Health • Cancer

Asbestosis - How "Coffin Nails" Can Really Become Coffin Nails

Nov 25, 2010 • By Thomas Ajava •

Asbestos causes a host of health problems. One that doesn't get as much hype is asbestosis. In this article, we take a look at asbestosis and smoking.

Asbestos is a wondrous natural material. How so? It is incredibly heat and fire resistant. As a result, it has been used throughout history in products and building materials wherever heat and fire have been a concern. This includes in boiler rooms on Naval ships, in brake pads on cars and in construction materialslike ceiling tile, siding, insulation and so on.

Asbestosis is not a form of cancer. There is a lot of confusion on this issue. Instead, it is a scarring of the lungs. This occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled into the lungs and become embedded higher up in the lungs. The body cannot expel the fibers through coughing and scarring starts to occur. While asbestosis is not a form of cancer, it can lead to lung cancer particularly where other risk factors are present.

As you can probably guess, smoking is one of the key risk factors when evaluation the risk of lung cancer. Consistent smoking weakens and damages the lung material. In combination with the scarring from the asbestos fibers, this leaves the lungs in horrific condition, one so bad that the onset of lung cancer becomes much more likely. How much more? Try 50 percent more likely.

Now, there is a flip side to this equation. What if you smoke now and are exposed to asbestos? Is it a death sentence? No. According to the NationalCancer Institute, you drop the chance of your getting lung cancer by a huge 50 percent if you stop smoking. Yes, another reason for you to stop firing up those coffin nails.

I smoked for years. I was never exposed to asbestos. At least I hope not. You can quit if you really want to. If you've been exposed to asbestos, the question is not whether you want to quiet smoking, but whether you want to keep living. Smoking while around asbestos is damn near committing suicide. Don't do it!

Share:

AddThis Sharing Buttons

About the Author

Thomas Ajava

Thomas Ajava writes about asbestos and smoking as well as other Mesothelioma issues for MesotheliomaAttorneyAssistance.com. (show bio)

Health

The Risk of Heart Attacks Linked To Paxil

Apr 17, 2007 • By Nick Johnson • 853 Views

There are several severe side effects related to taking the antidepressant medication known as Paxil. One of these side effects is tachycardia. Tachycardia is sudden, rapid racing of the heart. It is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal.

In some recent lawsuits, some patients have filed suit because of the fact that they suffered a heart attack or other heart related illnesses initiated by the tachycardia caused by taking Paxil. Did you have heart attack while taking the Paxil medication? If so, this information could be very important for you.

Paxil is a medication used to treat several mental illnesses. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication (also called SSRI) and is generally prescribed for patients who are suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders. It was released in 1992 by the GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical company.

As of December 2006, it is the most prescribed antidepressant medication by a variety of different doctors; because it is one of the most efficient medicationsavailable on the pharmaceutical market for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Millions of Americans were prescribed Paxil medication over the last decade and have suffered conditions relating to the severe side effects. Some patients even suffered a heart attack.

Research has shown that Paxil can causes severe cardiac birth defects, so it is proven that Paxil can have effect on the heart. Tachycardia is one severe side effect brought on my Paxil. Therefore, patients who have taken Paxil are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or other cardiac illnesses.

Did you have a heart attack while you were taking Paxil? If so, you should contact a Paxil lawyer as soon as possible. Did you know that Paxil has had thousands of lawsuits since 2001 because they were accused of hiding or misrepresenting important information about the side effects of the medication? Chances are, your heart attack could have been provoked by the side effects of Paxil. You can contact a Paxil lawyer for more information and an evaluation.

If Paxil is capable of causing heart related problems in young children, and because the side effects such as tachycardia are so common with the use of Paxil, your heart attack may have stemmed from the Paxil medication and its side effects. There are statutes of limitation on the lawsuits, so call a Paxil attorney if you believe your heart attack may have resulted from taking Paxil as soon as possible.

Share:

AddThis Sharing Buttons

About the Author

Nick Johnson

Nick Johnson is lead counsel with Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving...(show bio)

Health • Cancer

Is Bonded Asbestos Dangerous?

Nov 15, 2011 • By Cates Law •

Bonded asbestos refers to asbestos fibers that are bonded to another material (such as cement or resin binder).  According to the ADFA (The Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia Inc.) common uses of bonded asbestos can be found in, but are not limited to, the following: flat sheeting (fibro), corrugated or compressedasbestos-cement (AC) sheeting, drainage and flue pipes, and floor tiles.  The ADFA is a not-for profit organization working to provide support to people living with asbestos related diseases.

All else equal, bonded asbestos is not friable, meaning that it cannot be crumbled into dust in the hand without the use of tools; however, it can become friable if worked on with power tools, through weathering, and even through normal wear and tear.  The greatest harm that can arise from friable asbestos is that if inhaled, it can lead to mesothelioma – a rare form of incurable cancer. 

So while bonded asbestos is not dangerous as untouched and undisturbed ‘bonded asbestos', it can very easily become friable asbestos which is extremely dangerous.   Whenever asbestos is found in any form it is important to take all necessary precautions.  It's best to contact a licensed professional before doing any work where asbestos may be present. 

When asbestos is present there are four common methods of dealing with it: 

1. Removal – for times when the asbestos must be removed – this is often an extremely involved process and more informationcan be found here.
2. Deep Seal – if the asbestos is in good condition sometimes the best approach is to encapsulate or deep seal it.
3. Enclose – similar to a deep seal, this prevents fibers from reaching outside of the enclosure.
4. Label & monitor – depending on the location and condition of the asbestos it may be acceptable to simple label the area appropriately and monitor it's condition regularly.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos at work or in the home, and developed any asbestos related disease, you may be eligible to file a claim for damages as a result of the injury.  Our nationwide scope and the lawyers we work with have been at the front of this battle for justice for workers and their families for many years, and we will fight for you.  For more information, visit ourMesothelioma Lawyer homepage.

Share:

AddThis Sharing Buttons

About the Author

Cates Law

How can we help? Our attorneys are extremely knowledgeable in the areas in which we practice.  We have over 30 years of courtroom experience...(show bio)