Robert Weker, 66; scientist with boundless interests Mar 9, 2010
Mr. Weker returned to the Harvard School of Public Health, where he worked for more than 30 years and studied the effects of tobacco and marijuana smoking, asbestos, nitrous oxide, ultraviolet radiation, and air pollution on human health, the workplace, or the environment. Mr. Weker also worked in Kuwait in 1991 after the Gulf War, helping to coordinate studies of smoke from the oil fires set by fleeing Iraqis. (Boston Globe)
Scuttled ship would wreck bay: residents Mar 7, 2010
Last week a team of boilermakers, welders and labourers used blowtorches to cut holes throughout the vessel and removed lead, copper and asbestos from its interior. NSW Lands Minister Tony Kelly said tests had found no trace of PCB in the vessel. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cloud of controversy over new lead rules Mar 6, 2010
Laura M. Marlin, commissioner of the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety, said that makes sense because the state already enforces federal deleading and asbestos standards. The federal government often grants states such regulatory authority. (Boston Globe)
Vaccine for Asbestos-Related Cancer Looks Safe Mar 6, 2010
THURSDAY, March 4 (HealthDay News) -- An investigational vaccine for the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma is safe, according to a new study ... Asbestos has been banned in developed countries for decades, but the incidence of mesothelioma is expected to continue to increase until 2020 ... "We hope that by further development of our method it will be possible to increase survival in patients with mesothelioma and eventually vaccinate persons who have been in contact with asbestos to prevent... (MEDLINEplus)
Portsmouth schools damaged in wind storm Mar 4, 2010
"A project to remove 30 percent of asbestos ceiling tiles at Little Harbour, which was part of a larger job to install fire door magnets, was completed Thursday afternoon mere hours before the storm struck. Linchey said the project was completed three days ahead of schedule.Since 2000, the school budget has increased from $23.7 million to a $36.2 million proposed budget for 2010, though the total full-time staff has increased by only five positions. Meanwhile, enrollment levels in the district... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Possible vaccine for mesothelioma proven safe Mar 4, 2010
Researchers have demonstrated the safety of a potential vaccine against mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated primarily with asbestos exposure ... The U.S. and other developed countries have prohibited the use of asbestos for decades, but the time between asbestos exposure and diagnosis of mesothelioma can up to 50 years ... "We hope that by further development of our method it will be possible to increase survival in patients with mesothelioma and eventually vaccinate persons who have been in... (EurekAlert!)
College Moving Forward With Renovation Project Mar 3, 2010
Jackson said to renovate the structure, it first will have to be gutted because of the widespread use of asbestos. Asbestos was used decades ago for its superior insulating, fire-retarding and sound-absorbing properties in floor and ceiling tiles and insulation ... It also was proven to cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and malignant lung cancer. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
New Coalition to Dodd: Keep Us Out of Financial Reform Mar 3, 2010
The last time the insurers joined in a coalition effort was in 2005 over asbestos legislation. There is no public policy justification for taking funds from companies in our industry, especially on a pre-event basis, to bail out other financial institutions deemed to be overexposed to failing systemic companies, wrote CEOs from the coalition companies, including the ACE Group, Nationwide Insurance and Liberty Mutual. (Roll Call)
Renovation of Hogans office leads to asbestos exposure Mar 3, 2010
The Daily Campus - Renovation of Hogans office leads to asbestos exposure ... Renovation of Hogans office leads to asbestos exposure ... Federal regulations regarding the disposal and release of asbestos-contaminated objects were violated by UConn officials during the renovation of President Micael Hogan s office last October, resulting in alleged asbestos exposures. (The Daily Campus, CT)
Shop Talk: The latest scoop in business Mar 3, 2010
A seminar on Health Hazards in Construction and Asbestos and Lead Awareness will be offered in at Kirtland Community College-Gaylord Wednesday, March 17 ... Asbestos Awareness training consists of information regarding asbestos and its various uses and forms ... It will also include information on the health effects associated with asbestos exposure and how employees can protect themselves. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
UConn Office Renovations Turned Costly, Hazardous Mar 2, 2010
University of Connecticut officials violated numerous federal laws when employees threw asbestos-laden materials from the window of the president's office during a nearly half million-dollar renovation of his Gulley Hall office. Six employees of the university's facilities management department were sent to the hospital for emergency medical screenings in December, more than two months after officials discovered that the mastic attached to the plywood floors in President Michael Hogan's office... (FOX61, CT)
Skaneateles church puts in labyrinth pattern in floor Mar 1, 2010
