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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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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Jury Awards $ 22 million from Goodyear in the New York families two smoker in asbestos litigation

Eugene Mccarthy smoked perhaps two to three packs a day for more than 20 years, but this was not the only thing that has led to lung cancer that killed him.

Asbestos played a role, too.

McCarthy was one of the two smokers, whose family were awarded a combined $ 22 million in damage last month from tyres Goodyear and rubber and Goodyear Canada arising from their work site exposure to asbestos-laced pads produced by the companies.

The Supreme Court of the State of New York jury found Goodyear, at least partly responsible for the deaths of two people in 1998, after having worked in various parts of the State. The family filed separate suits soon after death, but the Court combined similar cases, both of which were processed by Christoph Luxenberg & law firm Weitz.

The second plaintiff was Walter Koczur, another smoker whose family was awarded $ 13.5 million. Family, Mccarthy was awarded a $ 8.5 mln loss, less the amount based on what percentage of his cancer linked to asbestos, according to the jury.

McCarthy nor Koczur worked Goodyear, but both have shown that they are handled, manufactured by the company in their areas of work. That impact was enough to sway a jury despite male smoking.

"It took 13 years for Justice to be done. This is a long time for families to wait, "said Mike Fanelli, one of the lawyers who examined the case for & Christoph Luxenberg Weitz.  "But this is important, especially for smokers."

In a statement, Goodyear said that he would appeal the verdict. This is the first time in recent years that Goodyear was brought to trial cases involving asbestos. The company settled previous asbestos case before trial.

Two families had already been settled with other companies, with the participation of their exposure to asbestos.

Koczur steamfitter in area was Buffalo, New York, who worked in different places, including Ashland oil and steel. For a short time the son of Kenneth Koczur worked together with him. Kenneth testimony during the trial of his father in the early 1970s, the susceptibility of gaskets, made by Goodyear.

McCarthy worked in neighbouring Niagara power project and was exposed to similar pads in a variety of pumps, valves, and boilers. One of his colleagues from 30 years to testify during the trial last month on his behalf.

The jury decided that Goodyear, Goodyear Canada is responsible for 45 percent of lung cancer in Koczur and 12 per cent of the Mccarty cancer.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 10: 50 am and is filed under action of asbestos, asbestos litigation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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Son of heart surgeon reminds all that exposure to asbestos mesothelioma know no boundaries

When Mike Hackler, eminent surgeon of the cardiovascular system in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, diagnosis, two of his patients — have long been good friends, goes back to high school with mesothelioma in 2001, he assumed he would be the next privacy.

Unfortunately he was right.

"I was already grown up, ready to move to California, and I remember my father sat me, told me there is a likelihood that he will soon with this cancer. His son, Mike Hackler, I couldn't even pronounce "mesothelioma" then, "said recently.  "He just had that feeling. And I thought, ' no way. Are you a doctor in your Prime. You feel great. You have nothing to worry about. " “’

But he did.

Five years later, Dr.  Hackler was diagnosed, too, dramatically changing the face of this terrible disease that are usually associated with the trades and military service, where exposure to asbestos is commonplace.

Dr. Hackler and his buddies high schools worked summer jobs together during their college years at the nearby ports of Baton Rouge, unloading of the 140-pound bags of asbestos that were brought from Africa. Part of this work closely inspecting every 100th bag, breaking it open and sifting through the asbestos, which means that inhaling deadly fibers.

Hackler died nearly four years ago, in 60 years, almost 40 years after tossing the bags of asbestos, a long time after he touched the lives — to save the lives of so many in Baton Rouge.

"You just don't think the disease striking someone like my dad. When it came to medicine, he had all the answers, ' Mike Asbestos.com said in a recent interview. "But this thing can strike anyone at any time after they think they're in the clear." "

Mesothelioma is almost exclusively due to exposure to asbestos, but it can be 30-40 years before any symptoms.  His son Mike, now financial consultant in Baton Rouge, was particularly active in raising awareness, mobilizing funds for research, which is no surprise to those who knew his father.

A religious person, Dr. Hackler prayed with his patients before surgery. He traveled the world doing volunteer work, helping to create medical institutions and churches in the less developed countries.

He has a huge garden of roses, usually in their own backyard, and then distributed these roses for women in the Church, smiling at them every Sunday. He often gave their time and medical examination for the less fortunate. He considered himself a happy man. Even towards the end he made sure his son Mike brought roses for nurses in the hospital.

"He came from nothing and really give the shirt off his back to anyone," said Mike. "To see your mentor, best friend, father get hit with something like this, it's hard. This is how God takes the best of the first. His life was just torn apart. It's not something you ever wanted your own worst enemy ".

Mike now plans to use the memory of his father to help others and help find a cure. He was a guest several times on national public radio show, telling their story, reminding all how deadly asbestos can be.

Goes to Washington, district of Colombia each year in June to international symposium on malignant mesothelioma, lobbying congressmen and their assistants and anyone else who will listen on Capitol Hill.

It creates an annual golf tournament in Baton Rouge to raise money and awareness. He wants a mile for meso road race, similar to other cropping up around the country.

He works closely with MARF (Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation). It ensures that people know about national awareness day Mestothelioma (September 26).

Because the military has been a source of so many cases of mesothelioma is approximately 30 per cent, it is part of a growing effort to seek the United States Department of Defense to its annual contribution for research up to $ 5 million.

"It's sort of like an orphan disease because he receives no impact, research money, others do. There is a cure out there.  We just have to find it, "he said. "I will work on it."

In the last weeks of his father in the life of a young Mike spent many days and nights in the hospital, get acquainted personally oncologists and medical professionals who took special care of a doctor.

"In many ways, he was lucky. With his background, he understood and knew where to turn, "said Mike. "He didn't give up and he did not. But I remember it: "all is well with my soul". ”

At least 2 000 people per year in the United States have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. For more information about the disease, mesothelioma Center offers free package, full details of the illness, treatment, recent clinical tests, doctors and more. Packages are delivered overnight.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 3: 25 pm and is filed under asbestos-mesothelioma, research veterans. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed.

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