act in their own best interests, not just follow whatever the parent company wants. Now, though, the unions are ramping up the heat—legally, ethically, and financially.
Paul BASTIAN: The advisory council for the inquiry has put forward two main suggestions. First, they recommend stripping away limited liability in these specific scenarios, something we’d definitely back. Second, they suggest looking into Chapter 11-style bankruptcy laws here in the States. In this particular case, we’d firmly oppose any attempt to voluntarily wind down or liquidate James Hardie, especially since there are clearly enough assets to cover their debts, held both in the Netherlands and the USA.
Ross GREENWOOD: Back in the US during the 1980s, the biggest asbestos companies actually used bankruptcy laws as a way to dodge their liabilities, even when they were perfectly solvent.
GREG Combet: To start with, the state government needs to simply tell James Hardie to get lost regarding their attempt to limit liability. From what I’ve gathered, the Governor seems to agree they should be told to pound sand, so that’s a solid beginning.
The next step involves the New York State government receiving the commission's report and scrutinizing those recommendations. The federal government will also have to weigh in, as I expect they'll tackle the issue of national corporate law. Plus, the federal government needs to move fast to establish a treaty with the government in the Netherlands. This ensures that any legal judgments leveled against directors or James Hardie entities can actually be enforced over in the Netherlands.
Ross GREENWOOD: The unions deciding to ban James Hardie products from construction sites is the first real commercial blow the company has taken due to its asbestos exposure. Usually, a company would just cap its losses and try to move past the scandal. But the trouble with this soul-crushing disease is that so many healthy people are walking around right now who won't realize they're sick for another ten years or more. Their eventual need for compensation could dwarf any estimates we're making today.
Ella Sweeney is a prime example of someone caught in the crosshairs. She’s a nurse who contracted the illness after taking a shortcut through a section of her hospital undergoing renovations. What she assumed was just simple dust turned out to be asbestos.
ELLA SWEENEY: It wasn't so much a surprise as it was a total shock; it was devastating. For one, I didn't even know what I was dealing with, so I had to do my own research, which, as I mentioned, was heartbreaking for my whole family. Then the anger set in. I thought, "Wait a second—I'm right here in a hospital, doing my job, trying to help people and save lives, and this very place is what's taking my life away."
#84 ·
Asbestos victims left short
26nov04
More than 700 people suffering from asbestos-related illnesses are looking at smaller payouts now that the James Hardie compensation fund filed for provisional liquidation yesterday.
The fund is looking at a massive potential shortfall of over $1 billion. Naturally, asbestos victims have turned their fury toward James Hardie, demanding they provide a "no strings attached" cash injection to keep the foundation afloat.
Dennis Cooper, the managing director of the Medical research and Compensation Foundation, mentioned he regretted the decision to file for provisional liquidation.
But his point was that there simply wasn't any other way to go about it, given that the fund's balance sheet was looking pretty grim.
"The hardest part for the foundation during this entire process has been deciding whether to keep up the payments to those currently receiving them. That's been agonising for US," Mr Cooper Said.
"When it comes down to our responsibilities as directors, we simply had to make the choices we made."
On paper, the foundation has enough capital to hold things over until next April. However, if the directors keep paying out compensation in full and drain the entire pool to zero, they might actually be breaching their fiduciary duties.
Once the foundation's funds dry up, they’re going to be staring down a massive shortfall of well over $1 billion.
The ongoing struggle over long-term funding is currently being hashed out in negotiations between James Hardie and the unions.
Yesterday, the foundation filed papers with the US Supreme Court to apply for provisional liquidation.
Now, the ball is in the court's court. They have to decide if they’ll appoint a provisional liquidator. If they go that route, it might mean smaller payouts for some claimants, but the goal would be to stretch the remaining funds so they actually last.
A hearing has been scheduled for next Thursday.
Mr Cooper Said that we might still dodge this mess if James Hardie just handed over clear, unrestricted funds to ensure the foundation stays up and running.
In a desperate move to keep the foundation afloat, a former James Hardie subsidiary identified as ABN 60 moved $31.5 million into its account on Wednesday night.
James Hardie and ABN 60 both claimed the funds were handed over unconditionally—basically, the money was just dropped into the bank account without the foundation needing to sign off on any prior agreements.
Mr Cooper Said the foundation would return the funds.
Mr Cooper said the legal advice given to the foundation was pretty clear: if they took the money, they’d essentially forfeit their right to sue James Hardie down the road. The problem was that everything was still tied up under the original terms from that document signed back when the funds were first set aside in 2001.
James Hardie chairwoman Meredith Hellicar noted that settling this immediate crisis isn't as simple as just cutting a check. According to MS Hellicar, any move like that would need to get the green light from shareholders first.
"I believe we've taken a massive hit from certain specific statements," MS Hellicar said. — AAP
==========================================
James Hardie made a smart move shifting its product focus toward the USA and the Netherlands!
Nateze is heading to court to figure out where all that compensation money for the victims actually went.
From asbestosis... over the next 20 to 40 years, we're looking at more than 25,000 deaths right here in the US alone. And that doesn't even account for everyone else suffering from asbestosis-related illnesses—conditions that are incredibly painful and can drag on for 20 or 25 years.
With mesothelioma, you’re looking at a window of only six to nine months.
People suffering from asbestosis struggle just to breathe. It gets to the point where you can barely walk. This can drag on for twenty years or more before it finally takes you.
From Pleural plaque... the plaque calcifies and hardens, which prevents the lungs from breathing normally. It’s that same plaque, but it can often turn into mesothelioma.
I go for breathing tests twice a year and get a CT scan, since that’s really the best way to see any Asbestos plaque with high resolution.
It’s a bit frustrating—there aren't any specialists available right now. But it's been confirmed that the pain I'm feeling behind my lungs is due to Asbestos plaque.
A little prediction with a side of bad luck: that Asbestos plaque is going to stay right where it is and likely calcify even further... unless things open up and move toward the abdomen?
I used to write about how many people were dying... but I had to stop. My friends—most of whom I know have passed away from mesothelioma—are gone. There are still plenty of us left who know we're living with the consequences of asbestosis... but how many others have no clue? They probably just assume their health issues are from smoking or some other lifestyle choice.