We had been discussing solutions for dealing with the old asbestos floor in the Dobson Hall for many years, the Rev. Dr. Craig Lindsey said ... A layer of freshly polished vinyl tiles now safely seals the old asbestos floor tiles. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Turn up the heat on solariums Mar 1, 2010
If it became fashionable to wear a lump of uranium yellowcake or flaky blue asbestos around your neck as a sign of some neo-gothic death wish, would this be allowed. If the radiology (x-ray) industry tried to expose young people to vanity-based radiation exposure, the community would be understandably outraged. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Lifesavers call on ratepayers to rescue decaying surf clubs Feb 28, 2010
"There is never enough money. This time there was $4.5 million worth of applications for the $2 million,'' Mr Hanks said. ''Some of those weren't quite approved and ready to go 00004000 but a lot missed out as well.'' Coogee Surf Life Saving Club president and Sydney branch chairman Tony Waller said Clovelly, Maroubra and South Maroubra all needed building work. He said surf clubs were more vulnerable because of the exposed environments in which they were built. His club is also seeking funding... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
VA approves funding for San Antonios polytrauma center Feb 27, 2010
The company will also provide asbestos abatement. A top priority for VA is providing greater access to VA s health care system and higher quality of care for the nation s Veterans, Shinseki says. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
LISD to discuss high school renovation Feb 27, 2010
However, the district has now learned that because of the age of the building, other work needs to be done, such as asbestos abatement, which Permetti said has jumped the project cost to about $20 million. Because of the age of the facility, were seeing some other issues, Permetti said, adding that students are safe because the asbestos isnt revealed until abatement begins in the summer. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Best way out may be getting on together Feb 25, 2010
The mistake was to underestimate the public concern about the ability of a smaller CSR - the part holding the building materials assets - to cover future asbestos liabilities and meet the claims of victims, the number of which can never be accurately assessed ... If pursued it would have involved no reduction in capital to the entity that houses the asbestos liabilities ... But with the asbestos spotlight directly on CSR's plan B, even selling sugar and receiving cash would be seriously... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Regulating Chemicals in Toys Feb 23, 2010
Although chemicals known to harm human health -- such as mercury and asbestos -- were making it into everything from computers to carpets, the government had no power to enforce bans ... Asbestos, used in home insulation and brakes, among others, can cause cancer. (ABC News -- Business)
Schools 'in danger' from asbestos Feb 22, 2010
BBC News - Asbestos danger 'in many schools ... Asbestos danger 'in many schools ... Asbestos becomes dangerous when disturbed. (BBC News -- UK)
Hawaii County finds toxins in parks facilities, lacks money for fixes Feb 21, 2010
The contractors looked for lead, arsenic, mercury, asbestos, chlordane and polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCBs, which were found in numerous facilities ... The private inspectors identified asbestos, lead paint, arsenic and mercury at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course clubhouse, kitchen, pro shop and driving range. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Kernels Of Truth Feb 21, 2010
Tampons contain asbestos. Drinking lemonade will make you lose 10 pounds in five days. (FOX61, CT)
Windber parts ways with borough manager Feb 20, 2010
I want to thank the people of Windber and council for giving me the opportunity to further my work experience there, Durdines said in a telephone interview (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Blood tests urged for Mt Isa children Feb 20, 2010
"To show the absurdity of this, if you were to substitute the word asbestos for lead and say you were monitoring the levels of asbestos in children, there would be outrage," he told AAP on Saturday. "The lead in the dust is coming from the mine.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Hamilton schools face uncertainty with state aid payments, Breckon says Feb 19, 2010
When asked by school board president Mark Menn if there were any add-ons to construction, Breckon noted that the district removed hallway ceiling tiles that contained asbestos. Other than that, there was no run-over, he added. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Millions on the line as first Chinese drywall trial opens Feb 19, 2010
Eventually, methods for Chinese drywall removal could mirror the process for fixing mold or asbestos contamination, Sall said. There is a lot of question in the professional community about how best to do the remediation, he said. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Public invited to look inside Northampton courthouse Feb 18, 2010
An inspection for asbestos has been completed and they are awaiting the findings ... If no asbestos is found, the tile will be replaced with sheet vinyl. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Sweetie Pies to add 3rd location, 59 jobs with $425K in state aid Feb 18, 2010
