Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Cancer fully eliminated

Scientists from the UK are with the experimental therapy called 'Trojan horse' completely remove cancer from a mouse.


Scientists cancer cells have invaded from the tens of thousands of viruses that have come through the immune system to the tumor.

Using viruses to kill cancer cells is a new branch in tumor therapy, and one of the challenges is to get deep inside the tumor viruses so that they can act.

Researchers their study, published in the journal Cancer Research, rated this as 'exciting', but still need to do testing on humans.

After a 40-day 'Trojan horse' therapy, all mice that were used in the experiment were alive and their tumor was withdrawn.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Mesothelioma Treatment - Dr. William Smythe

Dr. William R. Smythe is currently the chairman of surgery at the Texas A and M Health Science Center College of Medicine, and also chairman of the department of surgery at Scott and White Memorial Hospital. Dr. William Smythe holds the Glen and Rita K. Roney endowed chair in surgery and is a professor of cellular and molecular medicine for the medical school.

He is certified by both the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and he has received a number of awards.

In this video he discusses the treatment options and symptoms for patients with mesothelioma cancer. Dr. Smythe gives practical advice to mesothelioma patients for finding the right physician after being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. He also speaks about his research interests in asbestos mesothelioma cancer and new trends he believes will emerge in the cancer field in the future.




Source: New Cancer Mentality You Tube Channel

Related posts:
1. Dr. Harvey Pass - What is Mesothelioma? - 22 min
2. Genetics and Mesothelioma: Dr. Michele Carbone - 4 min
3. Interview with Dr. Raja Flores (2011 ADAO) - 14 min
4. Raja Flores, MD - Pleural Mesothelioma - 26 min

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Boston Mesothelioma Attorney

Choosing a experienced and proven Boston Mesothelioma Attorney to handle your mesothelioma lawsuit is an important decision and requires serious consideration before a decision on the right lawyer is made. The natural tendency will be to go to a good known attorney rather than to someone you do not know. But if that attorney is not specifically equipped to handle mesothelioma case, in spite of the best of intentions it's likely the case may be lost. It's better to get advice from known lawyers to ascertain who will be the experienced mesothelioma attorney to handle your case. We find for you some of proven Boston Mesothelioma law firm's.



Boston Mesothelioma Law Firms and Attorneys



Coady Law Firm

205 Portland Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Toll Free: (888) 802-6376
Phone: (617) 742-9510
Fax: (617) 742-9509


Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman LLC

1 Beacon Street, Suite 3333
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Toll Free: (888) 367-2900
Phone: (617) 367-2900
Phone: (617) 224-0777
Fax: (617) 722-9999


Thornton & Naumes LLP

100 Summer Street, 30th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Toll Free: (888) 632-0108
Fax: (617) 720-2445


Mesothelioma Attorneys - The Law Firm of Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC

The mesothelioma attorneys at the Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC law firm have helped over 2,000 families affected by mesothelioma cancer & asbestos exposure and they have been working with mesothelioma victims for a decade. They are also very dedicated to supporting the patient education, the scientific and medical communities in the search for a cure for asbestos mesothelioma.




Mesothelioma attorneys at Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC law firm provide a free consultation to malignant mesothelioma victims resulting from asbestos exposure and they represent clients across the U.S.

Find the Right Mesothelioma Attorney

Attorneys at the mesothelioma law firm of Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP, share with you questions and tips that mesothelioma cancer patients and their family should use to find the right and experienced mesothelioma attorneys, who would be willing and able to fight for the maximum mesothelioma compensation for them.




Mesothelioma attorneys at the LPK law firm have won many asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits recovering hundreds of millions of dollars. They provides free initial consultation to mesothelioma patients resulting from asbestos exposure.

At Levy Phillips & Konigsberg LLP law firm you can also receive a free mesothelioma consultation. While they have offices in New Jersey and New York, its attorneys have represented asbestos mesothelioma clients across the U.S.