Usually, the diagnosis happens by accident. Someone gets an MRI or a CT scan for something else entirely, and then they find something wrong with the lungs. Then comes the lung X-ray, followed by a CT scan, and suddenly you have your answer.
It’s heartbreaking. Hundreds of thousands of people die every year from the effects of asbestosis... and so many of them never even realize why.
🙂 😉 😎
26nov04
More than 700 people suffering from asbestos-related illnesses are looking at smaller payouts now that the James Hardie compensation fund filed for provisional liquidation yesterday.
The fund is looking at a massive potential shortfall of over $1 billion. Naturally, asbestos victims have turned their fury toward James Hardie, demanding they provide a "no strings attached" cash injection to keep the foundation afloat.
Dennis Cooper, the managing director of the Medical research and Compensation Foundation, mentioned he regretted the decision to file for provisional liquidation.
But his point was that there simply wasn't any other way to go about it, given that the fund's balance sheet was looking pretty grim.
"The hardest part for the foundation during this entire process has been deciding whether to keep up the payments to those currently receiving them. That's been agonising for US," Mr Cooper Said.
"When it comes down to our responsibilities as directors, we simply had to make the choices we made."
On paper, the foundation has enough capital to hold things over until next April. However, if the directors keep paying out compensation in full and drain the entire pool to zero, they might actually be breaching their fiduciary duties.
Once the foundation's funds dry up, they’re going to be staring down a massive shortfall of well over $1 billion.
The ongoing struggle over long-term funding is currently being hashed out in negotiations between James Hardie and the unions.
Yesterday, the foundation filed papers with the US Supreme Court to apply for provisional liquidation.
Now, the ball is in the court's court. They have to decide if they’ll appoint a provisional liquidator. If they go that route, it might mean smaller payouts for some claimants, but the goal would be to stretch the remaining funds so they actually last.
A hearing has been scheduled for next Thursday.
Mr Cooper Said that we might still dodge this mess if James Hardie just handed over clear, unrestricted funds to ensure the foundation stays up and running.
In a desperate move to keep the foundation afloat, a former James Hardie subsidiary identified as ABN 60 moved $31.5 million into its account on Wednesday night.
James Hardie and ABN 60 both claimed the funds were handed over unconditionally—basically, the money was just dropped into the bank account without the foundation needing to sign off on any prior agreements.
Mr Cooper Said the foundation would return the funds.
Mr Cooper said the legal advice given to the foundation was pretty clear: if they took the money, they’d essentially forfeit their right to sue James Hardie down the road. The problem was that everything was still tied up under the original terms from that document signed back when the funds were first set aside in 2001.
James Hardie chairwoman Meredith Hellicar noted that settling this immediate crisis isn't as simple as just cutting a check. According to MS Hellicar, any move like that would need to get the green light from shareholders first.
"I believe we've taken a massive hit from certain specific statements," MS Hellicar said. — AAP
==========================================
James Hardie made a smart move shifting its product focus toward the USA and the Netherlands!
Nateze is heading to court to figure out where all that compensation money for the victims actually went.
From asbestosis... over the next 20 to 40 years, we're looking at more than 25,000 deaths right here in the US alone. And that doesn't even account for everyone else suffering from asbestosis-related illnesses—conditions that are incredibly painful and can drag on for 20 or 25 years.
With mesothelioma, you’re looking at a window of only six to nine months.
People suffering from asbestosis struggle just to breathe. It gets to the point where you can barely walk. This can drag on for twenty years or more before it finally takes you.
From Pleural plaque... the plaque calcifies and hardens, which prevents the lungs from breathing normally. It’s that same plaque, but it can often turn into mesothelioma.
I go for breathing tests twice a year and get a CT scan, since that’s really the best way to see any Asbestos plaque with high resolution.
It’s a bit frustrating—there aren't any specialists available right now. But it's been confirmed that the pain I'm feeling behind my lungs is due to Asbestos plaque.
A little prediction with a side of bad luck: that Asbestos plaque is going to stay right where it is and likely calcify even further... unless things open up and move toward the abdomen?
I used to write about how many people were dying... but I had to stop. My friends—most of whom I know have passed away from mesothelioma—are gone. There are still plenty of us left who know we're living with the consequences of asbestosis... but how many others have no clue? They probably just assume their health issues are from smoking or some other lifestyle choice.
Usually, the diagnosis happens by accident. Someone gets an MRI or a CT scan for something else entirely, and then they find something wrong with the lungs. Then comes the lung X-ray, followed by a CT scan, and suddenly you have your answer.
It’s heartbreaking. Hundreds of thousands of people die every year from the effects of asbestosis... and so many of them never even realize why.
🙂 😉 😎
#85 ·
@Jamie Clark74, you're still kicking, huh? 🙂
Better toughen up against those diseases. Gudi said a long time ago you’d outlive us all, and seeing how you started, he might actually be right. 😁 😉
Better toughen up against those diseases. Gudi said a long time ago you’d outlive us all, and seeing how you started, he might actually be right. 😁 😉
#86 ·
Edward Green said:Hey Jamie Clark74, you're still hanging in there.🙂
Come on, man, take it easy with all those illnesses. Gudi told us long ago you'd outlive the rest of us, and seeing how you started out, he might actually be right.😁 😉
Look, this is a "HEALTH" forum... not some motel that you guys managed to wreck and clear out of 50 to 70 people.
Best,
🙂 😉 😎
#87 ·
Does anyone happen to know how dangerous those asbestos mesh screens used for heating up things like zucchini in a lab actually are?😕
#88 ·
bluewalker36 said:Does anyone know how dangerous those asbestos meshes used for heating things like zucchini in a lab actually are?😕
Are you working in a lab?
Back when I worked as an asbestos removal supervisor, I used to take materials into the lab to test if they contained asbestos.
I ditched my own mesh grill for gas cooking about 20 or 25 years ago.
Nowadays, as far as I know, people use Teflon fiber or Zetex(TM).
