New Lymph Node Staging May Prevent Surgery
A new, minimally-invasive testing procedure used to determine lymph node staging in pleural mesothelioma is helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery in advanced cases of the disease. The endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) procedure allows doctors to examine the mediastinal lymph nodes deep in the chest wall to determine the presence of advanced pleural mesothelioma.
By removing tissue from these lymph nodes, doctors can stage the progression of pleural mesothelioma to determine if surgery would be beneficial to the management of the disease. In cases where the lymph nodes show advanced progression of the disease, surgery would not benefit the patient. Avoiding this unnecessary surgery can increase the quality of life for the patient.
Plueral Mesothelioma
Plueral mesothelioma is a terminal cancer that is directly related to exposure of asbestos fibers. When airborne asbestos fibers are inhaled, the toxic fibers become deeply imbedded in lung tissue and the pleural lining of the chest cavity. These fibers can lay dormant for a period of 20 to 40 years before victims develop the disease.
This type of cancer is usually terminal with an average lifespan of 16 to 21 months post-diagnosis. Surgery has been shown to be effective at prolonging the life span of those in the early stages of the disease, but least effective to those in advanced stages. The risks of surgery to those with advanced pleural mesothelioma can shorten the life span of some patients. The EBUS-TBNA procedure allows doctors to determine if surgery is a benefit for the patient. For those with advanced stages of the disease, avoiding unnecessary surgery can help preserve the quality of life the patient experiences.
How Does EBUS-TBNA Work?
The EBUS-TBNA procedure is an out-patient minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to access lymph nodes deep inside the chest wall. A long, fiber optic tube is inserted into the mouth, down the trachea, and into the bronchi in the lungs. Using ultrasound technology and a specialized aspiration needle, the doctor can view the inside of the lungs, airways, and lymph nodes, and remove a small piece of the lymph nodes for staging. Pathology can then examine the tissue and determine if the cancer has spread to surrounding areas, and to what degree the cancer has progressed within the lungs. Lymph nodes found between Stage Three and Four are not recommended for surgical intervention.
The traditional method for staging pleural mesothelioma lymph nodes involved making an incision in the neck and inserting a scope through the incision to access the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes. The EBUS-TBNA procedure requires no incision and allows doctors to access areas deep within the lung tissue and surrounding areas. Initial diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma can be difficult with just x-rays, CT scans, and blood work. The disease can only be truly diagnosed and staged using a tissue biopsy. The new, minimally invasive EBUS-TBNA procedure provides patients with accurate results and effective treatment options.
Delaware Mesothelimoa Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Victims of Mesothelioma Claim Compensation
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the Delaware mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware offices serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Toxic School Supplies
As students get ready to return to school in just a few weeks families are busy buying a variety of school supplies for the upcoming year. Crayons, binders, and markers top most school supply lists. For many unsuspecting parents, these very supplies can contain dangerous toxins with potentially harmful side effects.
Many parents may be unaware that certain school supplies contain toxic chemicals, which can pose a real safety threat to young children. According to a recent study by U.S. PIRG, potentially dangerous chemicals can be found in many popular brands of school supplies, including Playskool crayons, The Board Dudes dry erase markers, and Jot three-ring binders.
One of the chemicals detected was asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen that can lead to serious medical conditions, including mesothelioma or lung cancer years after initial exposure. Other dangerous toxins found in crayons, binders, water bottles, and markers included lead, phthalates, and benzene, which can affect a child’s hormonal development and future fertility. The manufacturers of the tested products have disputed the testing results.
Misleading Labels
Parents are frequently misled by product packaging that advertises school supplies as non-toxic. Currently, there are no federal or state regulations setting specific standards or verifications that a product using the term non-toxic is free of toxins. Even though these words might imply a product does not contain any materials that could lead to medical complications, this label holds little meaning without government regulation.
The parent-consumer advocacy organization, Made Safe, encourages consumers to investigate for themselves which products have been produced without known toxic materials. One indication that potentially hazardous materials could be present is when a product claims it is antimicrobial, antibacterial, or fragranced, which implies chemical use. Products made from natural materials present safer choices for parents.
