Senate Approves The Ban Asbestos In America Act To Reduce Mesothelioma
Most people know that mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the heart, lungs, or stomach. Members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee have taken action to help reduce the risk of this type of cancer. Yesterday they approved the Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007. It has been discovered that people who have had prolonged or heavy exposure to asbestos may be at risk for developing mesothelioma.
In a press release to PR Newswire, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) applauded the efforts of the committee members. Senator Patty Murray, from Washington, introduced the bill in March of 2007. The bill will now be presented to the entire Senate for final approval.
In researching this subject, the number of people who have been exposed to toxic air qualities seems enormous. The attack of 9/11 affected thousands in the city of Unusual York. A report done by Andrew Stephen, of the New Statesman, says that “a Chernobyl-type cloud of dust and debris blew and settled not unprejudiced over Manhattan, but as far afield as Brooklyn and even New Jersey, too.” The report states that 700,000 people have come forward stating they own they were exposed. 10,000 have filed lawsuits. The report asks the question, How many more will be affected?
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has dedicated themselves to stopping this illness. A non-profit organization, funded by meso patients and their families, as well as other corporate donations, MARF helps victims with treatment options. There are also advocates from the group, in Washington trying to secure the attention of politicians, so that bills, like the one passed today, make it to Senate. The “Wall of Tribute” listed on the MARF.org web-site lists over 1000 names of those who have succumbed to this cancer.
The report submitted to PR Newswire quoted some interesting information. Sue Vento, a member of MARF’s Board of Directors, had this to say, “So many people I talk with are truly shocked to learn that asbestos has not been banned in this country. Most mistakenly believe it was banned decades ago. But those who have experienced the devastation of mesothelioma and other diseases caused by asbestos know how urgently Senator Murray’s legislation is needed, and are very grateful.” I was one of those people. I thought asbestos use had been banned for years. I can remember our grade school being closed for several days for asbestos removal.
Ms. Vento was married to the slow U.S. Representative form Minnesota, Bruce Vento. He served 12 terms in the House. Vento was exposed to asbestos during the time he worked in different factories in Minnesota. 9 months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, in 2000, he passed away.
The report from PR Newswire says, “Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that aggressively and painfully invades the lining of the lungs, heart or stomach until it destroys the essential organs.” It goes on to say that almost 3,000 deaths, each year, are caused by mesothelioma. This information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is caused by exposure to asbestos. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 3,000 Americans die from mesothelioma each year. The PR Newswire report states, “Reported mesothelioma deaths have been rising since 1999, and many experts believe the number of annual deaths is even greater than reported because mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed as lung or gastrointestinal cancer. Widespread asbestos exposures resulting from 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina are expected to cause additional deaths.”
With the Ban Asbestos in America Act, the National Institutes of Health would be instructed to “create a $50 million Asbestos-Related Disease and Treatment Network”. Congress would be kept abreast of scientific developments by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
To view the new bill presented to the Senate, you can go here. Library of Congress.
If you have questions or concerns about mesothelioma you can go to the MARF web-site at www.marf.org or contact Chris Hahn Executive Director, chahn@curemeso.org .
Source: PR Newswire; Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Applauds Progress on Ban Asbestos Legislation: Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation: Unique Statesman; The Poisonous Legacy of 9/11:Library of Congress Thomas; bill S.742
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Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on Jan 15th, 2011. 