The Delmar property, which is contaminated with lead paint and asbestos, will be renovated to house a new restaurant and bakery, called Sweetie Pie s Upper Crust, that will offer breakfast, banquet and meeting space, and separate bakery sales. Sweetie Pie s current locations lack the space necessary for these additional services. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Read the 'JER' transcript Feb 16, 2010
Listen to this: "They are people who deny the link between smoking and cancer. They are people who say that asbestos is as good as talcum powder. I hope that they apply it to their faces every day." This is the chairman of the U.N. climate panel, a co-winner with Al Gore of the Nobel Peace Prize. What do you make of this, Dan. (Fox News)
Cleanup of debris from 1515 demolition starts now, could take months Feb 16, 2010
"The interior around pipes, ceilings and tiles had some asbestos, and that was all abated before we even entered the building," Greenberg said. "It was taken out in bags and to the landfill. "I would not have been there in the dust on the day of the implosion if I felt there was asbestos in the building ... " Demolition of the building, which has been unusable since the hurricanes of 2004, was delayed for months in 2009 because of concerns about asbestos. County health and state and federal... (The Palm Beach Post)
Paw Paw Extends Life of Mesotheliom... Feb 15, 2010
Paw Paw Extends Life of Mesothelioma Patient: Woman Uses Natural Therapy to Flout Asbestos Cancer Prognosis ... Woman Uses Natural Therapy to Flout Asbestos Cancer Prognosis ... Marie Augustine was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer related to exposure to asbestos in 2007. (Suite101.com)
Spectators: 'Sad to see 1515 blown up' but 'awesome' demolition went too fast Feb 15, 2010
Property owner Trinity Development has spent the three years since determining the best way to demolish the building and taking care of safety requirements, including asbestos tests ordered by the state and county health departments ... No special containment precautions, however, were required for asbestos ... Despite early tests that showed such precautions were needed because of the asbestos in the building's stucco, later tests agreed to by Trinity and the Palm Beach County Health Department... (The Palm Beach Post)
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Feb 15, 2010
Asbestos Cancer Doctors Developing New Therapies ... Mesothelioma is sometimes called asbestos cancer because it is almost always caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, dust, and particles ... The symptoms of Mesothelioma may not appear until decades after asbestos exposure. (Suite101.com)
Taking down 1515 Tower: No implosion, not quite explosion Feb 13, 2010
" In the days and weeks following the blast, the BG Group will spray a fire hose on the debris to prevent dust from spreading. There's also the fear of contamination . In April of last year, officials discovered asbestos in the building's stucco, causing months of delays. However, after extensive studies, the state's Department of Environmental Protection ruled that there was not sufficient amounts of asbestos to stop the project. Lynn understands that neighbors can be apprehensive about the... (The Palm Beach Post)
Board approves asbestos removal Feb 12, 2010
The building was originally constructed in 1964 and as was common for its period, certain materials like floor tiles contained asbestos. "When you take out any material that contains asbestos you have to have an abatement company remove it," he said ... "It's not a problem right now because (the tiles are) sealed... In order to put new tiles down we ve got to remove the old tile and the old tile contains asbestos.". (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Fla. Ruling to Determine Fate of Thousands of Asbestos Cases Feb 12, 2010
Ruling to Determine Fate of Thousands of Asbestos Cases ... Ruling to Determine Fate of Thousands of Asbestos Cases ... Ruling to Determine Fate of Thousands of Asbestos Cases. (Law.com)
S.D. hearing to decide future of Toyota suits Feb 11, 2010
It has been used for cases involving airplane crashes, securities fraud and asbestos death and injury claims. The batch of Toyota suits, which grows almost daily, are from Toyota owners alleging they have suffered economic losses because the values of their cars have declined in the wake of the car companys woes. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Suit puts blame on Pratt & Whitney Feb 11, 2010
Wednesday's complaint alleges that Pratt & Whitney's pollution included "acidic and alkaline rinse waste water" as well as oil, sodium cyanide, construction debris, solvents, asbestos, fuels, paints, pesticides, mercury and laboratory chemicals. Staff researcher Niels Heimeriks contributed to this story. (The Palm Beach Post)
Campaign focuses on ordinance to restrict smoking Feb 11, 2010
Byron W. wrote on Feb 4, 2010 4:59 PM:" bluesfan13 wrote "You mean just like people could have chosen to work somewhere without asbestos. "Yep they could have. The difference being that everyone is well aware of hazards of smoking. That was not the case with asbestos. " ... "You mean just like people could have chosen to work somewhere without asbestos? ". (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Asbestos in New Zealand Properties Feb 10, 2010
Asbestos is a cancer causing agent that was a common construction material from the 1950s to the 1980s and is contained in many New Zealand homes as a result. Asbestos was once used widely in the construction and decoration of New Zealand homes and public buildings ... However, when asbestos particles are suspended in the air, for example through construction work, or through the natural wear and tear about the house, they become extremely dangerous and a. Exposure to asbestos can result in... (Suite101.com)
