Kathleen Mullen is a personal film about asbestos mesothelioma in the "spirit" experience

Kathleen Mullen began to make a documentary film as a personal tribute to her father, as a way to honor and remember about his life.

She graduated from the film as an indictment of industry, who killed him — and the Government, which allowed it to happen.

Conversion is a bridge between the two — it makes the "Exciting," so powerful.

Richard Mullen, her father died in 2003, mesothelioma, cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. He spent 40 years as an engineer, often inspecting oil pipes where he unknowingly inhaling asbestos fibers.

"I wanted to do something with a personal perspective, something from the heart," she told Asbestos.com. "But the more research I did, the more I realized: this is not a family problem, this is a global problem, people around the world. It really inspired me to tell the whole story. "

43-minute film is a love hate relationship, filled with touching, daughter father memories together with a harsh, cold reality on offensive business asbestos and deadly path, it still takes.

The film can be seen free 26 September at 6: 30 pm EST via a live streaming at asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.

"I am proud of this movie are very proud that she is out there for people to see," said Mullen, who is the Director of programming at the planet in focus, Toronto-based annual film festival dedicated to environmental issues. "This was a gift, really shocking indeed, how many people we met during the filming, which are affected by this disease."

In the course of its work Kathleen traveled to Arizona, where her father originally lived in the home in British Columbia, Quebec, where it is today, asbestos, and then to India, where asbestos is being sold and widely used for construction of affordable housing.

The film includes personal photos and home movies, which her father was diagnosed in 2001 year. It includes footage of their legal testimony against industry before he died and Frank, a touch of discussions with him and his wife, as he battled illness to the end.

With her camera she toured as underground and open-air of asbestos mines, say people who worked there, listening to conflicting stories about security and the need for their jobs. She spoke with those he was killing and with those who is proud of its use. Canadian Government officials that allow the extraction of asbestos continue, refused to be part of its film.

In India, she met with the people, against imports of asbestos and those who buy for the manufacturing sector, despite its toxic history.  She watched the harvest of asbestos and the end result of its use.

Previous screenings of the film were implemented with the active support and sometimes vigorous debate. One survey in Toronto, was a member of the asbestos lobby, who came from Montreal just to be heard.

"It was interesting, when he spoke. It really energized people, "she said. "It's good to learn how to feel other side to know where it comes from."

He took Mullen for five years to make the film, which was first aired almost a year ago. In it, she moved deftly experience first-person account of a third person she saw moving from emotional to dispassionate basis of the film.

In accordance with the most recent statistics from the World Health Organization estimates that every year 90000 people have died from asbestos related disease. Nevertheless, the Government of Canada continues to enable the extraction and export of asbestos, even if its use at the national level are virtually non-existent.

The dangers of asbestos documented for more than 50 years. And its use in the United States and Canada has declined sharply since the late 70 's, when the rules.  Many industrialized countries have banned its use in new products, but not every country has a rigid positions. This is one of the reasons that Mullen still feels the need to tell the story of his father. Not only for him but for everyone in the world could suffer the same fate.

"One of our driving force as we came to an end, was to ask the company for what they are doing so far," she said. "I don't know if we can make a difference, but I know that we can try".

To learn more about the dangers of exposure to asbestos, and the place where the impact is a question, get a free copy of the mesothelioma Center information package. Package includes free books on asbestos and mesothelioma cancer disease, as well as information about doctors and cancer centers to treat the disease. Fill out this form to get your free package.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 29, 2011, 3: 39 pm and is filed under asbestos, asbestos litigation, exposure, mesothelioma, resources. Can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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Canadian Association of medical doctors of explosions over the production, export of asbestos

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) this week joined the growing list of organizations to condemn their own ruling Conservative Party for the continued production and export of asbestos mineral that causes cancer mesothelioma.

In connection with the strict laws prohibiting its use at the national level, Canada exports about 98 per cent of the asbestos he mines, mainly in India, Africa and South-East Asia.

Earlier this summer in Geneva, Switzerland, the Canadian Government blocked the resolution, the United Nations Summit, which will be posted of chrysotile asbestos in the list of hazardous substances under the Rotterdam Convention.

Enter asbestos in this list would require exporters to warn importers potential threats to health are likely to reduce the number of sold worldwide.

Although the extraction of asbestos in Canada has been reduced in recent years, there are still two remaining production in Quebec. One expects a loan guarantee by the Government to continue the operation.

