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Asbestos: Dismiss the Realtor’s Role at Your Own Peril By J. Kane Latta In this, the first of a series on asbestos within residential and commercial properties, we’ll explore the issue with two experienced real estate agents operating in the Raleigh, NC area: Harold Daniels an agent with Coldwell Banker and Chuck Friend an agent with real estate by DESIGN.  “Once the deed has been recorded and something is discovered, nine times out of ten the buyer is on the hook for the asbestos remediation because both parties went through the process. Even with an inspector you can’t be absolutely sure.” Chuck Friend Asbestos is a well-recognized health hazard and its use is now regulated by both OSHA and the EPA. Asbestos…

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium, the lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. The main purpose of the mesothelium is to produce a lubricating fluid that is released between layers. This fluid provides a slippery and protective surface to allow movement between tissues and organs. For example, it allows the lungs or abdomen to expand and contract smoothly. When the cells of the mesothelium turn cancerous they become mesothelioma. There are approximately 2,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States every year. Sites of mesothelioma are typically the pleural cavity (outer lining of the lungs and chest wall) and peritoneal area (abdomen). Rare sites can also…

Mesothelioma in Australia Australia’s long and tangled history with asbestos mining and manufacturing – the primary causes of malignant mesothelioma – dates back more than a century. While some other countries were beginning to curtail their own asbestos use because of health concerns, Australia’s asbestos industry was still ramping up. As a result, the country now has the highest rate of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers of any country outside of the UK. Although asbestos has not been mined in Australia for three decades and the substance is now banned, the incidence of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases has climbed steadily since the 1960s, alarming public health officials. According to the first Australian Mesothelioma Registry report released in 2012, 612…

Because asbestos can be woven to reinforce, insulate, and fire-proof other materials it was used widely in construction materials such as insulation, patching and spackling compounds, joint compounds, gypsum wallboard, paints, floor tiles, ceiling panels, roofing shingles and many other products. Most homes and buildings built before the mid 1970’s contain some asbestos products. Carpenters, bricklayers, painters, plasterers, roofers and masons were often exposed to asbestos during this era. Even today, people working in the building trades who perform repairs and renovations may be exposed to asbestos from older structures, which may lead to cancer.

Every day, firefighters risk their lives saving others. In addition to the obvious risks that firefighters face to extinguish flames, they are also subject to a less commonly recognized danger posed by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can cause disabling and fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma – an aggressive form of cancer that affects the membranes covering the lungs and other organs. What is Asbestos and Why Are Firefighters at Risk? Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is also a known human carcinogen – it causes cancer.  Because of its qualities as a fire-retardant and heat insulator, asbestos was also used in an enormous variety of building materials including plaster, drywall materials, floor tiles, roofing…

Despite the fact that asbestos is a known carcinogen and causes cancer in people, there is no comprehensive asbestos ban in the U.S. Many companies have, however, voluntarily removed asbestos from their products and there are some regulations on the amounts of asbestos allowed in certain types of products.  But that is today.  In the past there were no such rules or voluntary bans.  This means that millions of older homes may still contain asbestos.  In fact, according to the EPA, various types of building products and insulation used in homes contained asbestos until the 1970’s. This means that if you are buying or selling a home built before the 1980’s there is a chance that there is some asbestos…

[doptabs] [doptab title=”Overview”] Hawaii Mesothelioma Info By clicking on the above tabs, you will find information on mesothelioma specific to the state of Hawaii Hawaii Research and Clinical Trials This is a partial list of scientific or medical grants in your state for research into mesothelioma and related illnesses. Hawaii Doctors and Hospitals This is a partial list of hospitals and physicians that reportedly treat mesothelioma patients in your state. Hawaii Cases This is a partial list of relevant court cases on mesothelioma in your state. Disclaimer: Inclusion on this directory does not constitute endorsement by Cancer Monthly, Inc. All physicians who appear in this section do so based on their own expression of interest in the fields of mesothelioma…