November 22, 2008
Italian Scientists Call For Further Research into Mesothelioma Treatment
Although we don't need reminding of the fact, an article published in the current edition of a well respected medical journal (Med Chem), focuses on the fact that, despite the 'gold standard' use of a combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin, the outlook for mesothelioma patients remains poor, with average survival remaining at less than two years. As the author of the article says, more active treatments are urgently needed.
However, the article isn't all doom and gloom, and there are encouraging signs coming from the evaluation of inhibitors of growth factor receptors. The area of particular interest is vascular endothelial growth, which is a factor in the growth of mesothelioma cells. If that growth can be inhibited, the growth of the cancer cells themselves might also be inhibited.
The author of the article, and study lead, C. Palumbo, believes much more can be done concerning the research of growth factor receptors and the design of an effective mesothelioma treatment.
He urges researchers to continue seeking other therapeutic options and interventions against mesothelioma.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 04:08 AM | Permalink
November 21, 2008
Breaking Ships in Asia - What is to be Done?
EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said in a recent statement that "workers in South Asia are being exploited and their lives put at risk working in deplorable conditions, while coastal areas are being polluted and ecosystems threatened."
Commissioner Dimas was talking about the 200 to 600 large merchant ships that are taken apart each year; most have been removed from service in Europe but end up being broken on beaches in South Asia.
In India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, the demolition of these ships provides thousands of jobs. However, health and safety conditions are poor and labourers work on vessels that contain asbestos and other hazardous materials.
In fact, in 2006, France was forced to recall the Clemenceau, a decommissioned battleship, from Indian yards. The ship contained an estimated 270 tonnes of asbestos and other toxic waste, yet the French only recalled the vessel after widespread protests from environmental groups.
Through their Executive Commission, the EU has proposed the following measures should be taken:
* Technical assistance and support to developing countries for safety training and basic infrastructure for environmental and health protection.
* Enforcement of waste shipment rules such as more checks at European ports; establishing a list of ships ready for scrapping.
* Making warships and other government vessels subject to EU rules for clean dismantling if not covered by the convention.
Too little too late? Maybe, but better action now than not at all. It never ceases to amaze me that, here in the West, we seem to think its okay to expect the Asian sub-continent and other poor countries to clear up after us.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 10:22 AM | Permalink
November 17, 2008
Credit Crisis Hurts James Hardie's Profit
James Hardie says its underlying earnings for the September quarter have again been affected by the weakness in the US housing market.
Net operating profit came in at just over $36 million, down by a quarter compared to a year ago.
I was about to write an ironic, 'oh dear, what a shame,' then I went on to read:
Bottom line profit for the six months to September was almost $155 million, nearly triple last year's earnings for the same period. Apparently the company's earnings were boosted by the lower Australian dollar which had a favorable impact on the company's asbestos compensation payments.
Once again, 'oh dear, what a shame,' but this time with no irony at all.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 03:41 AM | Permalink
November 15, 2008
EPA Fail to Complete Asbestos Reports for It's Own Premises!
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is facing a tough time as workers complain they get ill when working at headquarters.
In response, the agency examined the building for Radon and Mercury, which they expected to find. However, when they moved on to assess the environment for the presence of asbestos, the latest reports they could find dated from 2001 - there has not been an asbestos inspection at the Illinois EPA headquarters for seven years.
And it's not only radon, mercury, and asbestos that are present in the EPA building, there are also underground storage tanks containing benzene.
It seems the Illinois EPA are so busy protecting the environment of others that they have failed to protect the environment of their own employees. Employees have reported respiratory problems, including mesothelioma.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 04:04 AM | Permalink
November 14, 2008
Lowell Residents Concerned About Asbestos
I wrote yesterday about the concerns in Vermont that roads and driveways may contain asbestos waste from old mines. Yesterday Vermont Public Radio featured an interview with a Lowell resident.
Here's the full transcript.
Posted by Dianne Sandland at 06:23 AM | Permalink