"Canada should not be in business for export of dangerous products," Jeff Turnbull, outgoing President of the CMA, told reporters this week.

"Canadian doctors should ... Express outright opposition to the position of the Government, "said Barry Turchen, M.D., during his speech at the annual meeting of the CMA. "I think this sends a powerful message of the Federal Government that physicians of Canada will not tolerate his unethical and disgraceful behaviour (for export)."

Asbestos is still present a huge amount of products throughout the world, was once hailed as a miracle mineral thermal resistance, adaptability and accessibility. Since the late 70 's, however, in many industrialized countries banned in new manufacture or restricted its use, since it can cause various health problems.

Importers in the less developed countries still use it extensively low-income housing and commercial development.

Mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by inhaling asbestos fibers, although the symptoms of cancer often does not appear for decades after exposure. There are approximately 2500-3000 new mesothelioma cases in the United States each year and 70000 asbestos-related diseases in the world.

"Time for CMA now go beyond appealed to the Federal Government and begging him to take measures, as it clearly has no intention to do so," Turchen said.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 26, 2011, 2: 44 pm and is filed under asbestos-mesothelioma, veterans. Can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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Forensic sculptor Frank Bender last known victims of mesothelioma

Frank Bender, who found fame as a forensic sculptor with his knack for identifying victims of violent crimes and help capture criminals, was the last famous American die of mesothelioma.

Bender, who lived and worked in Philadelphia, died earlier this month after a year-long battle with pleural mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Its impact has been attributed to his stint in the NAVY for almost 50 years ago, when he often worked in the engine room of the ship.

Bender joined the growing group of reputable mesothelioma victims, who include actor Steve McQueen, musician Warren Zevon, Pro Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen and former head of the White House staff Hamilton Jordan.

The ability to recreate a person of unknown Bender, discarded the skull – providing closure for families – and sculpt new faces from long-ago photos to assist investigators in criminal cases, became legendary in the forensic business.

He often described themselves as "recomposer from decomposed, '' which is the title of the upcoming movie about his life. Already have a book, "the girl with the crooked nose, '' written about him and his work in Mexico, where he again faces eight women killed in a series of murders. Three of the eight were subsequently identified from his work.

His most famous work was his adjustment time sculpture of John list, a New Jersey man who killed his family, and then disappeared in the year 1971. In 1989, working with old photos, he's graceful hands bust, he thought a list would look something like 18 years later, and he was shown on "America's most wanted" television show.  A woman looks at the Virginia recognized the man as a neighbor with a different name and called authorities. The list was arrested and convicted of murder.

Most of the 50 busts, which he sculpted for the police over the years came from the skulls, which had been sent to him in hopes of identifying victims of murders after dental records, DNA and fingerprints did not work.

Bender helped start famous Vidocq society in Philadelphia. This is an informal group of retirees and some retired investigators who meet regularly in the hope of resolving outstanding cold case murder.

Bender began his work with the Department of police of the city of Philadelphia, but his talent became popular internationally. He has also worked with the FBI, Scotland Yard and the Governments of Egypt and Mexico. He worked several times with America's most wanted.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2011, 10: 35 am and is filed under asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, veterans. Can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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A young athlete near Boston hit with a diagnosis of mesothelioma

It's not often that the Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots – Boston three professional sports franchise-high join forces like this.

But it's also not often someone so young and so healthy struck a rare cancer, mesothelioma, which attacks usually older people after exposure to asbestos.

All three teams in major league baseball, National Hockey League and National Football League, include efforts to raise funds in support of Kevin Morrison, Athletic 21-year-old former high school star who fights the peritoneum mesothelioma game tickets.

"Kevin causes, '' the event is scheduled for 12 August at a local restaurant, hoping to raise money to cover the alternative treatment he needs but not covered by the family health insurance.

Morrison is currently at the nearby Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, according to a press release from local firefighters Norwood 1631, where his father works.

As a senior, Norwood high school (class of 2008) Morrison was the team captain for football and hockey.

Norwood is a community of friendly 28 000 people, is located just 15 miles outside of Boston. It has rallied around the "Kevin reasons" event. Concannon, a restaurant in Norwood, provides a website for the evening. Norwood typography and fire Norwood sell tickets, promoting the event. Official site of prominence is the press release.

According to a family member who talked with Asbestos.com details Kevin present status and future appeals will, although friends and neighbors to promote events through Facebook and Twitter, along with various Web sites.

