If you ask the average person to name the leading cause of fatalities in the Ontario construction industry last year, what do you think they'd say? Falls? Electrocution? Possibly, crushing? I'm betting that not many people would guess cancer. But in fact, cancer was the leading cause of construction deaths in Ontario last year. It claimed the lives of 35 construction workers. By comparison, 20 Ontario construction workers were killed in accidents.

Of the 35 cancer victims, 15 died of a form of the disease called mesothelioma. I would like to tell you about this disease and what we're doing in Ontario to combat it.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the pleura, the layer of tissue that covers the lungs and protects them from the ribcage. Although rare in the general population, mesothelioma shows up with alarming frequency in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

Mesothelioma is invisible because it's so hard to diagnose. Symptoms develop and present themselves anywhere from 20 to50 years after exposure. There are many different types of symptoms and they vary depending on the stage of the cancer and the amount of exposure to asbestos involved. What's more, many of the symptoms of mesothelioma are the same symptoms associated with more benign diseases. So when a person exhibits symptoms, the seriousness of the situation may not become apparent until it's too late.

The Mesothelioma Problem

There are approximately 400 cases a year of mesothelioma being diagnosed in Canada now. Mesothelioma is also a problem in the U.S. with about 3,000 new cases per year being diagnosed.

Mesothelioma involves a high risk of fatality. The average survival rate is anywhere from four to 12 months. In 1999, the U.S. started coding mesothelioma as a cause of death. That year, 2,343 people were reported to have died of the disease. The fatality totals have risen every year since. Some predict the annual death toll to reach 10,000 by 2014.

The New York City rescue workers who responded on 9/11 were exposed to significant amounts of asbestos. Many of the firefighters, police and paramedics have been diagnosed with some asbestos-related type diseases and many have died.

Conclusion

Although its effects are obvious, mesothelioma is an invisible killer. That makes it hard to prevent. As safety professionals, our primary job is to prevent injuries. So protecting workers against the threat of mesothelioma is a tough challenge. Next week, I'll tell you about a couple of initiatives we've undertaken in Ontario to combat mesothelioma in terms of worker education as well as public fundraising, awareness building and research.

MESOTHELIOMA

New Zealand worker making asbestos fibrolite without any asbestos protection, circa. 1950s

The Workers At Risk

By Glenn Demby

Workers who perform jobs that involve exposure to asbestos fibers are at the greatest risk of contracting mesothelioma. That includes:

• Pipe Coverers
• Pipefitters
• Carpenters
• Engineers
• Navy Yard Workers
• Auto & Brake Mechanics
• Aircraft Mechanics
• Masonry Workers
• Millwrights
• Painters
• Plasterers
• Merchant Marine Seamen
• Steamfitters
• Longshoremen
• Powerhouse Workers
• Electricians
• Bricklayers
• Tapers
• Paperworkers
• Paper Mill Workers
• Machinists
• Lathers
• Insulators
• Welders
• Sheetmetal Workers
• Railroad Workers
• Cement Finishers
• Foundry Workers
• Plumbers
• Roofers
• Sailors
• Crane Operators
• Boilermakers
• Inspectors
• Maintenance Workers
• Plant Workers

MESOTHELIOMA

Sources of Exposure

By Glenn Demby

Asbestos is a mineral used in products to provide insulation and fireproofing. The mineral breaks down into fibers that get breathed into the lungs. Once they enter the body, asbestos fibers can do significant damage. Despite the known risks, there are more than 5,000 products containing asbestos in use today. Here's a partial list of some common product types:

• Acoustical Plaster
• Adhesives
• Asphalt Floor Tile
• Base Flashing
• Blown-In Insulation
• Boiler Insulation
• Breaching Insulation
• Caulking/Putties
• Ceiling Tiles & Lay-In Panels
• Cement Pipes
• Cement Siding
• Cement Wallboards
• Chalkboards
• Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.)
• Cooling Towers
• Decorative Plaster
• Ductwork Flexible Fabric Connections
• Electric Wiring Insulation
• Electrical Cloth
• Electrical Panel Partitions
• Elevator Brake Shoes
• Elevator Equipment Panels
• Fire Blankets
• Fire Curtains
• Fire Doors
• Fireproofing Materials
• Flooring Backing
• HVAC Duct Insulation
• Heating & Electrical Ducts
• High Temperature Gaskets
• Joint Compounds
• Laboratory Gloves
• Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops
• Packing Materials (for wall/floor penetrations)
• Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.)
• Roofing Felt
• Roofing Shingles
• Spackling Compounds
• Spray-Applied Insulation
• Taping Compounds (thermal)
• Textured Paints/Coatings
• Thermal Paper Products
• Vinyl Floor Tile
• Vinyl Sheet Flooring
• Vinyl Wall Coverings
• Wallboard