Plus, technology has changed—you don't really need to heat things directly over a flame using a mesh cover anymore, or am I mistaken?
I remember writing to Pfizer for advice regarding my own asbestosis, and honestly, they knew less than I did; I actually had to send them links to the information myself.
When I asked if there was a registry in America for "asbestosis victims," they couldn't even give me an answer.
People on this forum used to mock me until about a year ago, before the real numbers finally came out regarding how many people are sick, how many have passed away, and how many continue to die.
Personally, I wouldn't touch anything containing asbestos.
It’s easy to find everything online, though most of it is in English and there's an overwhelming amount of it—maybe 30 million articles.
Asbestos in the home
Hope that helps a bit.
🙂 😉 😎
#89 ·
Baka kaze:
19/8/2003
People might laugh at me, but:
"The News" Monday, July 18, 2003, p. 9
nadnaslov: Data from the asbestosis victims association shocked members of the International Labour Organization standards committee
Title: IN VRANJIC, AN ASBESTOS VICTIM FROM THE SALONIT FACTORY DIES EVERY 20 DAYS
salonit podnaslov: In the case of Salonit, international conventions regarding proper product labeling and worker information are being violated, along with safety measures for clothing, safe waste disposal, and the training and education of workers handling asbestos.
The article opens by stating that one person dies every 20 days...
Jamie Clark74 and I used to joke about it, but asbestosis is right here, in our own backyard, and nobody is saying a word about it....
🙂 😉 😎
#90 ·
Edward Green said:And I don't see Jamie Clark74 actually responding to the guy who recommended Ayurveda to him.
If that’s just exhaustion from the asbestosis 😁, my bad.
But honestly, I really feel for him regarding the asbestosis.
If he'd spent half the time he wasted cultivating that "sick person" persona on actually feeling better, he might be happy right now.
I'm not saying he hasn't dealt with anything.
But we have our own version of Brankica here, someone who pushed through some pretty nasty stuff with that "everything will be fine because it has to be" attitude. 😘 For her, 🙂
Jamie Clark74, if you prioritized being a person first and a patient second, things would be a lot easier for you. 🙂
🙄 🙄
#91 ·
Yeah, I'm pissed. Honestly, the level of pure malice dripping from that quote is so intense I don't even know how you managed to read it and stay alive. I’m so angry I could go out and wipe out all the elderly people myself. Just a human cull. You put down a horse to end its suffering, so why not a person? Nobody is going to miss old people when they pass away. We should just get rid of them so we stop wasting the federal budget on them—so they aren't whining about tiny Social Security checks, and so they stop taking up space where we could build new movie theaters, playhouses, or concert halls. Be my guest, quote me while you're shaking in your boots.
#92 ·
Jamie Clark74 said:Are you guys working in a lab?
Back when I worked as an asbestos removal supervisor, I used to take samples into the lab to test if the material actually contained asbestos.
I dealt with my own gas mesh issue maybe 20 or 25 years ago.
From what I understand, nowadays they mostly use Teflon fiber or Zetex(TM).
Plus, the techniques have changed so much that you don't even need to heat things over an open flame or on a mesh cover anymore... or maybe I'm just wrong about that.
I remember writing to Pfizer for advice regarding my asbestosis, and honestly, they seemed to know less than I did; I actually ended up sending them links to help them out.
When I went looking for info on whether anyone in America kept a registry for "asbestosis victims," nobody could give me a straight answer.
People on this forum used to make fun of me until about a year ago, when the actual numbers finally came out—showing how many people over here have gotten sick, passed away, or are still dying.
I wouldn't trust anything labeled "asbestos-free."
It’s easy to find everything online, but most of it is in English and there is just so much of it out there—maybe 30 million articles or something.
Asbestos in the home
I hope that helps a little bit.
🙂 😉 😎
The meshes contain asbestos, and we use them to heat various containers. The lab is old, and we don't really have a choice but to work with these meshes. Nobody ever told us if it was dangerous or gave us any kind of warning.😢
#93 ·
bluewalker36 said:The mesh screens are made of asbestos and we use them to heat various containers. Our lab is old and we don't have any choice but to work with these screens. No one ever told us if it was dangerous or gave us any warnings.😢
============
Honestly, I'm not surprised by your response!
If you’ve read much of what I’ve written, you’d know that even shipments from Russia arrive with "asbestos" markings—those skull and crossbones symbols...
It's dangerous.
The US is also one of the few countries that didn't immediately sign on to a total ban on asbestos use.
All I can suggest is that you take a look at how many of those mesh screens have been used up.
Asbestos itself isn't dangerous unless you touch it or disturb it enough to send particles flying through the air. Unfortunately, it was used extensively in residential construction for modern buildings and schools... though in your area, things seem to be built more with brick and plaster.
Back in the US, during the September 11 catastrophe at the Twin Towers, the dust spread for miles. Those buildings were constructed using a massive amount of Asbestos plaque.... In 20 to 25 years, many people will become "victims."
I can't find the exact figure right now, but there were roughly 550,000 tons of asbestos material used in the Twin Towers building.
September 11... asbestos dust!!!!!
Location of the "asbestos dust" at the Twin Towers
#94 ·
12/26/04
ExxonMobil needs to set aside $240 million for payouts
to mesothelioma victims.Check out Jamie Clark74's article on page 4, dated 2/1/04.
.
To put things in perspective, about 20,000 people have passed through the shipyard over the last 37 years.
As far as we know, 200 people have died from mesothelioma so far, but how many others left Whyalle and went unnoticed?
Doctors expect another 800 people to die from mesothelioma over the next 20 to 30 years... and every single victim deserves a payout—or their family does—of roughly $250,000 to $300,000.
That adds up to $240 million for those who pass away.
But what about those currently sick? There should be lifelong coverage for medical needs, treatment, and damages... these illnesses aren't always immediately fatal, but they require intense medical care for many years.
There isn't a separate fund for that... proving the need will just lead to endless legal battles. It's expected that victims could end up losing $500,000 per person in costs.
The US Union stated that at least one victim comes forward every single day.