Compensation for Toxic Exposure Injuries
Exposure to toxins can cause permanent disabilities and chronic medical conditions. In some cases, the adverse health effects from toxic exposure can take years to appear, often leading to misdiagnosis and missed opportunities for treatment. Individuals suffering from the effects of toxic exposure often face significant medical expenses, including the costs of medical treatment, hospital stays, physical therapy, rehabilitation services, and prescription drugs. Individuals can suffer severe financial stress due to an inability to work. By holding those companies responsible, injured individuals can receive the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
Manufacturers of products made with toxic materials are not the only companies facing potential liability for toxic exposure injuries. The companies that distribute, design, market, and label toxic school supplies may also owe compensation to exposure victims. Given the complexities involved in bringing a civil lawsuit for toxic exposure, injured individuals should consult with an experienced chemical and toxic exposure lawyer to help them navigate the legal system.
Dover Chemical and Toxic Exposure Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Obtain Compensation for Individuals Suffering Toxic Exposure Injuries
If you or a loved one developed serious medical conditions following exposure to dangerous toxins, the experienced Dover chemical and toxic exposure injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help. With offices conveniently located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we proudly serve individuals throughout the state, including those in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. To schedule a free initial consultation today, call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online.
Mesothelioma Breath Test
Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that is caused by exposure to toxic asbestos fibers that become deeply imbedded in lung tissue where they lay dormant for 20 to 40 years. Mesothelioma typically claims the lives of its victims in less than two years post-diagnosis, but a new diagnostic breath test that measures mesothelioma biomarkers may offer new hope for prolonging the lives of those with the disease.
New Study Aims to Develop Early Detection Technology
Researchers from the United Kingdom’s Owlstone Medical Corporation and the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Union have joined forces in a three-year study that aims to develop a biomarker breath test for the early detection of mesothelioma. Owlstone Medical has already invented the Breath Biopsy apparatus, which researchers hope will allow them to extract organic and chemical compounds on a person’s breath that could lead to a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
New technology and biomarker indicators can potentially lead to identifying people who are at-risk for developing the disease in later years. Occupational exposure to asbestos fibers leads to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year. Unfortunately, the current diagnostic procedure is only effective in diagnosing a late-stage disease that has very limited treatment options.
Research has shown that early diagnosis of mesothelioma initiates treatment that can significantly prolong the lifespan for those diagnosed with this cancer. The United States has been slow to develop tools for early detection of the disease. Current diagnosis requires a combination of X-rays, CAT scans, PET scans, blood tests, and tissue biopsies, but still does not pick up the presence of the disease until it is in the advanced stages. Mortality rates decrease significantly with each advancing stage of the illness.
Occupational Exposure
Occupational exposure to toxic asbestos fibers is the leading cause of mesothelioma. Construction workers, auto mechanics, railroad workers, pipe fitters, steam fitters, and miners carry the highest risk for developing the disease. Despite new regulations and removal of asbestos-based products, this malignant cancer is expected to keep claiming victims for decades because of its long dormancy period.
While those that work in asbestos-related industries have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma, second-hand exposure has proven to be equally toxic. Family members of asbestos workers inhaled the toxic fibers from the clothing and hair of their loved ones returning home from work each day. Many people were also exposed to fibers when old buildings containing asbestos were knocked down or became damaged, which sent the toxic fibers into the air and onto the grounds surrounding the buildings.
With the future of new cases of mesothelioma on the horizon, the potential for early detection that the new breath test offers hope to those most vulnerable to developing the disease. With early detection and treatment, victims can possibly extend their quality of life and life span for years to come.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Victims of Mesothelioma
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the Delaware mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Our Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware offices serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
New Type of Radiotherapy May Extend Survival Rates
For individuals living with mesothelioma, a disease developed after exposure to asbestos fibers, available treatments are often too little, too late. That may change according to a recent study on a new form of radiotherapy treatment conducted at the National Cancer Institute in Aviano, Italy. Recent research conducted at the University Hospital of Udine suggests the use of a specific type of radiotherapy could double a mesothelioma patient’s chances of surviving two or more years.
For many individuals suffering with an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma, the disease’s symptoms can take decades to become apparent. By the time the illness is properly diagnosed, the treatment options are limited. Most patients are unable to reverse the disease damage at that point. Patients often undergo surgery, including a resection of the cancer, as well as chemotherapy. Even with treatment, the survival rates for mesothelioma patients have been very low.