New York Mesothelioma Attorneys Make a Legal Victory

Mesothelioma attorneys at the law firm of Levy Phillips & Konigsberg LLP, make a legal victory for the U.S. Navy veteran family's. At the same time, they protected the rights of Navy veterans nationwide affected by asbestos diseases, like mesothelioma cancer. The win came when two large military contractors, General Electric and Westinghouse Corporation filed a first of its kind motion asking a federal court to dismiss a asbestos claim of a Navy veteran before any evidence may even be presented.



If you have malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, and if you are thinking about making a mesothelioma lawsuit then you need experienced lawyer. Before you make this decision, you should contact several lawyer or law firms to gather some comparative information. You can find mesothelioma attorneys by state in our attorneys directory or you can read some of profiles of proven and experienced mesothelioma attorneys.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Mesothelioma Attorney: Answers to Common Questions

Mesothelioma lawyer in Pennsylvania, David P. Chervenick discusses Goldberg, Persky, & White's law firm experience in mesothelioma lawsuits. In the past asbestos is used to add strength and as an insulator, but asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma cancer. See below answers to common questions.


Mesothelioma Survivor Praises Her Mesothelioma Attorneys

This video is a real life story from a Bonnie Anderson, a 10-year peritoneal mesothelioma cancer survivor from Linden, New Jersey. She is a client of the law firm of Levy Phillips & Konigsberg LLP. The doctors told her that she had less than two years to live and in this video she shares her experience dealing with the mesothelioma cancer and praise her mesothelioma attorneys.



Mesothelioma attorneys at Levy Phillips & Konigsberg LLP law firm provide a free initial consultation to individuals suffering from malignant mesothelioma resulting from asbestos exposure. They represent mesothelioma clients across the U.S.

Dr. Richard Alexander - Peritoneal Mesothelioma Research

Watch video about asbestos mesothelioma cancer research and statistics from the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma 2008. This presentation is by Dr. Richard Alexander, internationally recognized clinical researcher and surgical oncologist. Dr. Richard Alexander treats cancer patients at the Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center and University of Maryland Marlene. In the University of Maryland Department of Surgery, he is associate chairman for clinical research's.



Video source: MesoFoundation YouTube channel


Related posts:
1. Dr. Harvey Pass - What is Mesothelioma? - 22 min
2. Genetics and Mesothelioma: Dr. Michele Carbone - 4 min
3. Interview with Dr. Raja Flores (2011 ADAO) - 14 min
4. Raja Flores, MD - Pleural Mesothelioma - 26 min

Friday, May 18, 2012

PR Article - America's Addiction…Could Help Cure Cancer?

Help Cure Cancer
We're talking about coffee, folks! Did you know that if you were to donate the cost of your morning latte just ONCE this year, you could cover the costs of numerous cancer research projects?

That is, if 31,249 other people joined you.

With May being recognized as National Cancer Research Month, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has launched an initiative to persuade some of America’s 100 million daily coffee drinkers to donate the cost of one cup towards cancer research; a small sacrifice as compared to the 18 billion dollars spent on specialty coffee drinks each year.

“Kick the Coffee for Cancer Research,” a week long initiative, begins on May 18th and lasts until May 26th. During this week, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is hoping to raise $125,000 for cancer research. It may not seem like much, but a sum as low as this could help fund numerous projects, like this one by the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center costing only $5,000. It could even cover the National Cancer Institute's requested funds for clinical trials in 2012.

With more than 570,000 Americans dying of cancer each year, the need for cancer research is paramount. By participating in MCA’s “Kick the Coffee for Cancer Research” campaign, clinical trials can be funded and research efforts can bring the medical community closer to finding a cure.

To view the full infographic and participate, please visit the Kick the Coffee for Cancer Research campaign page. All proceeds will be directly donated to the Cancer Research Institute, one of the highest rated non-profit cancer research organizations in the world.

Join the Movement! Kick Your Cup for Cancer Today!

Source:
(PRWEB)May 18, 2012

How a asbestos mesothelioma litigation attorney can help?

Each year thousands of patients diagnosed with asbestos mesothelioma cancer use the services of asbestos mesothelioma litigation attorneys to earn compensation.