The union is also demanding the establishment of a commission for dust and particle-related diseases
caused by asbestosis. This commission needs to resolve asbestos issues quickly, rather than waiting for a patient to die and then taking a deathbed statement because they know time is running out... and in those cases, families need a solid lawyer to fight against the high-priced attorneys hired by wealthy corporations.
ExxonMobil claims they have a fund ready for payouts, but they say it’s specifically for cases originating from the shipyard... which leaves us in the lurch since we were exposed at the steel mill.
I’ve mentioned James Hardie before—the company that shut down operations in Australia and moved all production to the USA and the Netherlands... essentially shifting the compensation money elsewhere. After the court case in Australia, they have to be prepared to pay victims... and there will likely be many more in the next 40 years because asbestos plaque was used so extensively in construction here.
They really need to set aside $4.5 billion for total payouts.
Both James Hardie and ExxonMobil Co. claim they weren't aware of the dangers of asbestos... even though medical experts warned them as far back as 1920.
Just a reminder: "Hitler in 1939 was 'paying pensions to asbestos victims'"... because the damage was already known.
Like I've said many times, the truth is coming out more and more because you just can't lie forever.
But think about what happened in Canada, where the government changed the law so that compensation couldn't be paid if the illness started before 1993... tell me, where is the justice in that? One of the wealthiest nations can't pay its victims? READ page 1, post dated 8/3/03.
Until next time.
Let's stay united in the fight for victims of asbestos-related diseases and for the rights of those dying from mesothelioma.
ExxonMobil needs to set aside $240 million for payouts
to mesothelioma victims.Check out Jamie Clark74's article on page 4, dated 2/1/04.
.
To put things in perspective, about 20,000 people have passed through the shipyard over the last 37 years.
As far as we know, 200 people have died from mesothelioma so far, but how many others left Whyalle and went unnoticed?
Doctors expect another 800 people to die from mesothelioma over the next 20 to 30 years... and every single victim deserves a payout—or their family does—of roughly $250,000 to $300,000.
That adds up to $240 million for those who pass away.
But what about those currently sick? There should be lifelong coverage for medical needs, treatment, and damages... these illnesses aren't always immediately fatal, but they require intense medical care for many years.
There isn't a separate fund for that... proving the need will just lead to endless legal battles. It's expected that victims could end up losing $500,000 per person in costs.
The US Union stated that at least one victim comes forward every single day.
The union is also demanding the establishment of a commission for dust and particle-related diseases
caused by asbestosis. This commission needs to resolve asbestos issues quickly, rather than waiting for a patient to die and then taking a deathbed statement because they know time is running out... and in those cases, families need a solid lawyer to fight against the high-priced attorneys hired by wealthy corporations.
ExxonMobil claims they have a fund ready for payouts, but they say it’s specifically for cases originating from the shipyard... which leaves us in the lurch since we were exposed at the steel mill.
I’ve mentioned James Hardie before—the company that shut down operations in Australia and moved all production to the USA and the Netherlands... essentially shifting the compensation money elsewhere. After the court case in Australia, they have to be prepared to pay victims... and there will likely be many more in the next 40 years because asbestos plaque was used so extensively in construction here.
They really need to set aside $4.5 billion for total payouts.
Both James Hardie and ExxonMobil Co. claim they weren't aware of the dangers of asbestos... even though medical experts warned them as far back as 1920.
Just a reminder: "Hitler in 1939 was 'paying pensions to asbestos victims'"... because the damage was already known.
Like I've said many times, the truth is coming out more and more because you just can't lie forever.
But think about what happened in Canada, where the government changed the law so that compensation couldn't be paid if the illness started before 1993... tell me, where is the justice in that? One of the wealthiest nations can't pay its victims? READ page 1, post dated 8/3/03.
Until next time.
Let's stay united in the fight for victims of asbestos-related diseases and for the rights of those dying from mesothelioma.
#95 ·
May 16, 2005
Paying for Asbestos
By Arlen Specter
Washington
For more than twenty years, Congress has struggled to find a solution to the complex asbestos crisis. Now, as we prepare to pass legislation designed to help Americans hurt by asbestos without flooding the courts or creating unnecessary economic strain, Dick Armey—a Republican and the former House majority leader—has spearheaded a massive, deceptive ad campaign intended to kill the bill.
Last month, Senator Patrick J. Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, and I introduced this bill with wide bipartisan backing. It proposes using a $140 billion trust fund to provide compensation to asbestos victims through a no-fault program, much like workers' compensation. Instead of fighting expensive legal battles to prove liability under current tort laws, workers exposed to asbestos would receive payments based on the severity of their injuries. This approach cuts out the staggering costs of litigation. Also, unlike our current system where people might seek compensation for potential future ailments, these damages can only be claimed once actual harm is proven. These terms come after forty intense negotiation sessions held over the past two years involving manufacturers, the AFL, insurance companies, and trial attorneys.
However, in radio spots currently airing in 15 states, Mr. Armey claims this bill would impose $140 billion in new taxes to build a federal trust fund. He’s being dishonest. The manufacturers responsible for asbestos injuries, along with their insurers, have actually offered to fund this $140 billion trust themselves to limit their future liability. The bill makes it perfectly clear: the federal government won't contribute a single cent to the fund.
Mr. Armey is also insisting that billions in tax dollars would be funneled to trial lawyers. In reality, the bill limits lawyer fees to just 5 percent, a far cry from the 33 percent contingent fees seen today.
What Mr. Armey failed to mention to his audience is that, according to the Washington newspaper Roll Call, the lobbying firm he represents has taken in nearly $1 million from Equitas, a British insurer working hard to block this legislation. Rather than acting as an impartial voice for the public, Mr. Armey is simply acting as a paid lobbyist peddling misinformation.
Right now, thousands of victims battling fatal diseases are left without help because the companies potentially liable for their injuries are insolvent. I am fully prepared to sit down with reasonable critics to iron out any lingering details. Every month, more companies file for bankruptcy, joining the over 70 that are already in the court system. These bankruptcies have hit the economy hard and cost thousands of jobs. If we can finalize this bill, we can achieve a "triple-win" for the victims, the companies facing insolvency, and the broader American economy.