Study Findings
All patients in the study initially had some form of surgery but not a complete resection of the cancer. Research patients underwent chemotherapy, as well as the new radiotherapy treatment. While half of the study participants received the typical palliative radiation treatments available at most cancer treatment centers, the other half received the aggressive radiotherapy protocol.
During the study, 108 mesothelioma patients received 25 aggressive hemi-thoracic radiotherapy treatments between 2014 and 2018. The radiotherapy targeted the side of the body where most of the mesothelioma tumors were located. The research revealed almost 60 percent of the patients receiving the new treatment had a survival rate of two years or more. This survival rate was significantly greater than the group receiving only palliative radiation treatment. For patients that only received the traditional palliative treatments, the survival rate was approximately 28 percent.
The research team hopes the more aggressive radiotherapy treatment protocol becomes the new standard of care worldwide for mesothelioma patients. Other researchers caution patients about the side effects of using radiation in combination with chemotherapy.
Compensation for Mesothelioma Patients
Mesothelioma is only one type of medical condition that can result from exposure to asbestos fibers. Exposure to this toxic material may also lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, colon cancer, larynx cancer, and kidney cancer. Living with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related medical condition can place a financial strain on families.
Medical treatment costs, including expenses related to doctor visits, medications, therapy sessions, and lab work can be overwhelming. By filing a civil lawsuit against those parties responsible for their asbestos exposure, including the manufacturers and distributors of materials containing the dangerous carcinogen, mesothelioma patients can obtain the compensation they are entitled. Successful asbestos lawsuits can result in monetary awards for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Georgetown Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Assist Asbestos Exposure Victims
If you or a loved one developed a medical condition, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, after being exposed to asbestos, the Georgetown mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help. With offices conveniently located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. To schedule a free consultation today, call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online.
Firefighter Safety Stand Down Week
Cancer diagnosis rates among firefighters has become a disturbing trend. A multi-year study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently found that firefighters have a 14 percent greater risk of dying from cancer and double the chance of having testicular cancer or mesothelioma, compared to the general public.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Volunteer Fire Council have come together to present Firefighter Safety Stand Down week on June 16 to 22. Both organizations recently issued the Lavender Ribbon Report, which provides a series of best practices that, if followed, are expected to reduce risk of cancer among firefighters.
The danger of exposure to cancer-causing materials comes from both the building materials and the gear worn to fight the fires. Exposure to contaminants in the air from combustion products is well known. Recently, firefighting gear and foam have been recognized as potential likely sources of exposure to carcinogens. Turn out pants are typically made using perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), as it has useful water repellent properties. PFOA and similar compounds have been implicated as carcinogenic. There is no known safe alternative for making turnout gear at a reasonable cost.
The Lavender Ribbon Report
Helpful tips for firefighters in the Lavender Ribbon Report include the following:
Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Use full gear for all responses to minimize the chance of exposure to airborne carcinogens.
- Use a second sock hood to ensure smoke protection of the face, jaw, and neck area that is exposed when using a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and to always have a hood free of contamination available while the other is drying after decontamination.
Decontaminating PPE and Related Gear:
- Begin gross decontamination at the work site immediately by using soapy water and a brush while continuing to wear a SCBA.
- Place contaminated or soapy PPE in an exterior compartment or large storage tote to prevent exposure from off-gassing while in transit.
- Clean SCBA gear and other contaminated equipment before loading it onto the apparatus cab.
- Perform thorough decontamination of all equipment and PPE at the station.
Personal Hygiene Practices:
- Use personal wipes to clean the head, neck, face, and hands as soon as possible after the response.
- Refrain from eating or drinking until after gross decontamination and only eat in areas away from contaminated equipment.
- Shower at the station within one hour of completing response.
- Segregate storage spaces for gear away from the kitchen and sleeping areas of the station.
Lifestyle Precautions:
- Conduct an annual physical to detect potential diseases early
- Do not use any form of tobacco
- Exercise regularly and maintain a normal weight
- Track and record occupational exposure at fire incidents
Firefighters and other first responders are urged to pause their non-emergency activities during Firefighter Safety Stand Down week and educate themselves on reducing cancer risks through implementing best practices. The Firefighter Cancer Registry Act has been established to help develop data on firefighters’ risk of cancer. First responders are encouraged to report exposure information to the national registry.
Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Injured First Responders
If you are a first responder that was injured at work, you may be entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits to help with medical costs. We will help secure the maximum compensation you are entitled. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or complete an online form to speak to an experienced Wilmington Workers’ Compensation lawyer and Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Containment Approach to Prevent Metastases in Mesothelioma Patients
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer for which there is currently no cure. It typically develops due to workplace exposure but can also be caused by exposure to commercial products or naturally occurring asbestos. The latency period for this disease may span for decades, with patients showing no symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage. The Delaware mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are experienced in asbestos litigation and are dedicated to obtaining the maximum compensation for each client.
Current Method of Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to its tendency to be mistaken for other, less serious conditions. Therefore, patients may not be diagnosed until the disease has reached stages three or four. Although mesothelioma is currently incurable, early diagnosis and treatment can help patients live longer and more enjoyable lives. In its early stages, common mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Pleural effusion
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that metastasizes, meaning that it spreads to other parts of the body. Despite originating and being eradicated in one location, tumors may develop in other locations, making treatment difficult. Mesothelioma originates in the lungs and then typically spreads to surrounding organs. It can spread quicker than other types of cancer because of its location next to the lungs, which circulate oxygen throughout the body.
Currently, chemotherapy and radiation are the only medically-approved treatments for mesothelioma. These methods generally work by attempting to remove and attack the cancer. Patients who undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment may live longer, but nevertheless, the life expectancy for those with mesothelioma is approximately 12 to 21 months.
Alternative Containment Approach
An assistant professor at Purdue University is researching an alternative approach to treating metastatic cancer. Instead of attempting to kill cancer cells with chemotherapy and radiation, he suggests putting them into a state of dormancy. He notes that the problem with current approaches to metastatic cancer treatment is that they cannot keep up with the cancer’s rapid growth; doctors remove cancerous tumors and attempt to kill off any remaining cells, however, the disease spreads too quickly.
The alternate form of treatment involves containing the cancer cells and placing them into a state of permanent dormancy with the use of fostamatinib. In doing so, doctors may be able to prevent the cells from developing and multiplying, which can extend patients’ life expectancy. The assistant professor explains that keeping the cells in a low state will not generate any symptoms, thereby prolonging patients’ survival time.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Handle Complex Asbestos Litigation Cases
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a Delaware mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. You may be eligible for compensation from responsible parties, such as employers and product manufacturers. From our offices in Georgetown and Wilmington, Delaware, we proudly represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. For a free consultation, please complete our online contact form or call us at 302-656-5445.
Makeup Recall Tested Positive for Asbestos
In March 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a consumer warning concerning the possibility of asbestos found in cosmetic products sold at Claire’s Stores, Inc. and Justice. Asbestos is a carcinogen that contaminates talc, a powdery substance found in common hygiene products, such as makeup; it has been used in different industries over the years but has been outlawed in recent decades. Long term exposure to asbestos can cause several forms of cancer, including mesothelioma.
Sold between October 2016 and March 2019, Claire’s Eye Shadows, Claire’s Compact Powder, and Claire’s Contour Palette have all been removed from retailer shelves. The affected products and lot numbers include:
- Claire’s Eye Shadows: Batch No/Lot No: 08/17
- Claire’s Compact Powder: Batch No/Lot No: 07/15
- Claire’s Contour Palette: Batch No/Lot No: 04/17
Any consumer who purchased these products is urged to immediately discontinue use and return the product to Claire’s for a full refund.
No Recall Issued After FDA Warning
In 2017, a concerned customer sent makeup kits sold at Claire’s to an independent testing facility where it was found positive for asbestos. Claire’s recalled nine of their makeup kits because of these results and began their own testing. The FDA also decided to get involved.
The FDA issued a warning to consumers about the presence of asbestos in products sold at Claire’s and Justice. Claire’s initially believed that the products in question were no longer sold at their stores, therefore, they did not issue a recall. After mounting pressure from the FDA and consumers, the three products that tested positive for asbestos were voluntarily recalled by Claire’s on March 12, 2019.
New Legislation
The FDA does not have the authority to recall cosmetic products like they do with other consumer products. Cosmetic manufacturers do not have to report ingredients or register with the FDA. However, The Safe Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 2018 was introduced to Congress in September 2018 to allow the FDA to impose greater safety regulations concerning the cosmetic industry, giving them power to ban and recall products deemed unsafe for consumers. A potential investigation into the cosmetic industry by the House Oversight Committee is likely.
