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Kamis, 26 Januari 2012

Carolina Asbestos Textile Industry Risk High Mortality

SEM photo of Chrysotile.Image via WikipediaStudies of workers in two US cohorts of asbestos textile workers exposed to chrysotile (North Carolina (NC) and South Carolina (SC)) found increasing risk of lung cancer mortality with cumulative fibre exposure. However, the risk appeared to increase more steeply in SC, possibly due to differences in study methods. The authors conducted pooled analyses of the cohorts and investigated the exposure-disease relationship using uniform cohort inclusion criteria and statistical methods.

Increased rates of lung cancer were significantly associated with cumulative fibre exposure overall and in both the Carolina asbestos-textile cohorts. Previously reported differences in exposure-response between the cohorts do not appear to be related to inclusion criteria or analytical methods.

Rabu, 04 Januari 2012

More Evidence Mounts That TSA Scanners Are Dangerous



How much radiation is just too much and an additional risk for cancer is the question now posed by scientists concerned about TSA scanners. The scanners emit radiation in one form or another that is where the issues gets hot.


"Ionizing means it knocks the electrons out of your body, which breaks your DNA chain, which can cause death or cancer...."
Read: Cancer concerns mount over TSA body scanner

Jumat, 30 September 2011

How To Determine If A Substance Causes Cancer at Work

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is seeking public input to determine what substances cause cancer and at what level of occupational exposure.

"The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to review its approach to classifying carcinogens and establishing recommended exposure limits (RELs) for occupational exposures to hazards associated with cancer. As part of this effort, NIOSH is requesting initial input on these issues (including answers to the 5 questions in the following section), to be submitted to the NIOSH Docket number 240, for a comment period lasting through September 22, 2011. This information will be taken under consideration and used to inform NIOSH efforts to assess and document its carcinogen policy and REL policy regarding occupational hazards associated with cancer. NIOSH has also created a new NIOSH Cancer and REL Policy Web Topic Page [see http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/cancer/policy.html] to provide additional details about this effort and progress updates."


"NIOSH is announcing a Request for Information on key issues identified and associated with the NIOSH Carcinogen and REL policies. Special emphasis will be placed on consideration of technical and scientific issues with the current NIOSH Cancer and REL Policies that require further examination including the following:Show citation box

(1) Should there explicitly be a carcinogen policy as opposed to a broader policy on toxicant identification and classification (e.g.carcinogens, reproductive hazards, neurotoxic agents)?Show citation box

(2) What evidence should form the basis for determining that substances are carcinogens? How should these criteria correspond to nomenclature and categorizations (e.g., known, reasonably anticipated,etc.)?Show citation box

(3) Should 1 in 1,000 working lifetime risk (for persons occupationally exposed) be the target level for a recommended exposure limit (REL) for carcinogens or should lower targets be considered?Show citation box

(4) In establishing NIOSH RELs, how should the phrase “to the extent feasible” (defined in the 1995 NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit Policy) be interpreted and applied?Show citation box

(5) In the absence of data, what uncertainties or assumptions areappropriate for use in the development of RELs? What is the utility of a standard ”action level” (i.e., an exposure limit set below the REL typically used to trigger risk management actions) and how should it be set? How should NIOSH address worker exposure to complex mixtures?

Public Comment Period: Comments must be received by September 22, 2011.

The concept of a compensable industrial disease has developed only recently and its acceptance has lagged far behind that of industrial accidents. The original Workers' Compensation Acts, as promulgated from the year 1911 forward by many of the states, did not provide for the recognition of occupational illness and disease as compensable events. As demands have been placed upon the medical system to treat and to prevent occupational illness, the legal system, under social, economic, and political pressure, has sought to provide a remedy for the thousands of injured workers who have suffered and who are continuing to suffer from occupational illness and disease. 

Senin, 29 Agustus 2011

Genetic Pre-Disposition to Mesothelioma


The workers' compensation system has struggled with asbestos related claims for decades. The serious and sometimes fatal occupational malignancies that asbestos exposure has been responsible for have resulted in an unabated epidemic surge of claims for which he system was unable to handle efficiently. The recent findings of a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma is a hopeful beginning that positive research efforts will yield both prevention and cure of asbestos related disease.

Scientists have found that individuals who carry a mutation in a gene called BAP1 are susceptible to developing two forms of cancer – mesothelioma, and melanoma of the eye. Additionally, when these individuals are exposed to asbestos or similar mineral fibers, their risk of developing mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen, may be markedly increased.