MESOTHELIOMA
Where to Get More Information

Here's a list of helpful websites that comes from the Mesothelioma Information Resource Group, MIRG.org, a Boston organization that helps individuals and families learn about mesothelioma and other asbestos related injuries. MIRG.org, (1-888-802-6376) e-mail www.MIRG.org. The descriptions of each site come from MIRG. We've listed the MIRG disclaimer at the end of the list which, among other things, advises you to consult a doctor before making any treatment decisions.

A. CENTER FOUNDATIONS AND CENTERS

Center for Cancer Care and Research
http://tcccr.com
A site dedicated to clinical research and community education and has a special regards for the spiritual and economic needs of its patients.

Health Alliance
http://www.health-alliance.com/cancer/Lung/general.html
The greater Cincinnati Health Alliance cancer centers, staff and physicians offer a multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer including everything from clinical trials to cancer information to support groups.

Lung Links
http://www.lunglinks.com
Provides comprehensive, innovative clinical services specifically directed toward a wide range of problems affecting the lungs, mediastinum, and the esophagus.

Pam Logasa Cancer Research Fund
http://www.inforserv.com/pam
The purpose of this site is to acquaint cancer investigators, both patients and doctors with the diverse research opportunities supported by the Pam Logasa Cancer Research Fund.

Paul Bevan Cancer Foundation
http://www.paulbevan.org
Is committed to improving care for people suffering from cancer and other life-limiting illness.

University of Virginia Cancer Center
http://www.uvacancer.com
This site is aimed at preventing, treating and ultimately curing cancer. Determined to find a cure, they continue to provide their patients with outstanding teams of experts who work together to find the best treatments.

Women's Cancer Resource Center
http://www.wcrc.org
To empower women with cancer to be active and informed consumers and survivors; to provide community for women with cancer and their supporters; to educate the general community about cancer; and to be actively involved in the struggle for a life-affirming, cancer-free society.

B. HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS

Radiation and Health Physics-University of Michigan
http://www.umich.edu/%7Eradinfo
An internet resource for radiation, nuclear, and health physics topics.

C. SUPPORT AND INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES

Ability
http://www.ability.org.uk/
Promotes and encourages the use of technology to aid and help people with disabilities to further enhance their skills in the work place.

American Association of Clinical-Care Nurses
http://www.aacn.org
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is dedicated to meeting the needs of its members who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families.

Asbestos News
http://www.asbestosnews.com
Provides legal resources/information for asbestos exposure cases such as work place contamination and toxic exposure causing Mesothelioma

Cancer Carer
http://www.cancercarer.com/
How two brothers joined forces to save a life from a killer disease - against the given odds. It is GUARANTEED that you will be EDUCATED and become EMPOWERED by the information available to you here. Find out how the PRINCIPLES and METHODS that you will learn about from this site WILL unlock the doors to the truths that you NEED to know to combat cancer and give yourself the best chance to defeat this disease.

CanHelp
http://www.canhelp.com
The World's Premier Cancer & Chronic Disease Treatment Information and Referral Service.

Cancer Carers Support
http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com
Lorraine Kember: Author / Inspirational /Motivational Speaker - Providing Grief Support, Pain Management Help, Nutritional Advice, Speaking Service,Inspirational Books and Poetry for Carers and those affected by Cancer of ALL kinds including Mesothelioma (asbestos related cancer).

Cancer Links
http://www.cancerlinks.com
A cancer information search tool and database.

Choose Hope, Inc.
http://www.choosehope.com
With a message of hope, humor, and inspiration they offer a wide selection of services and cancer gift items for patients and their families. A large portion of all profits will benefit cancer research and services.

Community Health and Tuberculosis Australia
http://www.chata.org.au/
Aims to develop, support and advocate for innovative and effective approaches to research, international development and professional education in community health for disadvantaged populations; with particular emphasis on tuberculosis, other respiratory diseases and tobacco smoking.

Family Onwards
http://www.familyonwards.com
Jill Curtis is a senior psychotherapist working in the UK. She is the author of a number of books on parenting issues, which provide advice to those seeking help with family difficulties. She has also contributed to a variety of other web sites connected with parenting, families, self-help, divorce, gay issues and women's interests.

Fertile Hope
http://www.fertilehope.org
Founded in October 2001, Fertile Hope is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing reproductive information, support and hope to cancer patients whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility.

