Yesterday I alluded to the fact that, for a research project to provide valuable data, the more people included in the research the better. Of course, the number of research subjects isn't the only consideration. For instance, like must be compared with like - when researching the efficacy of a drug, there is little point in including all types of mesothelioma. The drug may be very good for, say, pleural mesothelioma but useless for peritoneal mesothelioma but including the two types of disease within the same research project will skew the figures and the true facts will not be discovered.

With the example just quoted, researchers would come to the conclusion that the drug worked moderately well across the mesothelioma range included. From that they might report that, economically, it was not worthwhile offering the drug at all when the truth of the matter was that it was very worthwhile for pleural mesothelioma.

I spent many years in medical research, although in a different branch of medicine (pregnancy and childbirth), and I thought that for the next week or so it might be interesting to look critically at some of the research into asbestos and mesothelioma. So, we'll start Wednesday!

You may want to click on the following link to see some of the projects we might look at...

Mesothelioma Research Library

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:31 AM | Permalink

The Clinical Journal of Oncology reports on the Phase II Study of Vinflunine for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

The participants showed a survival rate of between 7.8 and 12 months, with the median being 10. 8 months. However, I am dubious about reading too much into this trial, given that, in real terms, the sample group consisted of
only 62 patients.

On a more positive note, eligibility was restricted to those patients who had not received prior chemo or radiotherapy. This means that we can be confident in the knowledge that any positive effects were due to the Vinfluine and no other agent.

The researchers concluded:

'Vinflunine can be delivered with high-dose intensity in patients with Malignant pleural mesothelioma. The response rate and median survival are encouraging for a single agent. These data suggest that vinflunine should be further evaluated in the management of Malignant pleural mesothelioma.'

Of course, despite my hesitancy about this research project - every little helps and it will be interesting to follow any other work done with this drug.

emaxhealth

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:06 AM | Permalink

Winona State University faces a proposed fine of nearly $25,000 for seven workplace safety violations related to the removal of asbestos.

The state Occupational Safety and Health Division says the university repaired or replaced insulation in dormitories and other areas of campus without taking the necessary precautions to protect workers from asbestos.

The school is contesting the allegations.

Startribune.com

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:11 AM | Permalink

Despite the fact that we have known about the danger of asbestos for many years, the Australian Defense Force still uses asbestos in much of its equipment.

According to health groups and trade unions in Australia, "the army, navy, and the air force will continue to use asbestos in hundreds of thousands of items of equipment - such as vehicle brake linings, engine gaskets and door seals - until the end of the decade after winning a three-year extension to their exemption."

In 2001, the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission prohibited the use of asbestos in workplaces from January 1, 2004. But the military was exempt from those rules. Several industries were granted three year extensions that ran out this year, but the Defense Force were granted another extension, which will last until December 31, 2010. They were the only organization to be granted such an extension.

Australian Soldiers Face Asbestos Risk

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:14 AM | Permalink

New Haven, Connecticut city officials are concerned that several of their firefighters may have been exposed to asbestos while fighting a fire at a large vacant department store earlier this month.

Sixty firefighters were involved in fighting the blaze, many of them for hours on end, using air packs that are only designed to last for about 30 minutes. The smoke was reportedly thick and acrid and two of a dozen samples of debris sent to the state Department of Public Health were positive for asbestos, although daily monitoring since the blaze have shown safe air quality levels.

Fire fighters fear asbestos exposure

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:38 AM | Permalink

Regular readers will remember my mini-rant about the UK Alimta scandal - the drug was not universally available in the UK, leaving some sufferers having to purchase it from their life savings.

Today I have learned that NICE - the National Institute for Clinical Excellence - who make recommendations on drug availability, have rethought their original ruling that the drug should only be available for clinical trials. They now recommend Alimta for patients who are able to carry out day-to-day tasks but whose cancer is advanced and where surgery is inappropriate.

This has to be a step in the right direction and is wonderful news for the 2,000 or so people who receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma each year in the UK.

If there are no appeals against this new guidance, it will be issued to the NHS very soon.