"Because only a small fraction of asbestos-exposed individuals develop malignant mesothelioma1, and because mesothelioma clustering is observed in some families, we searched for genetic predisposing factors. We discovered germline mutations in the gene encoding BRCA1 associated protein-1 (BAP1) in two families with a high incidence of mesothelioma, and we observed somatic alterations affecting BAP1 in familial mesotheliomas, indicating biallelic inactivation. In addition to mesothelioma, some BAP1 mutation carriers developed uveal melanoma. We also found germline BAP1 mutations in 2 of 26 sporadic mesotheliomas; both individuals with mutant BAP1 were previously diagnosed with uveal melanoma. We also observed somatic truncating BAP1mutations and aberrant BAP1 expression in sporadic mesotheliomas without germline mutations. These results identify a BAP1-related cancer syndrome that is characterized by mesothelioma and uveal melanoma. We hypothesize that other cancers may also be involved and that mesothelioma predominates upon asbestos exposure. These findings will help to identify individuals at high risk of mesothelioma who could be targeted for early intervention."

"Germline BAP1 mutations predispose to malignant mesothelioma,
" Nature Genetics (2011) doi:10.1038/ng.912Received 06 May 2011 Accepted 27 July 2011 Published online 28 August 2011


Also see NIH Press Release: NIH-funded researchers discover genetic link to mesothelioma; Identified gene mutation may underlie other cancer types

For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.

Kamis, 18 Agustus 2011

NIOSH to Propose New Criteria for Diacetyl Exposure

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) invites public comment on a draft document, "Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione.”


For public review and comment, the draft document summarizes current scientific knowledge about the occupational safety and health implications of the food flavorings diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, and recommends occupational exposure limits and measures for controlling work related exposures to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione, based on the current state of knowledge.


The draft document is available athttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/review/docket245/default.html for written public comment until Oct. 14, 2011. NIOSH will also hold a public meeting to discuss and obtain comments on Aug. 26, 2011, in Washington D.C.


"Occupational exposure to diacetyl has been associated with severe obstructive lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans, and decrease in lung function," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "NIOSH has provided over a decade of research and leadership in this important scientific area. In addition to the recommended exposure limits (RELs), this draft document provides for public comment a comprehensive review of scientific literature, a quantitative risk assessment, and valuable guidance to reduce occupational exposures to diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione. We invite public comment on the draft Criteria Document to help us develop final recommendations."

The draft document includes, for comment:
For Diacetyl, a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 5 parts per billion (ppb) as an eight-hour, time-weighted average, (TWA) during a 40-hour work week. To further protect against effects of short-term exposures, NIOSH recommends in the draft document a short-term exposure limit (STEL) for diacetyl of 25 ppb for a 15-minute time period.


For 2,3-pentanedione, a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 9.3 parts per billion (ppb) as an eight-hour, time-weighted average, (TWA) during a 40-hour work week. The REL for 2,3-pentanedione in the draft document is based upon the lowest level at which the substance reliably can be detected using the existing analytical method, and should not be misconstrued to imply that 2,3-pentanedione is of lower toxicity than diacetyl. Further, NIOSH recommends a STEL of 31 ppb to limit peak exposures for 2,3-pentanedione on the same basis of analytic method limitation.

Selasa, 26 Juli 2011

NIOSH Fails to Link Cancer as Zadroga Fund Compensable

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a report concluding that cancer is not a compensable disease for the Zadroga World Trade Center Victims Compensation Fund.

The report concludes:
"Based on the scientific and medical findings in the peer-reviewed literature reported in this first periodic review of cancer for the WTC Health Program, insufficient evidence exists at this time to propose a rule to add cancer, or a certain type of cancer, to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions. "

Although a determination cannot be made to propose a rule to add cancer, or a type of cancer, to the List of WTC-Related Heath Conditions at this time, it is important to point out that the current absence of published scientific and medical findings demonstrating a causal association between the exposures resulting from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the occurrence of cancer in responders and survivors does not indicate evidence of the absence of a causal association. 

"It is expected that the second periodic review of cancer for the WTC Health Program will be conducted in early to mid-2012 to capture any emerging findings about exposures and cancer in responders and survivors affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Selasa, 24 Mei 2011

IARC To Issue Report on Cell Phones

The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to release a decision by June 1st as to whether the radiation emitted from cellphones causes cancer. Scientists at the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer will take part in an eight-day meeting in Lyons, France starting May 24, 2011. 