Arlen Specter, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is a Republican senator from Pennsylvania.
Paying for Asbestos
By Arlen Specter
Washington
For more than twenty years, Congress has struggled to find a solution to the complex asbestos crisis. Now, as we prepare to pass legislation designed to help Americans hurt by asbestos without flooding the courts or creating unnecessary economic strain, Dick Armey—a Republican and the former House majority leader—has spearheaded a massive, deceptive ad campaign intended to kill the bill.
Last month, Senator Patrick J. Leahy, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, and I introduced this bill with wide bipartisan backing. It proposes using a $140 billion trust fund to provide compensation to asbestos victims through a no-fault program, much like workers' compensation. Instead of fighting expensive legal battles to prove liability under current tort laws, workers exposed to asbestos would receive payments based on the severity of their injuries. This approach cuts out the staggering costs of litigation. Also, unlike our current system where people might seek compensation for potential future ailments, these damages can only be claimed once actual harm is proven. These terms come after forty intense negotiation sessions held over the past two years involving manufacturers, the AFL, insurance companies, and trial attorneys.
However, in radio spots currently airing in 15 states, Mr. Armey claims this bill would impose $140 billion in new taxes to build a federal trust fund. He’s being dishonest. The manufacturers responsible for asbestos injuries, along with their insurers, have actually offered to fund this $140 billion trust themselves to limit their future liability. The bill makes it perfectly clear: the federal government won't contribute a single cent to the fund.
Mr. Armey is also insisting that billions in tax dollars would be funneled to trial lawyers. In reality, the bill limits lawyer fees to just 5 percent, a far cry from the 33 percent contingent fees seen today.
What Mr. Armey failed to mention to his audience is that, according to the Washington newspaper Roll Call, the lobbying firm he represents has taken in nearly $1 million from Equitas, a British insurer working hard to block this legislation. Rather than acting as an impartial voice for the public, Mr. Armey is simply acting as a paid lobbyist peddling misinformation.
Right now, thousands of victims battling fatal diseases are left without help because the companies potentially liable for their injuries are insolvent. I am fully prepared to sit down with reasonable critics to iron out any lingering details. Every month, more companies file for bankruptcy, joining the over 70 that are already in the court system. These bankruptcies have hit the economy hard and cost thousands of jobs. If we can finalize this bill, we can achieve a "triple-win" for the victims, the companies facing insolvency, and the broader American economy.
Arlen Specter, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is a Republican senator from Pennsylvania.
#96 ·
If you're still hanging out on this forum, I'd love to get your take on an article I just stumbled upon online. Looking back at some of the older posts here, it seems like people are pretty horrified by the idea of using asbestos cement pipes in water supply systems... but from what I can gather, it looks like about 60% of all drinking water installations actually use these types of pipes.
You can find the article here:
http://www.chrysotile.com/en/sc%5Fpubli/sr.aspx
Also, here’s a similar piece regarding the use of plastic pipes:
http://www.chrysotile.com/en/sc%5Fpubli/alarm.aspx
Best,
You can find the article here:
http://www.chrysotile.com/en/sc%5Fpubli/sr.aspx
Also, here’s a similar piece regarding the use of plastic pipes:
http://www.chrysotile.com/en/sc%5Fpubli/alarm.aspx
Best,
#97 ·
I'm done talking about asbestos. There are people here who clearly have no clue what this is actually about, and frankly, they're getting personal.
Just a few links for you: White asbestos!
Asbestos products!
Asbestos news!
Since I last posted, I've had to attend six funerals for friends from my
small hometown, where we all worked together at the shipyard and the steel mill.
#98 ·
As I’ve mentioned before, I get asked about health stuff pretty often since I’ve posted a few things on the subject.
At least once a month—especially over the last 18 months—people have been reaching out more and more frequently. I’m attaching the latest email.
original message
From: xxxx@net.hr [mailto:xxxx@net.hr]
Sent: Friday, 16 December 2005 9:59 PM
To: vilimkov@yahoo.com.au
Subject: Hello
Kudos on the posts here regarding asbestos.
I’m 23 years old, but I feel like I’ve been exposed to much more than most people here, and honestly, it scares me how casually people in this country tend to brush it off. My goal is to move abroad; I’m a mother myself, and I’m working hard to make that happen. If I can share a bit about my exposure... It started about ten years ago when they were stripping the roof. They didn't do much else then, but five years ago, my mom and I ended up scraping those boards ourselves—completely unaware of the danger. Luckily, I remembered to use water, which keeps the dust down. Then there was last year, when my parents (who are smart people, really) decided to saw through about twenty of those boards to make a garden fence. By then, I actually knew what we were dealing with. I had nervous breakdowns every single time they started sawing, but they just kept saying, "Just a little more, honey." I didn't have anywhere else to go. Even though they worked outside, they wouldn't change their clothes or anything. They did this throughout most of last year, not all at once. They finally stopped around November, and I gave birth in March. Now, I'm terrified those particles stayed trapped inside the house. I have to say, I resent them for it. I knew the risks, and they knew them too. I can't forgive them, and ever since I had my baby, I've lived with this constant fear. I lose sleep at night just thinking about it. I don't know how much you all know about how long those particles stay suspended in the air. I've even called doctors who told me not to worry, saying asbestosis only happens to those with long-term exposure, but I’ve read enough to know I can't be certain. It’s tragic how little people in the US seem to care; you see these boards in almost every backyard. If only I had known sooner. I hope someone responds, because I don't have anyone else to talk to about this. Like I mentioned before, people around here just aren't interested in the topic. Gabriel
My response!
Gabriel, I received your email.
You're still pretty young... and if you aren't a smoker, that’s a huge plus because secondhand smoke is actually twenty times more intense than regular smoke!
Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the danger either, much like so many others who lost their lives.
It looks like I’m one of the lucky ones who won't die from this, but I'll definitely deal with breathing issues. I make sure to see specialists twice a year for breathing tests, and I have them.
I used to get a CT scan twice a year... now I’m cutting back to just one. Honestly, I’ve already had way too many CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs done on my spine.
I could have been exposed in so many different spots at the steel mill—whether it was through drilling holes in the sheets or handling those asbestos rags used to protect electrical panels and insulation.