Claire’s Looks to the Future
Claire’s urges all consumers to return the affected products right away. They also claim that they discontinued the use of talc in all their products within the past year. In their recall announcement, Claire’s stated that it understands many parents trust them and expect them to hold the highest safety standards. To date, no adverse effects have been reported because of these products. All consumers that may be experiencing effects of the questioned products are urged to contact the FDA immediately.
Delaware Asbestos Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Those Affected by Asbestos Exposure
If you have suffered or been exposed to asbestos because of recalled cosmetic products, contact the Delaware asbestos lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. immediately. Our experienced lawyers can evaluate your claim and help fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free consultation today. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we serve clients throughout Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.
Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer
Individuals exposed to dangerous asbestos toxins face a risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is frequently misdiagnosed as a lingering cold or flu. With many cases of mesothelioma not diagnosed for decades after the initial asbestos exposure, individuals suffering from the disease often receive treatment in its final stages. By recognizing the initial stages of this fatal disease, victims of asbestos exposure can receive medical treatment much earlier, leading to greater treatment options and better prognoses.
Initial Exposure
Individuals typically first become exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers at the workplace. Workers in the construction, shipbuilding, and automobile industries are most likely to inhale this dust-like substance. After initial exposure, it can take 20 or 40 years for mesothelioma to be diagnosed. Over 75 percent of patients diagnosed with this disease suffer from pleural mesothelioma, which has four distinct stages.
Identifying the Stages
When the cancer is identified in Stage I, mesothelioma patients have the best chance of survival when metastasis is in its earliest stages. Identified on a CT scan as an enlarged pleura, the protective lining of the lungs, Stage I is a well localized form of cancer that has not yet spread to the lymph nodes. With virtually no symptoms, it remains extremely hard to diagnose the disease.
Stage II spreads cancerous tumors to the part of the pleura covering the lungs and diaphragm. Mild chest pain, fever, weight loss, and increased fatigue may accompany this stage. When mesothelioma is identified during Stage I or II, physicians can attempt curative treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
As the disease develops to the final two stages, symptoms are more frequent and bothersome. The first symptoms to develop are coughing, hoarseness, severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. Since these complaints can mimic other common respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or other viruses, physicians easily fail to diagnose mesothelioma at this stage. The cancer tumors have now spread to the chest wall, lymph nodes, and top pericardial layer.
Stage IV is the most advanced and serious stage of the disease. Tumors have invaded the chest wall, pericardium, diaphragm, and other more distant organs. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma during its final stage face an average survival time of one year or less and are placed on palliative treatments to deal with their high pain levels.
Compensation for Individuals Exposed to Asbestos
The financial burden of dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming for families. Medical expenses include the costs of hospital stays, physician visits, diagnostic tests, X-rays, prescription drugs, rehabilitation services, and occupational or physical therapy. Injured individuals are entitled to compensation from parties responsible for the asbestos exposure, including asbestos manufacturers and construction companies. To determine if you are entitled to receive compensation for your mesothelioma injuries, contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.
Dover Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Assist Individuals Exposed to Dangerous Asbestos
If you developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, the experienced Dover mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we proudly serve individuals throughout the state, including those in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. To schedule a free consultation today, call us at 302-656-5445 or submit an online inquiry form.
Cognitive Impairment Due to Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos can cause certain types of cancers, such as mesothelioma. This type of cancer occurs due to buildup of cancerous cells or tumors in the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Mesothelioma affects the lungs in many cases. Treatment for mesothelioma occurs in the form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Although there is no cure for this cancer, treatments reduce symptoms and manage cancer growth. However, chemotherapy and radiation also cause psychological side effects, such as depression, fatigue, loss of interest, and cognitive impairment.
Those who are diagnosed with an early stage of mesothelioma can be treated with surgery and have a longer life expectancy. Those diagnosed in later stages may need radiation or chemotherapy, along with surgery. It is important to understand what to expect when diagnosed with mesothelioma. Often, treatment and prognosis can lead to anxiety and stress for patients and their caregivers. Awareness of psychological effects can help one recognize symptoms and seek treatment in a timely fashion.