Mesothelioma cancer is caused as a result of exposure to asbestos fibers and dust. Asbestos was once used extensively as a construction material around the world. Those who have worked in dock yard, shipbuilding, asbestos removal and such industries are more at risk of asbestos related diseases and particularly of malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cancer symptoms may take over 20 years to develop and also are difficult to diagnose.

A attorney will help you earn compensation in asbestos cases where you or a loved one were a victim of unknowingly asbestos exposure. Over the years some mesothelioma law firms are formed and most of them have helped their clients in filing a mesothelioma lawsuit and winning compensation on behalf of the mesothelioma cancer patients and their family. There are several documentation and procedures required to establish the relation between your mesothelioma cancer and its cause and how it affected your social and personal life. Experienced asbestos mesothelioma lawyers can help you in settling the lawsuit out of court. It's the responsibility of the attorney to research and conclude how and when were you or a loved one exposed to asbestos related products. Some of mesothelioma attorneys will hire private investigators who visit each place you have mentioned and each person you worked with to research.

Some of asbestos attorneys have earned millions in compensation for their clients. We found for you some of US based mesothelioma law firms.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Testimony of Dr. Laura S. Welch - part II

OVERVIEW OF ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASE

"There are several medical diseases that occur as a result of asbestos exposure. The ones of greatest concern and importance are pleural plaques and thickening; asbestosis; lung cancer; colon, laryngeal, pharyngeal cancer; and mesothelioma. For many workers, these diseases are disabling or fatal. For each disease there is a standard set of tests, and generally accepted criteria, for diagnosis.

Pleural Plaques and Thickening
Pleural plaques are also called pleural fibrosis, pleural thickening, and pleural asbestosis. A majority of persons with heavy exposure to asbestos develop pleural abnormalities. The pleura is a thin lining that surrounds the lung. Asbestos fibers that are breathed into the lung are transported to the outside of the lung and cause a scar to form in the pleural lining. When these scars reach a certain size they are visible on chest x ray as a plaque.

Most of these plaques alone do not cause disability, but they do tell us that significant exposure has occurred, and that other asbestos related diseases may be present. However, some types of plaques can cause loss of lung function. Scars that involve the costophrenic angle, the angle between the base of the lung and the diaphragm, can cause loss of lung function, as can extensive plaques on both sides of the lung.

Parenchymal Asbestosis (Pulmonary Asbestosis)
Parenchymal asbestosis is a scar formation in the substance of the lung itself. These scars can interfere with lung function, for they block the transport of oxygen from the air in the lungs into the blood vessels that travel through the lungs. Oxygen can only cross the membranes of the lung if they are thin; asbestosis causes them to thicken. As a general rule the greater the exposure the more the disease, i.e. there is a dose-response relationship between exposure and disease. However, some people seem to form scars more readily and so we see a variety of disease from the same level of exposure. These scars are visible on x ray in most cases but certainly not all cases. High resolution CT scan of the chest can find disease not seen on a plain chest x-ray, and is becoming an important component of the standard practice for the diagnosis of asbestosis. The International Labor Organization developed a way of grading chest x-rays for dust diseases of the lung. The most recent version is the1980 Classification of the Radiographic Appearance of Pneumoconioses (dust diseases of the lung). This system is accepted around the world. It provides a standard notation, so that if one reader calls a film a “1/1” another reader will know what the first reader is referring to. The classification uses a 12-point scale to define the degree, or severity, of increased lung markings. Classification of pleural changes (involvement of the membrane lining the chest wall and the lung) uses a separate scale, with specific notations made for side of the chest, whether or not the plaques contain calcium deposits, and the specific type, length, and width of the thickening of the pleura.