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 08:56 AM | Permalink

An article in the Arizona Republic reports that there is no sbestos associated with mining operations in the Agua Fria River bed.

Concerns had been expressed that sand and gravel mines may be sending asbestos into the air, but
Mimi Diaz of the Arizona Geological Survey said that this is not so. She also said that "six kinds of minerals that form long, fibrous crystals fall into the category of asbestos and not all are bad or cause lung cancer."

There are more than 20 mining operations in the Agua Fria, which is near communities such as Surprise and Sun City.

Claim of asbestos exposure from mining discounted

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:26 AM | Permalink

The company that plans to develop Citadel Plaza, Community Development Corporation of Kansas City (CDC-KC), is to pay $450,000 for ignoring asbestos regulations during preparation for construction.

An article in the Kansas City Star tells us that £100,000 will go towards "green initiatives that could turn Citadel Plaza from a contaminated tract into one of the most visionary environmental projects in the city."

CDC-KC also will pay a civil penalty of $50,000 and will spend $300,000 removing the asbestos that remains at the site, according to the agreement. The $50,000 will be paid to the Jackson County School Fund.

State, developer work out settlement in Citadel Plaza asbestos case

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:17 AM | Permalink

Following my earlier reports concerning the fact that the children's games CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Fingerprint Examination Kits and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Field Kits may contain asbestos, I am pleased to report that the manufacturers and it's sponsor are finally pulling the toys from stores nationwide.

I am saddened that it has taken until this late in December (20th) before action was taken - many of these kits will have been unwittingly purchased by parents as Christmas gifts for their children.

Asbestos-Tainted Toy Finally Pulled from Shelves

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:12 AM | Permalink

An apartment complex in New London, Wisconsin, is to be evacuated shortly after the festive season due to high levels of asbestos in several of the Villa Apartments. Eleven families that live in the affected units have been told by city inspectors that they must leave their apartments no later than January 7th, 2008.

The reason for the contamination is that the landlord attempted to make repairs to the heating system, and in doing so removed pipes containing asbestos.

Before the tenants move back in 30 to 60 days they have been advised to decontaminate their clothing, furniture, and other personal possessions.

Asbestos Causes Evacuation of Apartment Complex

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:04 AM | Permalink

Earlier this month, a South Korean became the first litigant to win a death from asbestos complaint in the country, although there have been an estimated 46 deaths due to asbestos exposure over the past seven years.

The Daegu District Court ordered an unidentified asbestos manufacturer to pay $135,000 to the woman's family. The woman was 46 years old when she died last year and doctors said that the cause of death was cancer due to asbestos exposure during her employment from 1976-1978.

The court found that the asbestos manufacturer did not take sufficient measures to prevent employees from inhaling asbestos, neither did they warn employees of the health hazards.

Reuters

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 08:55 AM | Permalink

A 'lucky' winner of $1,000,000 in the New York State lottery, wasn't so lucky after all.

The 51 year old, who has mesothelioma, planned to spend his winnings on treatment of his disease by checking into a Philadelphia hospital that specializes in such treatment - he thought it would buy him a little more time. Then he discovered that the New York lottery prize is paid out at the rate of $50,000 per annum over 20 years - nowhere near enough to cover the cost of his treatment, which requires $125,000 up front and $250,000 in reserves.

With the fortitude and good humor that seems to typify sufferers of this dreadful disease, he said, "if it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."

A little something to think about before Christmas...

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:39 AM | Permalink

Following on from that meeting of the Minnesota Taconite Workers Lung Health Partnership on Monday, Cleveland Cliffs Corp. has dropped its plans to conduct an independent study into the potential health effects of mineral fibers on miners and other residents. They will now become a full partner in the University of Minnesota studies of the issue.

It is obvious, isn't it, that one joint study has to be far more sensible than dual studies.

Dana Byrne, spokesman for the mining company, is quoted as saying "We have a great deal of information, worker information, other information that we've accumulated over the years at our operation. It's not a small undertaking to identify that and present that, so we want to make that information available. Our feeling is that, you know, good information will produce good results."

