Mesothelioma study in Japan

An article published on 31 January 2012 looked at the future trends of mesothelioma in Japan.

The article suggested that deaths from mesothelioma will continue to rise for the next 15 years or so, before declining.

Even though Japan has reduced their use of asbestos, dangers still exist from old asbestos. This is the same situation as in Australia.

The article concluded by saying that education of the public as to the dangers of asbestos exposure was important. This education, if followed, would reduce future risk of those being exposed to asbestos, and thus lower the chance for someone to develop mesothelioma.

Low exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma

The 2012 Australian reality TV series “The Block” has served as a reminder to home renovators about the dangers of asbestos, even at low levels.

Shows such as The Block can sometimes encourage home owners to undertake renovation works.

It is imperative that if you do undertake home renovations, you firstly find out whether or not there is asbestos in your home. If there is, it should be removed in a proper and safe manner.

Low doses of asbestos can result in a person suffering mesothelioma, being a cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen.

In the past, we have acted for many persons who developed mesothelioma following relatively low exposures to asbestos.

Asbestos found at Barangaroo site

On 10 April 2012, workers downed tools on the new Sydney harbourside development, Barangaroo, following the discovery of asbestos.

The Secretary of the CMFEU, Brian Parker, expressed concern about the discovery.

Only a small amount of asbestos exposure can lead to a worker developing mesothelioma, the asbestos related cancer, in future years.

Lend Lease, who are developing the site, stated that safety was the highest priority.

Australian mountaineer passes away from mesothelioma

On 20 March 2012, the Australian mountaineer, Lincoln Hall, passed away from asbestos related malignant mesothelioma.

Lincoln Hall was probably most famous for being found frostbitten near the top of Mount Everest after being feared lost in 2006. He had many other achievements including conquering most of the worlds highest peaks and establishing the Australian Himalayan Foundation. He was also awarded the Order of Australia in 1987 for services to mountaineering.

At the age of 56, this great Australian passed away from mesothelioma, having been exposed to asbestos as a child.

Mesothelioma can result from relatively small amounts of asbestos inhalation. Unlike other asbestos conditions, mesothelioma is not a “dose related” condition.