This 12-point scale runs from 0/- to 3/+; a “0” film is normal and a “3” film is the most severe scarring. Each reading on the scale is characterized by a number between 0 and 3, and a second number, separated by “/”. The first number, preceding the “/”, is the final number assigned to that film by that reader. The second number, following the “/”, is a qualifier. The numbers 0, 1, 2, and 3 are the main categories. An x-ray read as a category 1 film might be described as 1/0, 1/1, or 1/ 2. When the reader uses 1/1, he is rating the film as a 1, and only considered it as a 1 film. If he uses 1/0, he is saying is rating the film as a “1”, but considered calling it a “0” film before deciding it was category 1. Finally, when the reader uses 1/2, he is saying he is rating the film as a “1”, but did consider calling it a “2” film. In clinical practice, any category “1” film is abnormal; therefore a 1/0 film is consistent with asbestosis.

Even though the ILO system was designed to standardize reading x-rays for asbestosis, studies using the classification in asbestos exposed workers have found readers often disagree about classification of the same x-rays. Using the classification is somewhat of an art. Body size, weight, position of the person during the x-ray, and x-ray technique affect the amount of scarring that is visible on an x-ray. If an x-ray is less than perfect, one reader may think he can be sure scarring is present, while another cannot be sure and grades the film with a lower score for scarring.

The “best” readers agree 80% of the time with each other; 20% of the time they assign a different score to the same x-ray. If the scarring is extensive, a difference of one grade on the scale is not important. But if the x-ray shows less extensive scarring, a difference of one grade can be the difference between making diagnosis of asbestosis or deciding asbestosis is not present. For this reason experts agree that the x-ray alone should not be used to make a diagnosis of asbestosis; the examining physician should use the occupational and medical history, results of pulmonary function testing, and other medical data to reach a diagnosis. Experts also agree that asbestosis can be present in the lung even though the x-ray is normal using the ILO classification system.

High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is now widely accepted as a diagnostic tool for asbestosis and asbestos-related pleural scarring. HRCT is an excellent technique for diagnosis of asbestosis and asbestos-related plaque. Recent studies show that readers using a scoring index were more accurate and reliable in the diagnosis of asbestosis that when using plain chest x-rays. This study concluded that “the examined HRCT scoring method proved to be a simple, reliable, and reproducible method for classifying lung fibrosis and diagnosing asbestosis also in large populations with occupational disease, and it would be possible to use it as a part of an international classification”. Expert consensus supports this conclusion.

Disease from asbestos is also detected on pulmonary function testing, and PFTs are used to quantity the level of lung impairment due to asbestosis. Asbestosis makes the lung stiffer and smaller, so the volume of air in the lungs is decreased. Oxygen transport as measured by the diffusion capacity is also decreased. Abnormalities are measured using spirometry, lung volumes, and gas exchange testing. Spirometry is reliable and reproducible when performed according to the specifications set by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) . Determination of lung volumes can be done by the gas dilution method or by body plethysmography; both are standard measures and also are reliable and reproducible. The ATS also sets standards for diffusion capacity , which ensure uniformity among laboratories and reproducibility.

Asbestosis can affect each of these tests without necessarily showing an abnormality in the other two. Spirometry and total lung capacity both measure lung volume, but one may be abnormal while the second remains normal. The diffusion capacity measures a decrease in oxygen exchange in the lung, and so is measuring a different function of the lung than lung volumes. Asbestosis can just as easily be manifest with a decreased lung volume or a decrease in gas exchange; neither is a better, more sensitive or more accurate test, and both types of tests must be used in any set of diagnostic criteria. The diffusion capacity has been shown to correlate with the severity of fibrosis found on pathologic examination of the lung, and a reduction in diffusion capacity can precede x-ray changes.

The changes in pulmonary function at times can be subtle, and test results should be interpreted by someone with experience in asbestos related diseases. Pulmonary exercise testing can be used to clarify subtle abnormalities, and any compensation system must allow the examining physician to submit a medical report and rationale based on accepted medical tests. Because the diagnosis of asbestosis or any other asbestos-related disease can be made with a range of medical tests, it is essential that any compensation system include a medical panel to review cases that do not meet the most common diagnostic criteria. As just one example of a study that supports the need for a medical panel, Kipen reported that 18% of insulators who had asbestosis found on pathological examination the lung had a normal chest x-ray . If we were to require a 1/0 film in all cases of asbestosis, these workers would be excluded. Pathological examination is not required in the absence of x-ray abnormalities; a combination of CT scan and exercise testing can reasonably approximate the specificity as tissue examination.