Psychological Effects
Patients who suffer from mesothelioma complain of fatigue, depression, lack of energy, anxiety, lack of enjoyment in hobbies and activities, and general loss of interest. Certain patients even develop post-traumatic stress disorder due to the trauma of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Many also complain of suffering from cognitive impairments, such as memory loss.
Chemo Brain
A common symptom from treatment due to chemotherapy is referred to as chemo brain. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, however, medical providers are paying more attention to this condition and more research is being conducted to understand the risk factors. Cancer treatment causes sleep loss, fatigue, loss of red blood cell counts, and deficiencies in essential nutrients. Chemo brain is diagnosable and covered by certain health insurance plans. Mesothelioma patients should not ignore these symptoms and tell their doctors immediately if they notice symptoms to receive effective treatment.
Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment or dysfunction can cause the inability to think, reason, and remember. Symptoms include the following:
- Inability to concentrate
- Inability to multi-task
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty remembering names, dates, and phone numbers
- Fogginess
Treatment focuses on coping mechanisms. Patients are encouraged to keep journals to document signs and symptoms, and use a daily planner to track medication, appointments with doctors, and make lists of things to do. Exercising the brain through puzzles, memory games, and learning new skills or languages will alleviate and manage these effects. Additionally, finding ways to increase naps through the day to give the brain adequate rest and relaxation will help reduce symptoms.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Suffering from Asbestos-Related Diseases
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing symptoms, do not hesitate to contact a Delaware mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Our lawyers have considerable experience in asbestos cases and can provide an evaluation of your claims. Contact our office at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to set up a free consultation. With offices in Georgetown and Wilmington, Delaware, we represent clients throughout the state, including New Castle County, Sussex County, and Dover.
Exemptions for Asbestos Reporting
In July 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published notice of its intention to adopt new risk-based rules on asbestos. This followed 2016 amendments to the longstanding Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The amendments require the EPA to take specific actions to prioritize, evaluate, and regulate dangerous substances. If the evaluation shows that a substance poses an unreasonable risk of injury to one’s health or the environment due to conditions of use, then the EPA must act to eliminate the risk.
Prior EPA Efforts Failed
The EPA’s record on regulating chemicals under the TSCA prior to the amendments was dismal. The EPA adopted partial restrictions for a dozen out of tens of thousands of known hazardous substances. Regarding asbestos, the EPA spent 10 years developing a rule to regulate it. The rule was overturned by the Federal Court of Appeals in 1991. The EPA failed to propose a single additional restriction on a chemical under the TSCA since that decision.
Chemical Data Reporting Rule
The EPA’s Chemical Data Reporting rule requires manufacturers and importers of hazardous substances to report their manufacturing, processing, and use of these substances to the agency. The EPA relies on this reporting to analyze health and environmental impacts to evaluate risk. The EPA cannot accurately evaluate risk without this information.
The rule regarding asbestos has significant exemptions. Manufacturers and importers will be off the hook for reporting use of naturally occurring substances. The rule also exempts reporting legacy uses of asbestos. This means hazards from exposure to workers who remove asbestos previously applied in buildings does not have to be reported. When uses are not reported, then risks associated with those uses will not be part of the agency’s risk assessment.
Call for Action
A coalition of Attorneys General from 15 states has formed to advocate for the EPA to develop more protective requirements regarding asbestos. The effort is being led by the Attorneys General for California and Massachusetts. Delaware has not yet joined the coalition.
The coalition has petitioned the EPA to eliminate reporting exemptions regarding asbestos. In addition, they are requesting the agency add to the rule’s reporting requirements data from processors of asbestos and data for imported products containing asbestos. The coalition claims the EPA’s approach defeats the purpose of the amendments to the TSCA and argue the approach will prevent the EPA from performing an accurate risk assessment of the health and environmental impacts of exposure to asbestos.
Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been mined extensively and used in a variety of products. In its natural form, or when asbestos-containing products are damaged or disposed of, the asbestos becomes airborne. Breathing asbestos has been linked to several fatal health conditions and cancers, including mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos currently causes the death of over 15,000 people a year in the U.S.
Delaware Asbestos Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Those Suffering from Mesothelioma
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing related health problems, then you may be able to recover for your medical expenses and more. Contact one of our experienced Delaware asbestos lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for a free consultation. Call 302-656-5445 or complete an online form today. Located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we serve clients throughout the state, including Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.