I started working back in Australia around 1970. During a checkup for some issues with my spine, they happened to run an x-ray and actually found something wrong with my chest.
They took one look at the X-ray and immediately diagnosed it as asbestosis... that was back in 1997. It just goes to show how much time it takes for it to develop and actually show up on an image, especially since there aren't any symptoms, like I mentioned before.
I'm 64 now, so I've calmed down a bit. I've got plenty of other things to deal with—I've had two spinal surgeries, and honestly, work has just worn me down. My joints are acting up and I'm dealing with all sorts of muscle issues, but I don't have anything on hand to help with the pain.
Just so you know, a lot of people have reached out to me asking for advice or trying to pick my brain about what I know and what they should do next.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure—at least not for now. Anyone who ends up receiving Methotrexate... it hits them hard and fast, and they're gone within six months.
Multiple plaques. What exactly am I dealing with? I notice that when I'm more active, my breathing gets a bit shorter, but so far, it isn't too bad... though it looks like I might end up with asbestosis. It’s starting to become a real struggle to breathe.
Let’s hope you were lucky enough to get what you wanted and that there aren't any lasting consequences... I can't tell you anything else, but it's the truth. You really can't know for sure until at least 10 or 20 years have passed, sometimes even longer.
Try not to dwell on it... though I know firsthand how hard this is. You haven't gone through it yet, and maybe you never will. One thing I'll say: don't listen to anyone peddling "herbal cures" or claims about boosting your immune system to fight this off. It's all nonsense. They're just looking to make a quick buck off people who are already suffering.
I truly wish nothing but the very best for you and your child.
Jamie Clark74
Adelaide, Australia
It’s heartbreaking to think about the anxiety and uncertainty this young woman is facing, wondering if she has asbestosis... all because people weren't warned about known dangers. People stay quiet, and because of that, millions end up dying from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
😠
At least once a month—especially over the last 18 months—people have been reaching out more and more frequently. I’m attaching the latest email.
original message
From: xxxx@net.hr [mailto:xxxx@net.hr]
Sent: Friday, 16 December 2005 9:59 PM
To: vilimkov@yahoo.com.au
Subject: Hello
Kudos on the posts here regarding asbestos.
I’m 23 years old, but I feel like I’ve been exposed to much more than most people here, and honestly, it scares me how casually people in this country tend to brush it off. My goal is to move abroad; I’m a mother myself, and I’m working hard to make that happen. If I can share a bit about my exposure... It started about ten years ago when they were stripping the roof. They didn't do much else then, but five years ago, my mom and I ended up scraping those boards ourselves—completely unaware of the danger. Luckily, I remembered to use water, which keeps the dust down. Then there was last year, when my parents (who are smart people, really) decided to saw through about twenty of those boards to make a garden fence. By then, I actually knew what we were dealing with. I had nervous breakdowns every single time they started sawing, but they just kept saying, "Just a little more, honey." I didn't have anywhere else to go. Even though they worked outside, they wouldn't change their clothes or anything. They did this throughout most of last year, not all at once. They finally stopped around November, and I gave birth in March. Now, I'm terrified those particles stayed trapped inside the house. I have to say, I resent them for it. I knew the risks, and they knew them too. I can't forgive them, and ever since I had my baby, I've lived with this constant fear. I lose sleep at night just thinking about it. I don't know how much you all know about how long those particles stay suspended in the air. I've even called doctors who told me not to worry, saying asbestosis only happens to those with long-term exposure, but I’ve read enough to know I can't be certain. It’s tragic how little people in the US seem to care; you see these boards in almost every backyard. If only I had known sooner. I hope someone responds, because I don't have anyone else to talk to about this. Like I mentioned before, people around here just aren't interested in the topic. Gabriel
My response!
Gabriel, I received your email.
You're still pretty young... and if you aren't a smoker, that’s a huge plus because secondhand smoke is actually twenty times more intense than regular smoke!
Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of the danger either, much like so many others who lost their lives.
It looks like I’m one of the lucky ones who won't die from this, but I'll definitely deal with breathing issues. I make sure to see specialists twice a year for breathing tests, and I have them.
I used to get a CT scan twice a year... now I’m cutting back to just one. Honestly, I’ve already had way too many CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs done on my spine.
I could have been exposed in so many different spots at the steel mill—whether it was through drilling holes in the sheets or handling those asbestos rags used to protect electrical panels and insulation.
I started working back in Australia around 1970. During a checkup for some issues with my spine, they happened to run an x-ray and actually found something wrong with my chest.
They took one look at the X-ray and immediately diagnosed it as asbestosis... that was back in 1997. It just goes to show how much time it takes for it to develop and actually show up on an image, especially since there aren't any symptoms, like I mentioned before.
I'm 64 now, so I've calmed down a bit. I've got plenty of other things to deal with—I've had two spinal surgeries, and honestly, work has just worn me down. My joints are acting up and I'm dealing with all sorts of muscle issues, but I don't have anything on hand to help with the pain.
Just so you know, a lot of people have reached out to me asking for advice or trying to pick my brain about what I know and what they should do next.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure—at least not for now. Anyone who ends up receiving Methotrexate... it hits them hard and fast, and they're gone within six months.
Multiple plaques. What exactly am I dealing with? I notice that when I'm more active, my breathing gets a bit shorter, but so far, it isn't too bad... though it looks like I might end up with asbestosis. It’s starting to become a real struggle to breathe.
Let’s hope you were lucky enough to get what you wanted and that there aren't any lasting consequences... I can't tell you anything else, but it's the truth. You really can't know for sure until at least 10 or 20 years have passed, sometimes even longer.
Try not to dwell on it... though I know firsthand how hard this is. You haven't gone through it yet, and maybe you never will. One thing I'll say: don't listen to anyone peddling "herbal cures" or claims about boosting your immune system to fight this off. It's all nonsense. They're just looking to make a quick buck off people who are already suffering.
I truly wish nothing but the very best for you and your child.