Gilda's Club
http://www.gildasclub.org/
A special place where the focus is on living with cancer. And where men, women and children with any kind of cancer and their family members and friends can plan and build life-changing emotional and social support.

Hope Guide
http://www.hopeguide.org
The Huntsman Online Patient Education Guide (HOPE) is your online resource for cancer information.

International Health News
http://www.yourhealthbase.com/
Provides useful, authoritative on-line information about the latest research in health, nutrition and medicine.

Information and Articles on Mesothelioma & Asbestos
http://www.mesoarticles.net
This site offers many detailed information and articles on mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and asbestos. Also articles from dependants and people who are affected by mesothelioma are posted.

Mesothelioma Cancer
http://mesothelioma.asymbio.com
Mesothelioma cancer symptoms and diagnosis. Malignant mesothelioma treatments. Traditional and new treatment options.

Mesothelioma Online Advice
http://www.mesothelioma-online-advice.com/
Advice on mesothelioma, asbestos induced cancer, lawsuits, mesothelioma law firms, attorneys and mesothelioma treatments.

Mesothelioma Resource Online
http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com
Mesothelioma Resource Online, presents information that will help you understand the disease; its causes, effects and how you can best cope with it. We will also suggest resources where you can reach people, organizations and committees dedicated to helping patients of Mesothelioma in every way possible -- from emotional to legal perspectives and more!

National Lung Cancer Forums for Nurses
http://www.nlcfn.co.uk
Supportive Website for Nurses specialising in caring for patients with lung cancer. These Nursess are being employed in many different roles, often isolated and with little support.

Roberts Review of New Cancer Treatments
http://www.robertsreview.com
Contains the newest treatments, drugs, cures, breakthroughs (sorted by cancer type), gathered daily from 2900+ medical journal, medical centers, FDA trials, NIC, etc. Free cancer patient financial help with the best doctors and cancer centers.

The Invisible Disabilities Advocate
http://www.myida.org
The IDA was designed to help friends and family develop a better understanding of disabling illness and injury. IDA provides helpful links to sites and organizations of several diseases, disorders and conditions, as well as a support board.

Toxic Links Coalition
http://www.toxiclinks.net
The Toxic Links Coalition (TLC) is a growing alliance of community groups, women with cancer and cancer survivors, health care and environmental justice organizations, silicone survivors, women with endometriosis, and other reproductive disorders, and concerned individuals working together to educate our communities about the links between environmental toxins and the decline in public health.

D. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Cancer Fund of America
http://www.cfoa.org
A non-profit organization set up to help cancer patients, hospices, and other healthcare providers by way of sending products free of charge directly to them.

EnviroLink
http://www.envirolink.org
EnviroLink is a non-profit organization... a grassroots online community that unites hundreds of organizations and volunteers around the world with millions of people in more than 150 countries. EnviroLink is dedicated to providing comprehensive, up-to-date environmental information and news.

Health and Age
http://www.healthandage.com
A website sponsored by the Novartis Foundation for Gerontology, an independent non-profit organization. Their mission is to open up the discussion on aging, limited not so long ago to a select few, to involve millions of people across the world. So that people can benefit directly, and also help others to benefit, from the ongoing progress of research in an area of such major relevance to human well-being.

The Australian Lung Foundation
http://www.lungnet.org.au/
The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF) is a not-for-profit Public Benevolent Institution with Medical and Support Group representation in every state and territory in Australia. Their vision is to be a key agent of change in Australia bringing about the understanding, management and relief of lung disease.

The Wellness Community
http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org
A national non-profit organization dedicated to providing free emotional support, education and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones.

E. GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology
http://www.artp.org.uk
The sole professional organization in the UK for practitioners working in respiratory physiology and technology. The Association works in conjunction with the British Thoracic Society to produce national guidelines and standards for good practice in the performance of respiratory measurement.

F. GENERAL AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Asbestos Dusts
http://www.asbestosdusts.com
Asbestos- The #1 Resource Site on Asbestos. - asbestos articles and resources.

Google News Search: Mesothelioma
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&edition=us&ie=ascii&q=mesothelioma
Mesothelioma news section on #1 search engine Google.

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MIRG Disclaimer: The information on this website is presented by the Mesothelioma Information Resource Group and is for informational purposes only. No particular course of treatment is suggested. All persons are advised to consult with a medical doctor concerning treatment of mesothelioma or any illness. Also, nothing on this website is intended to constitute legal advice by a lawyer or attorney.

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