Enough said.

Mesabi Daily News

Minnesota Public Radio

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:23 AM | Permalink

I have posted a few times recently about the large research program being undertaken jointly by the Minnesota Department of Health and the University of Minnesota.

I am delighted to have found the MDH update report, which was originally published at the beginning of this month. Whilst this report is really aimed at Minnesotans, there is information within it that is of interest to anybody who is dealing with mesothelioma and other asbestos caused diseases.

You can find the full text (in pdf form) by clicking on the link below.

Mesothelioma in Northeastern Minnesota and Two
Occupational Cohorts: 2007 Update

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:09 AM | Permalink

The Minnesota Taconite Workers Lung Health Partnership meet today on the Minnesota Iron Range to discuss the possible legislative implications of the large research project currently being undertaken by the University of Minnesota.

Meetings are planned with Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, and other members of the Iron Range legislative delegation.

The partnership, which was formed earlier this year following the sharp increase in deaths noted from mesothelioma. It comprises a group of organizations with an interest in the health of Minnesota’s Iron Range taconite workers, their families and their communities. Participating organizations include the University of Minnesota, mining companies, unions, health care providers, legislators, and local, state and federal agencies.

Mesabi Daily News

The Minnesota Taconite Workers Lung Health Partnership

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 08:51 AM | Permalink

in Australia, a new research center dedicated to finding better treatments for mesothelioma will be built in memory of Bernie Banton who died at the end of last month.

The Australian Broadcasting Company reports that the center won’t be up and running for about a year, but when it opens, its first goal will be to insure that all patients with mesothelioma have access to the latest treatments.

Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center.

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 11:08 AM | Permalink

I was horrified by an item I saw on my local television station yesterday. Somehow, when things happen in your own neck of the woods, it strikes the emotions with greater force.

First, the good news: Victor Lamb , former dockyard worker from Devon who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August, has been told that the NHS will pay for him to receive the chemotherapy drug, Alimta. Alimta is the only chemotherapy drug that has any meaningful effect on mesothelioma cancer cells.

What shocked me is the fight that this man has had to put up in order to receive the drug. In fact, he has been paying £12,000 (very approximately $24,000) for three three-week sessions of the drug and was resigned to having to spend his life savings and possibly sell his home to fund further treatment.

I have since discovered that, although the drug was approved for use by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) in July of this year, it is not widely available to sufferers in the UK.

How can it be morally defensible to refuse or delay the use of the only drug that can buy mesothelioma sufferers a little more time?

As a retired health professional and employee of the NHS, I suspect that, where Alimta is refused or delayed, it is done so on the basis of cost.

I can feel a protest coming on! The very least I can do is research what appears to be an appalling contravention of the ethos of the NHS - the best medical care provided free at the point of use.

NHS approves cancer drugs course

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:58 AM | Permalink

A woman from Adelaide, Australia who was diagnosed with mesothelioma a decade ago is now pregnant with her second child.

Belinda Dunn's only contact with asbestos dust was as a small child when she played on a pile of fibro while her parents were extending their house. The 39-year-old, from Adelaide, was diagnosed with mesothelioma soon after the birth of her first child, Nathan, 10 years ago. She was told that had little chance of living beyond a year.

But here we are, ten years later, and not only has she survived the disease, but she is pregnant as well.

Dunn took part in an experimental gene therapy trial in the United States soon after her diagnosis but doesn't credit her current good health exclusively to that treatment.

She says "I've taken lots and lots of vitamins at the time of - under the guidance of my naturopath - with the gene therapy trial, and I'm just wondering if it was because my immune system was in good shape when I had the trial that perhaps that's helped it."

Sadly, however, the doctor who diagnosed Dunn's mesothelioma, Professor Doug Henderson from the Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, says that Dunn's longevity and comparative good health cannot be explained by science and , therefore, has little significance for other sufferers. He went on to say that spontaneous regression is not unheard of.