From possums to puddles: nurse hurt in fall at troubled hospital Feb 10, 2010
It said the hospital needed painting, asbestos removed and its roofs repaired. Join the conversation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
More options in double degrees Feb 10, 2010
While the rest of Australia watched the James Hardie asbestos trial unfold in the media, Hannah Bellwood had a front-row seat in court. The 22-year-old UNSW arts and law student sat in on the case as part of the Lucy Mentoring Program, a government program to help develop leadership skills for women in business, law, finance, economics and accounting. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
How to juggle for a living Feb 10, 2010
9:30PM Wed February 10, 2010. Kate Driscolls job with the UTS Careers Service meant she had an employer that understood university exams. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Wyoming briefs Feb 9, 2010
He also contended that he was exposed to asbestos in facilities he was assigned to clean. He said he notified supervisors and asked for protective gear, but nothing was done. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Cec Heftel, former Hawaii congressman, dies in California at 85 Feb 7, 2010
in 1978, Heftel donned a protective suit to observe workers as they removed asbestos from the engine room of the USS Brewton. More News headlines. (Honolulu Advertiser)
The 1515 tower implosion: Life's a blast for this building-busting clan Feb 7, 2010
Web Web Search by YAHOO. Thomas Cordy/Staff Visual Journalist Principles of Advanced Explosives Demolition, left to right, Steve C. Murray, Marine City, Mich. (The Palm Beach Post)
Mesothelioma Treatment Options and ... Feb 6, 2010
Mesothelioma Treatment Options and Prognosis: Help for Cancer Caused by Asbestos ... Help for Cancer Caused by Asbestos. (Suite101.com)
Resources for Mesothelioma Cancer Feb 6, 2010
Information, Research, and Advice on an Asbestos Disease ... If looking for information on mesothelioma, the cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, the following web sites offer a large amount of information and advice including mesothelioma and asbestos information, available and new treatments, financial aid, and help for veterans ... Veterans can find a wealth of information at Asbestos. (Suite101.com)
UCO faces $40,986 Workman's Comp bill Feb 6, 2010
Council directed the fire department to get an estimate from an authorized inspector for asbestos removal costs. In personnel news, the police chief submitted three applications for part-time officers. (Winchester News-Gazette, IN)
Five-step check for nano safety Feb 6, 2010
Long, thin fibres of asbestos can also lead to lung disease if inhaled, but grinding the fibres down to shorter particles reduces their harmfulness. In May, the UK's Royal Society called on industry to disclose how it tests products containing nanoparticles. (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
The Cause and Symptoms of Mesotheli... Feb 6, 2010
The Cause and Symptoms of Mesothelioma: Diagnosis and Information on Cancer Caused by Asbestos ... Diagnosis and Information on Cancer Caused by Asbestos ... The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, although cases have been reported when there has been no exposure to asbestos at all. (Suite101.com)
Kaiser workers rally for contract Feb 6, 2010
The union also contends Kaiser Permanente has not given them a hard copy of a report concerning asbestos work done at the hospital, including air quality information. Kaiser, however, says it has given the union access to the documents, allowing it to review it in its office, calling the asbestos issue a tactic brought forward by the union ... The union also contends Kaiser Permanente has not given them a hard copy of a report concerning asbestos work done at the hospital, including air quality... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Aviva, Zurich Financial May Face `Spiral' of New Asbestos Claims in U.K. Feb 5, 2010
Aviva, Zurich May Face New Asbestos Spiral in U.K. (Update1) - Bloomberg ... Aviva, Zurich May Face New Asbestos Spiral in U.K. (Update1) ... Terry, 72, was diagnosed with pleural plaques six years ago, nearly 40 years after he left a job as an engineer on board cargo ships with machinery cased in asbestos. (Bloomberg -- UK)
There is an almost universal misconception among the public that certain institutions. Feb 5, 2010
Sure, she presented a credible legal reason for her opinion, but it is hard to escape the notion that she did not want to be the judge who in 10 years would be confronted by an asbestos victim on Channel Nine claiming that he was denied compensation for mesothelioma because CSR did not have sufficient funds to pay him ... But the court of public opinion would deliver a different verdict, as it went for compensation to victims of asbestos-related injuries. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Total Safety acquires ICU Environmental Feb 4, 2010
Founded in 1993, The Woodlands-based ICU provides services such as industrial hygiene, safety inspections and audits, asbestos consulting services, indoor air quality consulting and risk assessment. Aside from its headquarters, ICU has offices in Beaumont and Washington, D.C. It has about 50 employees. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Federal Court judge Margaret Stone's decision to throw out CSR's split application has been called a surprise. Feb 4, 2010