Jamie Clark74
Adelaide, Australia
It’s heartbreaking to think about the anxiety and uncertainty this young woman is facing, wondering if she has asbestosis... all because people weren't warned about known dangers. People stay quiet, and because of that, millions end up dying from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
😠
#99 ·
Hey everyone interested in this "nasty" topic... just wanted to give you an update that as of January 1, 2006, the sale and use of asbestos has been banned in America, and it’s officially been recognized as a poison under the laws governing toxic substances (though that actually kicked in back in May 2005). This legislation effectively shuts down production at the salonit dd Vranjic plant. Now we're facing the fallout: dealing with worker layoffs and, most importantly, the nightmare of cleaning up the factory and those illegal dump sites. If you want more info on salonit dd Vranjic and the mess they've caused, check out www.barbarinac.hr
Jamie Clark74, thanks for forwarding those emails that were sent out... especially the ones from the US. The next step is going to be making sure the public—honestly, hopefully the entire country—is fully aware of the crisis involving these asbestos-cement products that seem to be tucked away in every corner of America...
Jamie Clark74, thanks for forwarding those emails that were sent out... especially the ones from the US. The next step is going to be making sure the public—honestly, hopefully the entire country—is fully aware of the crisis involving these asbestos-cement products that seem to be tucked away in every corner of America...
#100 ·
Sometimes I feel a bit guilty for not posting more updates or new info... but honestly, I’m done beating myself up over it.If people are just going to assume I'm talking nonsense, then what's even the point of posting?
Most people don't realize how this works. They think if you aren't working directly at Newport News Shipbuilding or Solonit, you're somehow safe. But you can still be exposed to asbestos through other means. I saw someone comment on my health post asking how you could even develop asbestosis if you didn't work at Solonit. It’s a total misunderstanding of the risks.
Let me repeat myself:
Asbestos is everywhere. It’s tucked away in our homes, buried in the siding of suburban houses, and hidden inside partition walls depending on how old the place is. In most major American cities, you'll find it even deeper—woven into the fabric of schools, office buildings, factories, and hospitals. It was used almost everywhere for insulation back in the day. The reality is that it surrounds us, and the danger is real; if you're in an older building where it starts breaking down into tiny particles, you're breathing it in.
To those working in offices, especially out here in the West—don't assume you're in the clear. Most of the ventilation systems were insulated with asbestos, and the heating elements weren't any different. Over time, those tiny particles just start to flake off and get into the air.
I previously mentioned a case out in Canada involving two women who worked in an Air office; they both developed mesothelioma and passed away.
I’ve put together a list of cases where women were washing and drying work clothes and ended up developing mesothelioma.
It’s a heavy thought. There are people out there who, decades ago, helped out by cutting up an old asbestos tile or two during a bathroom remodel or some home renovation. Now, twenty-five years later, they’re passing away from mesothelioma. It's a sobering reality.
Back when the Twin Towers fell in New York City, that dust cloud traveled for miles. A huge portion of those buildings was constructed using asbestos panels. Twenty or twenty-five years from now, we’re going to see many more victims of that exposure.
I can't pull up the exact figure right now, but I believe there were about 550,000 tons of asbestos used in the Twin Towers.
September 11... asbestos dust everywhere!
I’ve been looking through the data on the WTC site regarding respiratory health issues. It’s heavy stuff. If you want to dive into the specifics of how certain workers were affected by breathing in dust and debris during the recovery efforts, this link covers the breakdown. It's a lot to process, but worth the read if you're interested in the long-term health impacts.
I came across this link regarding the health impacts following the events of September 11th. It’s a heavy subject, but worth looking into if you want to understand the long-term medical consequences for those on the ground. It covers how people were exposed to various toxins and the lasting physical toll that took. Just some food for thought.
The location of the asbestos dust in the Twin Towers.
The information on this site is worth a look if you care about safety standards. It highlights some serious concerns regarding exposure risks that shouldn't be ignored. It’s a sobering reminder of why we need to stay vigilant about these kinds of health hazards. Keeping an eye on these updates is just good practice.
It’s all well and good that the US banned its use starting January 1, 2006, but we’re still seeing old parts floating around. That ban only applies to new stuff moving forward.
The biggest challenge we’re facing is a global issue. We have to figure out how to finally eliminate the constant threat posed by asbestos.
I’ve mentioned this before, but the removal process is a mess. Workers aren't wearing any protective gear, they aren't being careful, and dust is flying everywhere. It’s dangerous. This stuff should be wrapped up, clearly labeled, and buried in a designated site. Instead, you have people—even those who should know better—ripping it out and tossing it right next to the road or just dumping it wherever. It's all because hauling it to a proper hazardous waste facility costs a fortune in fees based on weight. People are cutting corners to save a buck, and it's reckless.
Asbestos is everywhere. You can even find it tucked away in household appliances, like certain old space heaters.
It’s a complicated issue, and frankly, people tend to stay silent about it until they're already sick.
And just one thing for those who feel the need to bash me or make fun of me.
There are only three types of asbestosis, and you can't fake them—they show up clearly on an X-ray or a CT scan.
Mesothelioma is a brutal diagnosis. Once you get the news, the timeline is often incredibly short—typically six to twelve months, if not less.
Two pleural plaques lining the lungs.
3/Asbestosis
This article misses the mark on nail picking and facial scarring. It feels like the author is more concerned with the "Health" section than actually addressing what readers care about.
It’s happening here in America just like it is everywhere else. There was a pattern of covering up cases where people were dying from asbestosis or mesothelioma. Instead, the diagnosis would be listed simply as lung cancer. So, the question remains: were they lying to us?
Nobody truly knows how much asbestos is still built into infrastructure worldwide, let alone how many people are currently suffering because of it.
It’s incredible how much effort companies go through just to dodge payouts. I remember reading about a situation in Canada where the government actually stepped in to change the laws, making it nearly impossible to claim damages if you were exposed earlier on. I can't recall the exact year—maybe around 2000—but it was a mess. When you're dealing with something like asbestosis, you might not even see the symptoms for 15 to 30 years. By then, the legal loopholes are already set in stone.