The use of cell phones in the course of employment is a major concern as it results in distracted driving accidents. The new report will determine if employer mandated cell phone use can be causally connected to occupational cancer claims.


For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.

Rabu, 04 Mei 2011

Fallen Asbestos Workers Honored at a Memorial Mass

The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ) reports on a memorial mass held at Saint Joachim Church honoring union members who died from asbestos related illnesses as a result of their occupational exposure to asbestos fiber. This was the 8th Annual Memorial Mass held by Insulators Local No. 89.

Fred Dumont, Business Manager of the union said, "The harmful effects of asbestos insulation were hidden by manufacturers and distributors, because they were making such enormous profits...."

Asbestos exposure is causally related to asbestosis, as well as lung cancer, and a rare but fatal carcinoma, mesothelioma.



Related articles

Minggu, 24 April 2011

NIOSH Correction: Asbestos is A Know Carcinogen

NIOSH has corrected it originally released report last month and has now inserted the text:


"NIOSH has determined that exposure to asbestos fibers causes cancer and asbestosis in humans and recommends that exposures be reduced to the lowest feasible concentration."


For more about this correction see The Pump Handle article.


Related articles

Sabtu, 23 April 2011

NIOSH Proposes Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia As Compensable

NIOSH logoImage via Wikipedia

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing to treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) as a radiogenic cancer under EEOICPA. Under the current final rule on Guidelines for Determining the Probability of Causation Under EEOICPA (42 CFR Part 81) published in 2002, all types of cancers, except for CLL, are treated as being potentially caused by radiation and therefore, as potentially compensable under EEOICPA. HHS proposes to reverse its decision to exclude CLL from such treatment.

(March 21, 2011)

this document in PDF PDF 270 KB (8 pages)

HHS invites written comments on this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from interested parties. Comments must be received by June 20, 2011.


Persons or organizations interested in participating in this rulemaking by submitting written views, arguments, recommendations, and data can submit comments by e-mail or mail. Comments should be addressed to the NIOSH Docket Officer, titled "NIOSH Docket #209," and should identify the author(s), return address, and a phone number, in case clarification is needed. 


  • E-mail: NIOSH Docket Officer, nioshdocket@cdc.gov. Include "NIOSH Docket #209" and "42 CFR 81.30" in the subject line of the message.

  • Mail: NIOSH Docket Office,
    Robert Taft Laboratories, MS-C34
    4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226


All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be fully considered by HHS.


All comments submitted will be available for examination in the rule docket (a publicly available storage of the documents associated with the rulemaking) both before and after the closing date for comments.

A complete electronic docket containing all comments submitted will be available athttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/archive/docket209.html or comments will be available in hard-copy by request.


For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered work related accidents and injuries.

Jumat, 18 Maret 2011

Breast Cancer Presumed Occupational Illness

Fire fighters in Canada are supporting legislation that would establish a legal presumption that breast cancer is an occupationally related illness. The legislation also creates a presumption that 3 other cancers (skin, prostate and multiple melanoma) are causally related to their employment in claims for workers' compensation benefits.

Click here for pending legislation: Bill#6 http://tinyurl.com/4ns622b

Rabu, 02 Februari 2011

Occupational Benzene Exposure and Lymphoma Subtypes

Previous studies on the possible association between benzene exposure and lymphoma have been complicated by problems with exposure misclassification, outcome classification, and low statistical power. Vlaanderen et al. (p. 159) performed a meta-analysis of occupational cohort studies for five different lymphoma categories, including Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The authors report that meta-relative risks (mRRs) for MM, ALL, and CLL increased with better study quality. mRRs for NHL also increased, but the effect was less pronounced. No association was observed for occupational exposure to benzene and HL. The authors conclude that their meta-analysis supports an association between occupational benzene exposure and risk of MM, ALL, and CLL. The evidence for an association with NHL is less clear, but this is likely complicated by the etiological heterogeneity of this group of diseases. Further consideration of the association between benzene and NHL will require delineation of risks by NHL subtype.