Once this scar formation takes place it is irreversible. It gets worse in some cases, even after exposure stops. Factors that are associated with worsening scarring include the severity of disease (the more the scarring, the more likely it is to get worse), and the amount and intensity of exposure to asbestos. Because of the damage to the lungs a person with asbestosis is at increased risk of lung infections and so should get regular medical care and influenza vaccines."



Testimony of Dr. Laura S. Welch - Part I
Testimony of Dr. Laura S. Welch - Part III

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Significant Occupational Exposure Rating


Ref. No.

Occupation

Industry

5001

Boiler Coverers

Aerospace/Aviation

5002

Boiler Inspector

Aerospace/Aviation

5003

Boiler Insulator

Aerospace/Aviation

5004

Boiler Maker

Aerospace/Aviation

5005

Boiler Mechanic Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

5006

Boiler Operator

Aerospace/Aviation

5007

Boiler Plant Operator

Aerospace/Aviation

5008

Boiler Repair

Aerospace/Aviation

5009

Boiler Supervisor

Aerospace/Aviation

5010

Boiler Technician

Aerospace/Aviation

5011

Boiler Tender

Aerospace/Aviation

5012

Boiler Tester

Aerospace/Aviation

5013

Boiler Washer

Aerospace/Aviation

5014

Boiler Worker

Aerospace/Aviation

5015

Boilermaid

Aerospace/Aviation

5016

Boilermaker

Aerospace/Aviation

5017

Boilermaker Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

5018

Boilermaker Supervisor

Aerospace/Aviation

5019

Boilerman

Aerospace/Aviation

5020

Boilers Mfg. Plant Worker

Aerospace/Aviation

5021

Boilertender

Aerospace/Aviation

4

Brake Line,Shoe Installer,Repairman

Aerospace/Aviation

5022

Burner

Aerospace/Aviation

5023

Burner Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

5024

Insulation Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

5025

Insulator

Aerospace/Aviation

5026

Insulator Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

5027

Insulator Helper/Apprentice

Aerospace/Aviation

5028

Insulator's Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

5029

Lagger

Aerospace/Aviation

5030

Millwright

Aerospace/Aviation

5031

Pipe Coverer

Aerospace/Aviation

5032

Pipe Insulator

Aerospace/Aviation

5033

Pipe Welder

Aerospace/Aviation

15

Pipefitter

Aerospace/Aviation

5034

Pipefitter's Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

5035

Plumber

Aerospace/Aviation

5036

Refractory Insulator

Aerospace/Aviation

5037

Sheetmetal Worker

Aerospace/Aviation

20

Steamfitter

Aerospace/Aviation

21

Welder

Aerospace/Aviation

5038

Welder Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

5039

Welder's Helper

Aerospace/Aviation

22

Abatement Worker

Asbestos Abatement

5040

Boiler Coverers

Asbestos Abatement

5041

Boiler Inspector

Asbestos Abatement

5042

Boiler Insulator

Asbestos Abatement

5043

Boiler Maker

Asbestos Abatement

5044

Boiler Mechanic Helper

Asbestos Abatement

5045

Boiler Operator

Asbestos Abatement

5046

Boiler Plant Operator

Asbestos Abatement

5047

Boiler Repair

Asbestos Abatement

5048

Boiler Supervisor

Asbestos Abatement

5049

Boiler Technician

Asbestos Abatement

5050

Boiler Tender

Asbestos Abatement

5051

Boiler Tester

Asbestos Abatement

5052

Boiler Washer

Asbestos Abatement

5053

Boiler Worker

Asbestos Abatement

5054

Boilermaid

Asbestos Abatement

5055

Boilermaker

Asbestos Abatement

5056

Boilermaker Helper

Asbestos Abatement

5057

Boilermaker Supervisor

Asbestos Abatement

5058

Boilerman

Asbestos Abatement

5059

Boilers Mfg. Plant Worker

Asbestos Abatement

5060

Boilertender

Asbestos Abatement

5061

Burner

Asbestos Abatement

5062

Burner Helper

Asbestos Abatement

5063

Insulation Helper

Asbestos Abatement

5064

Insulator

Asbestos Abatement

5065

Insulator Helper

Asbestos Abatement

5066

Insulator Helper/Apprentice

Asbestos Abatement

5067

Insulator's Helper

Asbestos Abatement

5068

Lagger

Asbestos Abatement

5069

Millwright

Asbestos Abatement

5070

Pipe Coverer

Asbestos Abatement

5071

Pipe Insulator

Asbestos Abatement

5072

Pipe Welder

Asbestos Abatement

5073

Pipefitter

Asbestos Abatement

5074

Pipefitter's Helper

Asbestos Abatement

5075

Plumber

Asbestos Abatement

5076

Refractory Insulator

Asbestos Abatement

23

Ripout

Asbestos Abatement

5077

Sheetmetal Worker

