By now it is widely known that exposure to asbestos, an naturally occurring product used for its insulating and fire resistance properties, can cause such devastating diseases as lung cancer and mesothelioma. But, what is it about asbestos which is so dangerous to the human body? Why does it cause such debilitating diseases? Let’s take a look at the current science on the subject.

According to the American Cancer Society there are two kinds of asbestos: chrysotile – which is also known as white asbestos and is often used in industrial applications, and amphibole – which is fibrous and composed of needle-like threads. Both of these types of asbestos are known to cause cancer. For years scientists knew that asbestos caused cancer, but were unsure of the exact mechanism which led to this result. But in 2010, researchers at the Hawai’i Cancer Research Center published this paper, which proposed a direct link between asbestos and cancer.

According to the paper, asbestos kills cells when it comes in contact with them, but in the process it causes a condition called “programmed cell necrosis” in which the cells release a chemical which causes inflammation. It is this inflammation which leads to the production and replication of cancerous cells.

Though it may seem like asbestos related disease is a problem of the past, nothing could be farther from the truth. It is estimated that millions of Americans continue to work in buildings which have been treated with products containing the deadly substance. If you, or anyone you know, has suffered from an asbestos related disease – such as malignant lung cancer or mesothelioma – call the attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314 today for a free consultation regarding getting you the compensation you deserve.

The worst feature of mesothelioma, for victims and those who love them, is the excruciating pain which characterizes the disease. The importance of pain management in mesothelioma treatment cannot be overemphasized. If your doctor is not addressing your pain, find one who will. Uncontrolled pain not only diminishes your quality of life, it can shorten your life unnecessarily.

The Importance of Pain Management

Mesothelioma is undisputedly terminal, making it ridiculous for doctors or patients to worry about drug dependency. Effective pain management can actually increase the efficacy of your mesothelioma treatments, making it a crucial component of responsible care for mesothelioma patients. You deserve to be as comfortable as possible, but pain management goes beyond comfort. It directly affects your health.

Talk Openly with Your Doctor

Too many patients worry about the stigma of asking for pain medication or expressing the full severity of their pain. It is time to throw that kind of thinking out the window. Mesothelioma pain is progressive, and you will develop a tolerance to pain medications over time. Mesothelioma patients require stronger pain medications as the disease progresses. Always be honest with your doctor about the extent of your pain, and do not be afraid to tell your doctor or healthcare provider when you need more effective pain relievers.

If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma, please call the San Francisco mesothelioma attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314 today. Your initial consultation with our San Francisco mesothelioma attorney is free, and if we agree to represent you, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds.

We still don’t have a cure for mesothelioma, but we do have new and promising treatments which can be more effective than what was available in the past. Early detection is the key to extending life and for some can even mean beating the disease. A better understanding of mesothelioma, has made early diagnosis possible. Even with today’s advanced treatment options, the majority of mesothelioma patients have a life expectancy of 18 months or less, but even then, extensive treatment is necessary.

Traditional Cancer Treatments

Traditional cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. These treatments can be effective as curative measures in mesothelioma patients, when the cancer is caught very early. They are also used as palliative care, to manage symptoms, in later stages.

Newer Therapies

New and experimental therapies which are showing promise in mesothelioma treatment include:

• Gene therapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• Immunotherapy

Individualized Treatment

Each patient needs a customized treatment plan which will typically include a combination of traditional and newer therapies, and well as palliative care, pain management, and often alternative or complimentary treatments such as acupuncture, nutrition, and massage therapy, to manage symptoms and overall health.

If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma, please contact the San Francisco mesothelioma attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314. We have developed relationships with expert resources who work with mesothelioma victims nationwide. Not only do we help our clients get the compensation that they need and deserve, we will also help you find resources for mesothelioma treatment and counseling. Please call us today.

Asbestos is heat and fire resistant, as well as being strong, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. Contrary to popular belief, asbestos has not gone away, nor has it been banned. Asbestos use today is restricted, to some extent, but you might be surprised to learn just how many new products still contain the deadly substance, not to mention older items you still have in your home.

Household Items

You probably know that many construction materials contain asbestos. Items that your handle and use on a daily basis can be made with asbestos, too. Household items which commonly contain asbestos include:

• Potting soil
• Children’s toys
• Hair dryers
• Curling irons
• Packing materials
• Tape
• Talc powder
• Toasters
• Toaster ovens
• Popcorn poppers
• Slow cookers
• Coffee makers
• Irons
• Lantern wicks
• Cosmetics
• Cleaning products
• Baking products
• Decorative and home improvement products
• Fake snow
• Rope
• Yarn
• Textiles
• Hot pads
• Oven mitts
• Ironing boards
• Chalkboards
• Cork boards
• Table tops

Automotive

Automotive workers are at risk for asbestos exposure, but you don’t have to work on your vehicle to be exposed to the asbestos that it sheds. For instance, brake pads contain asbestos, and normal wear slowly releases it.

At Brayton Purcell, LLP, we represent innocent people throughout the US who have been harmed by products containing asbestos. We will help you track down the product or the business or the premises where you or your loved one was exposed to asbestos – even though it may have happened many years ago. If you or someone you love has developed mesothelioma, please call the mesothelioma attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online today. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

We all know that first responders risk their lives every day to save the lives of others. What you might not know is that in addition to the obvious and immediate dangers that they face, they are also at increased risk for developing deadly illnesses, years down the road, from toxic exposure. Firefighters are at particularly high risk for asbestos exposure, but police officers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics can also be exposed when they respond to scenes where asbestos has been released.

Types of Emergencies Where Asbestos Exposure is Likely

Many buildings, especially older building, still contain asbestos. As long as the structure and its materials remain intact, the asbestos is trapped. When the materials containing asbestos are damaged, the asbestos fibers can become airborne.

Explosions, building collapse, and natural disasters can cause huge amounts of asbestos to be released into the air suddenly. The result is intense exposure, which can lead to severe and rapidly advancing asbestos disease. The most well-known example of this type of scenario occurred when the Twin Towers fell on 9/11.

Firefighters face more subtle, but still deadly exposure on a regular basis because they are called upon to enter burning and recently collapsed structures as a routine part of their job.

If you or someone you love was a first responder who has developed mesothelioma anywhere in California or the United States, please call the San Francisco mesothelioma attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, at (800) 598-0314 or contact us online today. With our extensive experience and track record of success, we will help you and your family get the compensation that you need and deserve. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.