Selasa, 01 Februari 2011

WR Grace Asbestos Bankruptcy Plan Receives Initial Approval

A Delaware Bankruptcy Judge has approved a reorganization plan  for the former asbestos manufacturer, WR Grace. The company sought bankruptcy protection in 2001 from asbestos liabilities. The reorganization plan provides for the payment of benefits to victims of asbestos related disease.The proposed plan now must be reviewed by a US District Court Judge for final approval.


Asbestos exposure results in progressive and latent diseases including: asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. There is no known cure for mesothelioma, a rare and fatal disease. The use of asbestos is not yet banned in the US.


WR Grace manufactured asbestos insulation, Zonolite, and other asbestos containing products . For many years it mined asbestos in Libby, Montana, and left  behind a legacy of disease to its former employees and residence of the mining community. Last year, the US Congress passed and the President signed, a national health care bill that provided medical coverage under Medicare for those who worked and/or resided in Libby, Montana.


Once the US District Court finalizes approval of the plan, the present and futures asbestos victims trusts will begin processing claims for payment.

Kamis, 13 Januari 2011

New Drug May Be Effective Against Mesothelioma

Recent research by Japanese scientists have been reported effective against malignant pleural mesothelioma [MPM], a rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The drug, named S-1, has been developed as a novel oral antineoplastic agent "based on the modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) bioactivity."

The scientists used three human MPM cell lines, Y-MESO-14, NCI-H290 and MSTO-211H. In vitro proliferation of human MPM cells was determined by MTT assay. Human MPM cells were orthotopically implanted into thoracic cavity of SCID mice. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with S-1 or vehicle.

"The combination of 5-FU and 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine (CDHP) was more effective than 5-FU alone in inhibiting MPM cell proliferation in vitro. This combination was most effective in Y-MESO-14 cells, which co-expressed high protein level of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) and thymidine phosphorylase (TP). In vivo data showed that treatment with S-1 significantly reduced thoracic tumors and pleural effusion produced by Y-MESO-14 cells. Moreover, treatment with S-1 prolonged the survival of Y-MESO-14 cell-bearing SCID mice."

They concluded, "We demonstrated that S-1 was effective for inhibiting the proliferation of MPM cells, particularly with both DPD and TP expressions, suggesting that S-1 might be therapeutically effective for control of MPM."

CANCER CHEMOTHERAPY AND PHARMACOLOGY DOI: 10.1007/s00280-010-1503-x

Rabu, 12 Januari 2011

Workers Compensation Benefits Awarded for Breast Cancer

The Nevada Supreme Court has awarded workers' compensation benefits to a firefighter who alleged that her occupational exposure at work to toxic substances caused her breast cancer. The court held that there was substantial evidence that supported the finding that her exposure to known carcinogens was causally related to her breast cancer.

The injured worker was employed for the City of Las Vegas in 1992 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. She under whet treatment and lost 8 to 9 months of work. In 2004 she suffered a recurrence of the breast cancer and under when a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.

The Nevada statute defines what  a "carcinogen" is based upon the definition of the International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC] or the National Toxicology Program [NTP]. The former firefighter alleged that she was exposed to benzene, a know carcinogen. One of her expert witnesses, Dr. James Melius, testified that, "Several studies have found occupational exposure to benzene to be associated with breast cancer risk in both males and females."

Also her treating physician causally related her medical condition to her occupational exposure to carcinogens. He advised her to cease work as a firefighter.

City of Las Vegas v. Lawson, No. 53900, 126 Nev. Adv. Op. 52, 2010 WL 542282 (Nev. 2010) Decided December 30, 2010.

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Minggu, 12 Desember 2010

Workers Compensation Benefits for Breast Cancer to Be Law in Manitoba

The Canadian Province of Manitoba is about to enact a law recognizing breast cancer to be a compensable condition for female firefighters. The legislation, will also provide workers' compensation for  prostate cancer, melanoma and multiple myeloma.

The Canadian Broadcasting System (CBC) reports that, "The risk of developing breast cancer is three to five times greater in a female firefighter than in the general population, Forrest said, noting 'at every fire there are more than 200 known carcinogens that are connected to breast cancer.'"