Asbestos Abatement

5078

Steamfitter

Asbestos Abatement

5079

Welder

Asbestos Abatement

5080

Welder Helper

Asbestos Abatement

5081

Welder's Helper

Asbestos Abatement

24

Bagger

Asbestos Mining

25

Blender

Asbestos Mining

5082

Boiler Coverers

Asbestos Mining

5083

Boiler Inspector

Asbestos Mining

5084

Boiler Insulator

Asbestos Mining

5085

Boiler Maker

Asbestos Mining

5086

Boiler Mechanic Helper

Asbestos Mining

5087

Boiler Operator

Asbestos Mining

5088

Boiler Plant Operator

Asbestos Mining

5089

Boiler Repair

Asbestos Mining

5090

Boiler Supervisor

Asbestos Mining

5091

Boiler Technician

Asbestos Mining

5092

Boiler Tender

Asbestos Mining

5093

Boiler Tester

Asbestos Mining

5094

Boiler Washer

Asbestos Mining

5095

Boiler Worker

Asbestos Mining

5096

Boilermaid

Asbestos Mining

5097

Boilermaker

Asbestos Mining

5098

Boilermaker Helper

Asbestos Mining

5099

Boilermaker Supervisor

Asbestos Mining

5100

Boilerman

Asbestos Mining

5101

Boilers Mfg. Plant Worker

Asbestos Mining

5102

Boilertender

Asbestos Mining

5103

Burner

Asbestos Mining

5104

Burner Helper

Asbestos Mining

26

Car Loader

Asbestos Mining

27

Crusher Operator

Asbestos Mining

28

Driller

Asbestos Mining

29

Dryer Operator

Asbestos Mining

30

Heavy Equipment Operator

Asbestos Mining

5105

Insulation Helper

Asbestos Mining

5106

Insulator

Asbestos Mining

5107

Insulator Helper

Asbestos Mining

5108

Insulator Helper/Apprentice

Asbestos Mining

5109

Insulator's Helper

Asbestos Mining

31

Laboratory Technician

Asbestos Mining

32

Laborer

Asbestos Mining

5110

Lagger

Asbestos Mining

33

Mill Operator

Asbestos Mining

5111

Millwright

Asbestos Mining

34

Pack Hauler

Asbestos Mining

35

Packer

Asbestos Mining

36

Palletizer

Asbestos Mining

5112

Pipe Coverer

Asbestos Mining

5113

Pipe Insulator

Asbestos Mining

5114

Pipe Welder

Asbestos Mining

5115

Pipefitter

Asbestos Mining

5116

Pipefitter's Helper

Asbestos Mining

5117

Plumber

Asbestos Mining

5118

Refractory Insulator

Asbestos Mining

5119

Sheetmetal Worker

Asbestos Mining

5120

Steamfitter

Asbestos Mining

37

Truck Driver

Asbestos Mining

38

Weaver of Asbestos Fibers

Asbestos Mining

39

Welder

Asbestos Mining

5121

Welder Helper

Asbestos Mining

5122

Welder's Helper

Asbestos Mining

40

Aluminum Worker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

41

Asbestos Floor Supervisor

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

42

Asbestos Worker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

43

Assembly Line Worker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

45

Bag Opener

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

46

Bale Roller

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

47

Beaterman

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5123

Boiler Coverers

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5124

Boiler Inspector

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5125

Boiler Insulator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5126

Boiler Maker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5127

Boiler Mechanic Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5128

Boiler Operator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5129

Boiler Plant Operator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5130

Boiler Repair

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5131

Boiler Supervisor

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5132

Boiler Technician

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5133

Boiler Tender

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5134

Boiler Tester

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5135

Boiler Washer

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5136

Boiler Worker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5137

Boilermaid

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

48

Boilermaker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5138

Boilermaker Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5139

Boilermaker Supervisor

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5140

Boilerman

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5141

Boilers Mfg. Plant Worker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5142