Mesothelioma is no stranger to the area. Cancer has struck many times around Boston, particularly in trades, many arising from the work in the shipyards, where asbestos was circulated.

Usually a long latency period – from 20 to 50 years – between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma onset of symptoms is what made Morrison's case is so notable, though not unique.

Austin Lacy, former high school football player from Pasadena, California, died in June of complications caused by mesothelioma, only a week before he had to finish high school.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 2: 37 pm and is filed under mesothelioma asbestos. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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CT lung cancer screenings offered at Moffitt

Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, among others, started the CT lung cancer programmes based on the latest groundbreaking research that has shown its effectiveness in early diagnosis of the disease.

"This can save lives," said William Michael Alberts, MD, chief physician and pulmonologist at Moffitt.

The test is targeting high risk people 55-74, who smoked at least one cigarette per day for 30 years, or those who, on average, two packs a day for 15 years.

The theory is that CT (computer tomography), and that it has the capacity to identify, give patients diagnosed before obvious symptoms appear and provide these patients a better chance of survival.

Based on the study, published in the New England Journal of medicine, smokers who received CT scans over a three-year period had the death rate from lung cancer, that 20 per cent lower than they were gone the traditional chest x-rays in the same period.

"It was a series of studies in the past, but never one before it shows the advantage of mortality," Alberts told Asbestos.com during an interview Thursday. "It's important."

Lung cancer is responsible for nearly one-third of all cancer deaths, and only 15 percent of those diagnosed with lung cancer live over five years. CT can change these figures.

Although smoking is cause no. 1 of lung cancer, it can also be caused by exposure to asbestos. Smoking, in combination with exposure to asbestos fibers, greatly increases the chance of developing lung cancer. Smoking, however, does not increase the risk of cancer, most often associated with exposure to asbestos mesothelioma.

Big problem researchers face mesothelioma is much more rare form of cancer is that the diagnosis is usually not coming until the disease has developed, limiting the chances of survival.

Alberts would not say if he believed that the same low-dose CT scanning can help with mesothelioma or asbestos exposure significantly, how it might help smokers.

Alberts explained that "this is not examined properly yet.

Federally-funded National Lung screening trial (NLST PARAMETERS), which spanned 33 study sites around the country, included more than 53 000 patients.

About a quarter of the participants, KT received a positive result, indicating a possible cancer. More than 90 per cent, however, were false positives, which showed a big flaw in the process. Also random trial did not take a look at the risks to human health are annual inspections and the consequences of the accumulated exposure to radiation.

Most insurance companies still do not cover the cost of CT, according to Alberts, although he hoped that would soon change, based on the examination. The cost of scanning Moffitt is $ 350.

If you want more detailed information about the CT on Moffitt and how it can be able to help those at risk of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure, mesothelioma Centre at Asbestos.com or fill out this form to request additional information.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 5, 2011 at 4: 32 pm and is filed under asbestos exposure, mesothelioma research. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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Flooding in North Dakota leaves residents vulnerable to exposure to asbestos

Flood waters have receded and assistance, but remains hidden danger — though silent and slow — in places like Minot, North Dakota.

North Dakota Health Department warns residents and those volunteers who come this week to help with the cleanup that the presence of asbestos and the risks it poses should not be taken lightly.

Catastrophic flood, whose costs have reached approximately $ 1 billion for the entire territory of the State, left the bulk of the project, which includes gutting homes and businesses before beginning the recovery.

Cleanup, especially for structures built before 1990 can be harmful for those who are nearby, unless appropriate precautions are taken.  Officials issued a warning in late July after viewing asbestos-laced rubble remain curbside inhabitants.

The most obvious is the isolation of vermiculite, haphazardly radiator attics and walls that were affected by flooding. Asbestos also prevails within the flooring, duct work, framed walls and concrete blocks.

Exposure to asbestos fibers, which are microscopic and frequently inhaled, can lead to mesothelioma cancer, whose symptoms can lay dormant for 50 years before becoming a problem.

According to a press release from the North Dakota Department of health, a large part of vermiculite are taken from the mines in Libby, Montana, which were closed in 1990 after there were many cases of exposure to asbestos.

Warning, which was supported by the environmental protection agency, urges residents to enjoy professional contractors who have the knowledge and equipment for the safe disposal of asbestos. Licensed professionals to combat pollution requires only commercial buildings and multi-family residential buildings of four or more units.