The World Today

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:41 AM | Permalink

I've written frequently about the Canadian asbestos industry and, this week, India has joined in the debate. Canadian chrysotile asbestos accounts for one-third of all the asbestos in India and is used to make a variety of household and construction products. The rest is imported from Zimbabwe, Russia and Kazakhstan.

The dreadful fact is that at least 100,000 factory workers and millions of construction workers across India inhale chrysotile asbestos every day according to Dr. T.K. Joshi, head of India’s occupational and environmental department.

The fact that Indian companies do not uphold labor laws compounds the problem, says Joshi, as employees often work with the hazardous material without benefit of face masks and other protective measures.

India Says Canadian Asbestos Killing its Workers

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 10:13 AM | Permalink

I recently wrote about the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) report that claimed asbestos has been found in certain children's toys.

It is sad to read that, despite the quality of the ADAO research, the CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit is still available to buyers, both online and via national stores.

So, really, this is just an extra 'heads up' to beware when buying children's gifts for the festive season.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Releases Findings that Reveal Evidence of Asbestos in Everyday Products

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 08:59 AM | Permalink

An Australian psychiatrist who has very recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma discusses his story on Australian ABC network's The Science Show. Jim Holmes' diaries can be downloaded as audio files from the link below. Alternatively, the written transcript is also available at the same site.

The second installment will be published in two weeks time.

Mesothelioma diary

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:11 AM | Permalink

In Fort Worth, Texas, an apartment is scheduled using a new method of asbestos control this Thursday, yet controversy rages over whether this alternative method is safe or not.

Despite concerns by a number of watchdog and other groups, local government officials are allowing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use the new updated "wet method" to take down one building in the now vacant Oak Hollow Apartment complex.

The method, which is still in the experimental stages, has drawn the opposition of some environmentalists, who said Monday that they could not garner enough support to stop the testing.

The 2,200-square-foot Oak Hollow office building is scheduled to be demolished with what is now being called the alternative asbestos control method. In this case, the office will be doused with foam to reduce the chances that dust will be kicked up. The building will then be demolished with the asbestos still intact. All the building material would be disposed of in a landfill authorized to take asbestos-tainted material.

EPA test of asbestos removal method draws safety concerns

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 12:13 PM | Permalink

Raymond Jones, 74, from Wrexham, has filed a writ in the High Court, claiming damages of between £150,000 and £200,000 against Wrexham Council.

He claims that he developed mesothelioma after prolonged exposure to asbestos and its dust during the 30 years he worked for the council carrying out housing repairs and building inspections. He says that the council failed to provide him with respiratory equipment.

A spokesman for the council said simply that the claim is in the hands of their insurers.

Wrexham cancer sufferer sues for £200,000

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 10:35 AM | Permalink

A new analysis of information on 58 Minnesota mine workers who died from mesothelioma reveals a large variation in where and for how long they worked in the industry. Although, of course, all results are useful and helpful, the fact that, in this study, there doesn't seem to be any correlation between length of exposure and the development of mesothelioma raises more questions than it answers.

This study is part of a whole raft of studies being undertaken by the Minnesota Department of Health collaborating with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Mesothelioma study provides many results, fewer answers for miners

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 10:27 AM | Permalink

You would think, wouldn't you, that in Minnesota of all places, there would be a great regard for air quality and that nobody would want a relaxation of standards. Not so.

Northshore Mining company have gone to court to ask for a relaxation of the 30 year old law relating to air quality. The 30 year old law states that Reserve Mining could not put any more asbestos-like fibers into the air around the nearby town of Silver Bay than there were in a control city, St. Paul. An injunction was issued to this effect meaning that anybody who wanted the law changed would have to argue their case in court.

Northshore's argument is that it's met the requirement and so the control city standard should be dropped because they installed pollution control equipment that brought fiber levels down below the levels in St. Paul. However, St Paul's level as recently dropped further, meaning that Northshore are now in violation of the law.

However, an attorney argued on behalf of the Minnesota Center for Environment that the judge should not ease air pollution standards for Northshore Mining's asbestos fiber emissions because residents of Silver Bay should not be placed at greater risk for health conditions like mesothelioma than other Minnesotans.