Boilertender

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5143

Burner

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5144

Burner Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

49

Carder of Asbestos Yarn

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

51

Crusher

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

52

Cutter

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

53

Design Engineer

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

54

Electrician

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

55

Fabricator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

56

Foreman

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

57

Forklift Operator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

58

Hopper Loader

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5145

Insulation Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5146

Insulator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5147

Insulator Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5148

Insulator Helper/Apprentice

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5149

Insulator's Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

59

Laborer

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5150

Lagger

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

60

Loader

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

61

Machine Operator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

62

Maintenance

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

63

Millwright

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

64

Mixer

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

65

Molder

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

66

Operator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

67

Patcher

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

68

Piece Worker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5151

Pipe Coverer

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5152

Pipe Insulator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5153

Pipe Welder

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

69

Pipefitter

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5154

Pipefitter's Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

70

Plant Worker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

71

Plumber

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

72

Production Engineer

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

73

Puncher of Asbestos Cement Pipes

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

74

Puncher of Flooring Materials

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

75

Puncher of Gaskets

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

76

Puncher of Millboard

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

77

Puncher of Reinforced Plastics

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

78

Puncher of Roofing Materials

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5155

Refractory Insulator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

79

Runner

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

80

Salesman

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

81

Saw Operator

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

82

Sheetmetal Worker

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

83

Spinner of Asbestos Cloths

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

84

Steamfitter

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

85

Stock Preparation

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

86

Tow Motor Driver

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

87

Trouble Shooter

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

88

Truck Driver

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

89

Warehouseman

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

90

Weaver of Asbestos Textiles

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

91

Welder

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5156

Welder Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

5157

Welder's Helper

Asbestos Products Manufacturing

92

Assembler and installer of Brakes

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

93

Assembler of Clutches

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

95

Auto Mechanic

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5158

Boiler Coverers

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5159

Boiler Inspector

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5160

Boiler Insulator

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5161

Boiler Maker

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5162

Boiler Mechanic Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5163

Boiler Operator

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5164

Boiler Plant Operator

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5165

Boiler Repair

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5166

Boiler Supervisor

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5167

Boiler Technician

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5168

Boiler Tender

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5169

Boiler Tester

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5170

Boiler Washer

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5171

Boiler Worker

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5172

Boilermaid

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5173

Boilermaker

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5174

Boilermaker Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5175

Boilermaker Supervisor

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5176

Boilerman

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5177

Boilers Mfg. Plant Worker

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5178

Boilertender

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

99

Brake and Clutch Repairman

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

100

Brake Mechanic

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

101

Brake Worker

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