Jumat, 12 November 2010

Great American Smokeout --- November 18, 2010


The Great American Smokeout (GASO), sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is an annual event that encourages smokers to quit for at least 1 day in the hope that this might challenge them to stop permanently (1). This year, GASO will be held on November 18.
Major changes have occurred since the first GASO in 1977. In 1978, approximately 34% of adults smoked; by 2009, nearly 21% smoked (2--4). Federal laws now prohibit smoking on airlines, and 24 states and the District of Columbia have comprehensive smoking bans (3,4). The U.S. government also has added coverage of smoking cessation treatments to health plans. As of October 1, 2010, Medicaid programs are required to cover tobacco-dependence treatments for pregnant women, and in 2011, cessation coverage will be provided to all federal employees, retirees, and their spouses and dependents.
Despite progress, 46.6 million U.S. adults smoke, 40% of nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke, and 443,000 deaths each year are attributed to smoking and secondhand smoke (3--5). Additional information and support for quitting is available online (http://www.smokefree.) or by telephone (800-QUIT-NOW [800-784-8669]; TTY 800-332-8615).

References

  1. American Cancer Society. Great American Smokeout. Available at http://www.cancer.org/healthy/stayawayfromtobacco/greatamericansmokeout. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2010. Accessed November 2, 2010.
  2. CDC. Surveillance for selected tobacco-use behaviors---United States, 1900--1994. MMWR 1994;43(No. SS-3).
  3. CDC. Vital signs: current cigarette smoking among adults aged ≥18 years---United States, 2009. MMWR 2010;59:1135--40.
  4. CDC. Vital signs: nonsmokers' exposure to secondhand smoke---United States, 1999--2008. MMWR 2010;59:1141--6.
  5. CDC. Smoking-attributable mortality, years of potential life lost, and productivity losses---United States, 2000--2004. MMWR 2008;57:1226--8.

Kamis, 04 November 2010

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

We support Lung Cancer Awareness Month and encourage medical screenings and financial support to find a cure. Early awareness and treatment of the disease at its early stages, when it is most curable, would significantly improve outcomes.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in every ethic group. Nearly 80% of new lung cancer cases are former and never smokers.

Exposure to
asbestos is major and significant cause of lung cancer. The development of disease may take up to 30 years to manifest following exposure to asbestos.

The Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization devoted solely to support and advocacy for all those living with or at risk for lung cancer. Recognized as one of the most highly rated charities as reviewed by the public on GreatNonprofits.org, Lung Cancer Alliance maintains a 3-star rating by Charity Navigator and is a proud participant of the Combined Federal Campaign 

For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered asbestos related disease.

Related articles

Kamis, 30 September 2010

New Biomarkers Discovered for Mesothelioma May Lead to Early Detection

Using a novel aptamer-based proteomics array technology, researchers and collaborators have identified biomarkers and protein signatures that are hallmarks of cancer at an early stage for two of the most aggressive and deadly forms of cancer — pancreatic and mesothelioma.

This technology would enable better clinical diagnosis at an earlier stage and may provide insight into new therapeutic targets, said Rachel Ostroff, Ph.D., clinical research director of Somalogic Inc.

“Currently these cancers are detected at an advanced stage, where the possibility of cure is minimal,” said Ostroff. “Detection of these aggressive cancers at an earlier stage would identify patients for early treatment, which may improve their survival and quality of life.”

Ostroff presented results of this ongoing study at the Fourth AACR International Conference on Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer Therapeutic Development.

Discovered about 20 years ago, aptamers are nucleic acid molecules that bind to specific proteins. SomaLogic has developed the next generation of aptamers, SOMAmers (Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamers), which have superior affinity and specificity. SOMAmers enable a highly multiplexed proteomic platform used for simultaneous identification and quantification of target proteins in complex biological samples.

The goal of this study was to determine if this proteomics technology could identify blood-based biomarkers for pancreatic cancer or mesothelioma in people diagnosed, but not yet treated, for cancer.

Participants in the control group had symptoms that resembled these cancers, but were benign (i.e. pancreatitis or lung fibrosis).

Ostroff and colleagues tested blood from participants to discover the biomarkers specific to those with cancer, which would then be used to identify these diseases at an early stage, where the potential for effective treatment is much higher than in disease that has progressed.

For both forms of cancer, the researchers discovered biomarkers and developed a signature with high accuracy for detection of each form of cancer. Equally important, they found high specificity, meaning few people without disease will be incorrectly diagnosed and thus avoid unnecessary tests or treatments.

“Validation studies are underway, which we hope will lead to the development of diagnostic tests that hold clinical benefits for patients,” Ostroff said.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related pulmonary cancer that causes an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 deaths per year worldwide.


For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman  1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered asbestos related disease.