History was against CSR on asbestos ... History was against CSR on asbestos ... Federal Court judge Margaret Stone's decision to throw out CSR's application to spin out its sugar division free of asbestos liabilities was being called a surprise yesterday by CSR and its advisers, but with the James Hardie asbestos debacle in the history books, there must have been a nagging fear that it was coming. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
BH takeover ripped, praised (2460) Feb 4, 2010
-- Hired Villa Environmental Consultants of Benton Harbor to perform asbestos and lead abatement assessments of blighted buildings the city plans to demolish. The city wants to demolish up to 25 buildings, according to Nicol Brown, community and economic development director. (The Herald-Palladium)
CSR skids after court block Feb 4, 2010
In her judgement, Justice Stone said CSR had failed to put enough information about the potential implications of the demerger on sufferers of asbestos diseases into the documents it planned to send its shareholders. Recent documentation released by CSR for its $375 million capital raising stated that as at September 30, 2009 CSR had made a provision of $446 million for all known asbestos-related claims and future possible claims ... CSR's liability stems from its mining and distribution of... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
CSR Shares Tumble Most in Eight Months After Court Blocks Sugar Separation Feb 4, 2010
The spinoff and a proposed capital reduction would leave Sydney-based CSR with considerably less capital to meet asbestos-related liabilities, Justice Margaret Stone said yesterday in a judgment ... The builders asbestos liabilities are from personal injury claims related to mining in Australia, and the manufacturing and sale of products containing the material ... Asbestos Compensation. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
CSR has to revisit the other options Feb 4, 2010
The board of CSR was naive to think that it would be able to slip under the radar with a corporate restructure that contained even the faintest possibility that this would compromise its ability to satisfy future asbestos claims. It doesn't matter that this company has been a model corporate citizen for the past 30 years and never had any intention of depriving its asbestos creditors of compensation ... The CSR board spent plenty of time and energy finding experts to assess what future asbestos... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Union Springs capital project easily passes Feb 3, 2010
The project will allow for the removal of about 10,000 square feet of plaster ceilings with encapsulated asbestos in the middle and high school hallways ... Donna Jakaub, of Union Springs, said the project is important because it involves asbestos removal and safety features ... The district expects the work to take place and be completed during summer 2010, as asbestos abatement must take place when school is not in session. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Court Rejects CSR's Plan to Demerge Sugar Business on Asbestos Concerns Feb 3, 2010
Feb. 3 (Bloomberg) -- s plan to spin off its sugar business was halted by the Australian Federal Court because the nations second-largest building-products maker will have less capital to fund asbestos liabilities after the demerger. The business removal and a proposed capital reduction would leave Sydney-based CSR with considerably less capital to meet an uncertain level of asbestos-related claims, Justice Margaret Stone said today in an e-mailed copy of the judgment ... The... (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Judge urged to block CSR demerger Jan 30, 2010
A federal court judge has been urged to stop CSR's planned demerger because people claiming compensation for asbestos diseases would be worse off than they are now. The submission came from the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund, the body set up by the NSW Parliament and funded by James Hardie after a James Hardie compensation trust was found to be grossly underfunded in 2004 ... After splitting into two companies, the one retaining the asbestos liabilities would have total assets 40 per cent... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Supervisor to state: Explain rejection of Kettleman study Jan 29, 2010
Bobb wrote on Jan 22, 2010 3:20 PM:" Like I have said all along, don't blame WM for all of the health problems in KC. They have done all of the required EIR and other documentation for their buisness. What do we have a State Dept. of Public Health for if not to investigate these problems. Let the chips fall where they may but this may clear up the true culprit. Just to sue and blame WM for all of the ills of KC without a proper study is unconscionable. There are many other possibilities to these... (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Asbestos removal underway Jan 29, 2010
Most campus buildings were built in the 1970s, a time when asbestos was typically used in construction ... Asbestos is only hazardous if it becomes airborne; thus, samples are collected using methods that ensure that none is released ... According to department manager David Krajicek, three to four buildings are checked for asbestos every year, usually during school breaks. (UCD Advocate, CO)
A pragmatic approach to cancer Jan 28, 2010
He spent years around harsh cleaning chemicals, asbestos and fiberglass insulation. He says he isn t sure what caused his lung cancer, which was classified as a squamous cell carcinoma, traditionally a type of skin cancer. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