102

Brake Yard Worker

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5179

Burner

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5180

Burner Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

106

Foundry Worker

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

108

Grinder

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5181

Insulation Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

109

Insulator

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5182

Insulator Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5183

Insulator Helper/Apprentice

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5184

Insulator's Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

111

Iron Pourer

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5185

Lagger

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5186

Millwright

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5187

Pipe Coverer

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5188

Pipe Insulator

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5189

Pipe Welder

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

121

Pipefitter

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5190

Pipefitter's Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

123

Plumber

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

125

Power House Mechanic

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5191

Refractory Insulator

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5192

Sheetmetal Worker

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

131

Steamfitter

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5193

Welder

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5194

Welder Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

5195

Welder's Helper

Automotive/Mechanical Friction

141

Ash Puller

Chemical

142

Assembler

Chemical

143

B Operator

Chemical

144

Bale press operator

Chemical

145

Beamer

Chemical

5196

Boiler Coverers

Chemical

146

Boiler Inspector

Chemical

5197

Boiler Insulator

Chemical

5198

Boiler Maker

Chemical

5199

Boiler Mechanic Helper

Chemical

147

Boiler Operator

Chemical

5200

Boiler Plant Operator

Chemical

148

Boiler Repair

Chemical

149

Boiler Supervisor

Chemical

5201

Boiler Technician

Chemical

5202

Boiler Tender

Chemical

5203

Boiler Tester

Chemical

150

Boiler Washer

Chemical

5204

Boiler Worker

Chemical

5205

Boilermaid

Chemical

151

Asbestos Claims Trust - Testimony of Dr. Laura S. Welch

Testimony of
Dr. Laura Stewart Welch
Medical Director
Center to Protect Workers Rights
June 4, 2003
(part I)


Testimony of Laura Welch,
MD Medical Director, Center to Protect Workers Rights
On Asbestos Related Diseases – Medical Criteria, Populations at Risk and Disease Projections
Before the Senate Judiciary Committee
June 4, 2003

"Chairman Hatch, Senator Leahy and members of the committee, I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before the committee to testify on medical and diagnostic criteria for asbestos-related diseases.

MY BACKGROUND
My name is Laura S. Welch. I am a physician, board certified in internal medicine and occupational medicine, licensed to practice here in DC and in Maryland. For many years I have had an active medical practice and treated many workers with asbestos-related disorders. I am currently medical director for The Center To Protect Workers Rights, a research institute affiliated with the Building and Construction Trades department of the AFL-CIO. I am also the author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications and technical reports in the field of occupational and environmental medicine, and am currently an investigator on six research projects in the field. I have served as a consultant to many federal agencies, including OSHA, NIOSH, CDC and the NIH. I have special interest and experience in health and safety in the construction industry. I have worked with several union-management committees on health and safety issues, including Boeing-United Auto Workers, and Rail Management and Rail Labor for the US railroad industry. Since 1987 I have worked with the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute (SMOHIT), a labor-management trust for the unionized segment of the sheet metal industry. SMOHIT has sponsored a medical examination program for sheet metal workers in the United States and Canada, to detect occupational lung disease and asbestos-related disease in particular. I have published several papers describing the findings of asbestos-related disease in this group of construction workers , and am now looking at changes in patterns of disease over time in order to project disease rates into the future. Over the past several months I have been participating on behalf of the AFL-CIO in discussions with the Asbestos Study Group, interested insurance companies, and other parties on establishment of an administrative system for asbestos compensation.

THE LEGACY OF ASBESTOS
Decades of uncontrolled use of asbestos, even after its hazards were known, have resulted in an occupational disease crisis in the United States and throughout the world of monumental scope. In this country, from 1940 to 1979, 27.5 million workers were occupationally exposed to asbestos in shipyards, manufacturing operations, construction work and a wide range of other industries and occupations; 18.8 million of these having high levels of exposure . As a result hundreds of thousands of workers and their family members have suffered or died of asbestos-related cancers and lung disease, and more than a million more cases are expected. In this year alone, in 2003, almost 10,000 people in the United States are expected to die from asbestos-related diseases. Because of the long lag between exposure and the development of cancer or other asbestos diseases, the asbestos disease epidemic is only now peaking, and will be with us for decades to come. There is no disputing the fact that many have died of asbestos related disease, and many more will die in the future. Everyone here today must agree that a remedy is needed; we now must agree on what remedy is fair and adequate."


Testimony of Dr. Laura S. Welch - Part II