MesoRC is constantly growing, and thanks to the input of our community members, we are pleased to announce the addition of a new resource to the site.

As suggested in the discussion board, MesoRC now provides a link to contact your Congressmen and urge them to support mesothelioma research and funding. The link brings you directly to the government web page where messages to Congressional representatives may be submitted. Bring mesothelioma to the forefront of political attention. Write your representatives and tell them to support mesothelioma funding and the ban against asbestos.

We are honored, grateful, and excited that community participation has once again generated a great feature for MesoRC. Please continue to discuss your thoughts and ideas in the forum or in blog comments, and we will gladly read them. We are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and user-friendly mesothelioma resource center possible.

It is a common misconception that asbestos exposure and mesothelioma are no longer causes for concern.  Because asbestos use was at its height in the 1970s, many people assume that 40 years later the substance is not a threat.

Recently, however, there have been several devastating and highly public stories about the harms of asbestos exposure.  As one editorial reminds us, it was just weeks ago that Carter administration White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan died of mesothelioma.  Just prior to that, a Scientology cruise ship was docked due to dangerous levels of blue asbestos within the boat; concerns about the health of actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise brought the story to the forefront of media attention. 

Aside from celebrities and public figures, asbestos continues to put the average American at risk.  The most pressing danger is the prevalence of asbestos in homes and buildings constructed around the '70s.  Decades ago, asbestos use was encouraged by the government because of its resistance to fire and its durability.  Now we know, however, that if these fibers become loose, they pose a serious threat to anyone who may inhale or swallow them.  Additionally, asbestos disposal is not always properly conducted, exposing the public to further harm.  On the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, authorities have warned beach-goers to refrain from eating, drinking, or disturbing the sand on the shore should asbestos be stirred up and ingested. 

Asbestos and the diseases it can cause are still very real and very pressing threats.  Although its use is discouraged, it is not outlawed.  Even when the dangers of asbestos became publicized, products containing the toxin continued to fill stores.  Just mere months ago, a popular children's toy was found to use loose asbestos powder as one of its main components. 

As researchers work to develop cures for asbestos-related diseases, the public can make strides towards improvement.  Visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to learn how you can raise awareness and encourage your Congressman push for an asbestos ban.

The United States and Canada are two of very few countries which have not yet outlawed asbestos.  But formative plans in Canada reveal that steps are being taken towards a comprehensive ban.

Unions in British Columbia are urging Parliament to endorse a New Democratic Party plan to prohibit the use of the toxin in Canada.  The plan includes phasing out the use and export of asbestos, as well as providing assistance to asbestos miners in Canada.  Over the next 5 years, 1500 British Columbia miners are expected to die of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related complications, so supporters are pushing fervently for immediate action.  For the complete story, click here.

A recent press release from the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute publicized the group's opinion on current asbestos legislation.  According to the release, the Institute unanimously supports a complete ban on asbestos and any product which uses he material as a component.

While the Institute applauds the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's draft bill, it criticizes the slack exceptions outlined in the bill: "We support the committee print's ban on all asbestos containing products. We explicitly reject the 'less than one-percent' exemption, which
would allow the continued use of asbestos as long as this toxic mineral is less than one percent by product weight. Such an exemption would allow industry to include one pound of lethal asbestos in a 100-pound bag of insulation. This one-percent exemption would perpetuate the misery of the asbestos disease epidemic and is indefensible on public health policy grounds."

Additionally, the release outlines a plan for asbestos research funding and awareness programs.  The full release can be found here.