Residents of single-family homes are able to do this job themselves, which can be dangerous. Asbestos becomes especially difficult when he begins to crumble, Fry, tear or becomes fragile.

According to the Bismarck Tribune more than 4000 houses were flooded in the Minot, mainly from the Souris River, which flows from Canada to the North, Central North Dakota. And many homes still need to be Gutted before developing mold. Buses filled with volunteers from Bismarck, will arrive throughout the week.

Among the recommendations:

When processing materials containing asbestos must wear gloves, goggles and HEPA FILTER Respirator. Asbestos materal must be processed during wet or damp, extracted and properly labeled twice. Tape from the Gutted with plastic sheeting to prevent contamination of other areas of the House. Keep wet insulation to prevent the spread of dust. use windows for ventilation and to eliminate all dust and debris, using the methods of the wet scavenging. temporarily move your family members (especially children and pregnant women) out of the House until the work has been completed.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 1, 2011 at 4: 59 pm and is filed under asbestos exposure, mesothelioma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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Mesothelioma cancer diseases not covered by recent federal funding for victims of 9/11

Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma – cancer caused by asbestos is not eligible for assistance through the recently appropriated $ 2.8 billion federal fund supposedly meant for those who are still suffering from illness related to 9/11 attack 10 years ago.

You are out of luck – at least for the moment.

Although approximately 400 tons of asbestos fibres in the air after the collapse of the twin towers, part of the deadly fog blanketing the city and especially the rescuers, not cancer would be covered by the new Zadroga 9/11 health and compensation fund.

This omission has died, many of the families of those who have suffered — many of whom were present at the General Assembly last week that the Fund – and frustration of the defenders of the patients.

"This is lethal when policy steps in front of the public health," said Linda Reinstein, President/CEO and co-founder of asbestos disease awareness Organization (ADOA).

Payments will begin in the autumn of that year, leaving many of the most severely affected with various forms of cancer, they believe, are directly linked to 9/11 attacks and its aftermath.

In determining what the right to be covered, the National Institute for occupational safety and health said too little scientific evidence linking cancer time spent among the debris and dust around the World Trade Center attack.

The Fund is an extension of the original Bill that distributed 7 billion dollars for the families and victims in the two years following these events.

"9/11 rescue workers not only deserve our respect, but the treatment of any disease, including cancer, which could be attributed to exposure to carcinogens, released from the catastrophe of the World Trade Center," Reinstein said Asbestos.com Thursday.

Centers for disease control had previously reported that 62% of people caught in the dust cloud of the fallen towers suffered from respiratory problems. In addition 46 percent of those who lived or worked in the area and still avoid the initial dust cloud reported consistent respiratory diseases.

The CDC reported that among the substances present in the air as a result of heavy concentrations of lead, mercury, cadmium, shards of glass, fiberglass, dioxins, sprayed concrete, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and benzene. There were a lot more heavy metals that are burned in the fire, which lasted for months after the attack.

Asbestos was so common from its use in the construction of the Tower, which began in the late 1960s, before they were fully aware of the danger of a mineral. Asbestos was used anywhere as a fire retardant in both buildings, insulation, floor tiles, and other locations. According to the national resources Defense Council report, 2002, at least 400 tons of asbestos were used in construction.

Inhalation of asbestos fibers have been linked to several respiratory diseases, including lung and pleura mesothelioma, lung cancer, which effects the linings of the lungs. This can take anywhere from 15 to 50 years after exposure to the symptoms appear, although the two 9/11 responders have already died from Mesothelioma and their symptoms far earlier than the norm.

Diseases covered by the Act include chronic cough, sinusitis, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Pulmonary fibrosis, muscular problems and many mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

The absence of cancer diseases covers frustration even some of the New York legislators who originally welcomed legislation and helped to sponsor.

"This is disappointing news for 9/11 responders and survivors who tragically was diagnosed with cancer in the wake of the attacks and suffered from day to day and are awaiting assistance," said New York representative Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Peter King, in a joint statement last month.

The Fund must be distributed over the next five years, leaving open the possibility of including other diseases.
"It's just ridiculous that the cancer had not been included," said Reinstein.

If you want more detailed information on asbestos exposure, which occurred as a result of 9/11, visit the center of mesothelioma at Asbestos.com to learn more. If you have been diagnosed with asbestos-related disease and would like to help, find resources, fill out this form to find out how we can help.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 5, 2011 at 4: 50 pm and is filed under asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, studies of survivors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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