Two parents have pulled their kids out of a Missouri junior high school after asbestos was allegedly found in the plaster ceiling of one of the rooms.

Traces of mesothelioma-causing asbestos were found after a renovation project. One percent asbestos is considered a risk, yet they found between 3 and 5 percent at the school.

Asbestos exposure is a leading cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that can be deadly, and can develop in a person years after they have been exposed to asbestos.

In response to the asbestos levels, the school has hired an air-quality inspector.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 01:09 PM | Permalink

Senator Tom Kean of New Jersey has recently introduced legislation to make September 26 an annual day of mesothelioma awareness in his state.

In a statement, Kean said he doesn't want people to forget about those who suffer from the disease and he hopes people will study the disease further to come up with possible treatments.

Exposure to asbestos is one of the main causes of mesothelioma. It is a deadly form of cancer and can occur in people who have only had limited exposure to asbestos.

The day of awareness has not yet been approved by the state government.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 10:29 AM | Permalink

Officials in Elyria, Ohio fear there may be a contamination of mesothelioma-causing asbestos after a fire at a former General Industries site months ago.

Contractors hired by the EPA have been spotted on the site wearing protective gear to minimize risk of asbestos exposure, according to this article.

The EPA found evidence of asbestos on the site following the fire, even though the building's owner said there was no asbestos there. The EPA is helping with the expensive cleanup on the site as well.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Members of the University of Connecticut fencing team put in a call to the university fire department after discovering asbestos in their storage facility, according to this article.

The fencers use the basement of Hawley Armory to store their equipment and discovered the mesothelioma-causing asbestos while they were cleaning the area. The asbestos was in insulation around a damaged pipe.

The fire department made the team members shower and had their roommates bring them new clothing to minimize the risk of further asbestos contamination.

Asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer. Even brief exposure can be harmful.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 02:56 PM | Permalink

Employees in the UK Automotive industry have begun to file mesothelioma suits after being exposed to asbestos on the job.

The automotive industry has long used asbestos in its products. Asbestos can be found in small quantities in brake pads and linings, clutch facings, valves and gaskets.

An article about the suits says that automotive workers rarely wear protective gear while working with asbestos.

Posted by Astrid Scott at 09:17 AM | Permalink