I found some info;
The process has to go through what used to be known as Workers' Comp. But on top of just rebranding the agency, the current administration has passed laws effectively stripping workers of their right to claim compensation for illnesses contracted prior to 1993.
Down in Australia, there was this company that spent over 60 years manufacturing asbestos products—specifically roofing shingles. They ended up being bought out by an American firm... apparently because they're experts at dodging payouts.
Back in late 2005, the James Harvey Company reached a settlement in an Australian court to set aside $5 billion. The catch? They wanted the government to let them write those funds off against their taxes. And guess what? Now the government is claiming they can't allow that because it would hurt tax revenue. What about the victims? What about the people who are actually sick and dying?
Nothing is certain yet, but we’re hoping all the different labor unions will band together, rally public support, and demand that the government provides what these people are owed..
Most people don't realize how this works. They think if you aren't working directly at Newport News Shipbuilding or Solonit, you're somehow safe. But you can still be exposed to asbestos through other means. I saw someone comment on my health post asking how you could even develop asbestosis if you didn't work at Solonit. It’s a total misunderstanding of the risks.
Let me repeat myself:
Asbestos is everywhere. It’s tucked away in our homes, buried in the siding of suburban houses, and hidden inside partition walls depending on how old the place is. In most major American cities, you'll find it even deeper—woven into the fabric of schools, office buildings, factories, and hospitals. It was used almost everywhere for insulation back in the day. The reality is that it surrounds us, and the danger is real; if you're in an older building where it starts breaking down into tiny particles, you're breathing it in.
To those working in offices, especially out here in the West—don't assume you're in the clear. Most of the ventilation systems were insulated with asbestos, and the heating elements weren't any different. Over time, those tiny particles just start to flake off and get into the air.
I previously mentioned a case out in Canada involving two women who worked in an Air office; they both developed mesothelioma and passed away.
I’ve put together a list of cases where women were washing and drying work clothes and ended up developing mesothelioma.
It’s a heavy thought. There are people out there who, decades ago, helped out by cutting up an old asbestos tile or two during a bathroom remodel or some home renovation. Now, twenty-five years later, they’re passing away from mesothelioma. It's a sobering reality.
Back when the Twin Towers fell in New York City, that dust cloud traveled for miles. A huge portion of those buildings was constructed using asbestos panels. Twenty or twenty-five years from now, we’re going to see many more victims of that exposure.
I can't pull up the exact figure right now, but I believe there were about 550,000 tons of asbestos used in the Twin Towers.
September 11... asbestos dust everywhere!
I’ve been looking through the data on the WTC site regarding respiratory health issues. It’s heavy stuff. If you want to dive into the specifics of how certain workers were affected by breathing in dust and debris during the recovery efforts, this link covers the breakdown. It's a lot to process, but worth the read if you're interested in the long-term health impacts.
I came across this link regarding the health impacts following the events of September 11th. It’s a heavy subject, but worth looking into if you want to understand the long-term medical consequences for those on the ground. It covers how people were exposed to various toxins and the lasting physical toll that took. Just some food for thought.
The location of the asbestos dust in the Twin Towers.
The information on this site is worth a look if you care about safety standards. It highlights some serious concerns regarding exposure risks that shouldn't be ignored. It’s a sobering reminder of why we need to stay vigilant about these kinds of health hazards. Keeping an eye on these updates is just good practice.
It’s all well and good that the US banned its use starting January 1, 2006, but we’re still seeing old parts floating around. That ban only applies to new stuff moving forward.
The biggest challenge we’re facing is a global issue. We have to figure out how to finally eliminate the constant threat posed by asbestos.
I’ve mentioned this before, but the removal process is a mess. Workers aren't wearing any protective gear, they aren't being careful, and dust is flying everywhere. It’s dangerous. This stuff should be wrapped up, clearly labeled, and buried in a designated site. Instead, you have people—even those who should know better—ripping it out and tossing it right next to the road or just dumping it wherever. It's all because hauling it to a proper hazardous waste facility costs a fortune in fees based on weight. People are cutting corners to save a buck, and it's reckless.
Asbestos is everywhere. You can even find it tucked away in household appliances, like certain old space heaters.
It’s a complicated issue, and frankly, people tend to stay silent about it until they're already sick.
And just one thing for those who feel the need to bash me or make fun of me.
There are only three types of asbestosis, and you can't fake them—they show up clearly on an X-ray or a CT scan.
Mesothelioma is a brutal diagnosis. Once you get the news, the timeline is often incredibly short—typically six to twelve months, if not less.
Two pleural plaques lining the lungs.
3/Asbestosis
This article misses the mark on nail picking and facial scarring. It feels like the author is more concerned with the "Health" section than actually addressing what readers care about.
It’s happening here in America just like it is everywhere else. There was a pattern of covering up cases where people were dying from asbestosis or mesothelioma. Instead, the diagnosis would be listed simply as lung cancer. So, the question remains: were they lying to us?
Nobody truly knows how much asbestos is still built into infrastructure worldwide, let alone how many people are currently suffering because of it.
It’s incredible how much effort companies go through just to dodge payouts. I remember reading about a situation in Canada where the government actually stepped in to change the laws, making it nearly impossible to claim damages if you were exposed earlier on. I can't recall the exact year—maybe around 2000—but it was a mess. When you're dealing with something like asbestosis, you might not even see the symptoms for 15 to 30 years. By then, the legal loopholes are already set in stone.
I found some info;
The process has to go through what used to be known as Workers' Comp. But on top of just rebranding the agency, the current administration has passed laws effectively stripping workers of their right to claim compensation for illnesses contracted prior to 1993.
Down in Australia, there was this company that spent over 60 years manufacturing asbestos products—specifically roofing shingles. They ended up being bought out by an American firm... apparently because they're experts at dodging payouts.
Back in late 2005, the James Harvey Company reached a settlement in an Australian court to set aside $5 billion. The catch? They wanted the government to let them write those funds off against their taxes. And guess what? Now the government is claiming they can't allow that because it would hurt tax revenue. What about the victims? What about the people who are actually sick and dying?
Nothing is certain yet, but we’re hoping all the different labor unions will band together, rally public support, and demand that the government provides what these people are owed..