MCEA argues against relaxed air pollution standards for Northshore Mining

Debate over Northshore Mining air quality plays out in court

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:26 AM | Permalink

In Reading, England, Gloria Dawson worked at the Hexagon Theater for 25 years. Her greatest delight was to hand flowers to leading ladies as the final curtain fell. This was to cost Gloria her life. The fire curtain was crumbling and, with every encore, Gloria breathed in asbestos dust. Although the damaged curtain was removed in 2003, that was far too late for Gloria, who developed Mesothelioma in 2005.

Reading Borough Council admitted liability for Mrs Dawson’s compensation claim last year, but denied the disease had been caused from her work.

A financial settlement was finally agreed following Mrs Dawson's death at age 69. The inquest recorded a verdict of death from the industrial disease of malignant mesothelioma.

Bringing flowers to leading ladies cost usherette her life

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:19 AM | Permalink

Canada is the world's largest exporter of asbestos and has frequently been criticized for taking asbestos to the developing world. Despite these criticisms, Canadian exports of asbestos have grown, with India being the biggest importer of this lethal material.

Given these facts, it was a huge step forward when Canadian Labour Conference (CLC) president, Ken Georgetti, told delegates at a recent conference that a resolution to ban the export of asbestos to third countries is up for debate.

Canadian labour unions discuss the end of asbestos

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:10 AM | Permalink

Following on from my notification of the ADAO press conference held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC last week, I read of worrying evidence about the presence of asbestos in everyday products.

In a research study led by Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc samples were drawn from diverse areas, including foods, drugs, toiletries, cosmetics, hardware, cleaning products, and children’s toys.

More than 250 suspect products acquired at national commercial retailers within the last 18 months were tested and evidence was found of asbestos being present in DAP "33" window glazing, DAP "Crack Shot" spackling paste, Gardner Leak Stopper roof patch, and Scotch High Performance Duct Tape.

Additionally, the lethal dust was found in the toys mentioned in my earlier post.

Sean Fitzgerald, President Geologist and Senior Microscopist of Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc. is quoted as saying,

"I can definitively say that asbestos has been found and confirmed present in many different products. The initial question asked in this study was: 'Do products currently for sale and available to the public in America contain asbestos?' That question can now assuredly be answered, 'Yes.' In light of the substantial findings of this limited product survey, I believe that a more comprehensive program of product testing for asbestos in common household products is of utmost import."

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Releases Findings that Reveal Evidence of Asbestos in Everyday Products

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:09 AM | Permalink

This report from Lancashire in England.

Seventy-five year old Walter Brimelow, who worked at hospitals in Burnley and Pendle, could have just six months to live after developing malignant mesothelioma. Mr Brimelow has issued a writ in the High Court saying that he was exposed to asbestos when he worked as a maintenance builder at Burnley Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Bank Hall Hospital, Hartley Hospital, and Marsden Hospital over a 20 year period. He is seeking damages of up to £200,0000 from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, which took over responsibility for the hospitals when it was formed.

Dying man sues former employers

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 08:59 AM | Permalink

In the run up to the festive season, I see a worrying report from the California-based Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

The report says that, in testing on hundreds of products, asbestos was detected in the made-in-China CSI Fingerprint kit — which is sold in Canada — along with the Art Skills Clay Bucket and the Ja-Ru Toy Clay.

As Larkin so rightly advises, parents should be as vigilant about asbestos as they are about lead. He says:

"If you're concerned about lead causing neurological problems, you should be absolutely outraged that there is asbestos in children's toys and household goods."

Toys tainted with asbestos, U.S. advocacy group warns

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 08:49 AM | Permalink

The New South Wales Government says the state funeral for asbestos diseases campaigner Bernie Banton will be held next Wednesday at the Sydney Superdome at Homebush.

On the day he died the New South Wales parliament held a minute's silence in his honour.

Banton's state funeral set for next Wednesday

Posted by Dianne Sandland at 09:43 AM | Permalink