Tomorrow, the wife of deceased mesothelioma victim Bernie Banton will officially launch the Asbestos Research Group in Brisbane. Banton campaigned for aggressive asbestos legislation in Australia, acting as an advocate for safer asbestos policy.

The new research group will focus on studying mesothelioma and non-cancerous asbestos-related diseases. Beyond research, the group aims to improve treatment and quality of life for victims of asbestos exposure. Read the article here.

Especially since the death of asbestos crusader Bernie Banton, Australia has been making great strides in mesothelioma research.

Unfortunately, asbestos research in Australia is now facing a significant set-back.  Federal records of 1,000 mesothelioma cases have been lost.  The files contained details regarding symptoms, treatment, and causes of Australian mesothelioma patients.  When researchers recently requested the information, a federal government department admitted to having "potentially lost" the records.

A Sydney geologist had requested the information as part of a study to determine how exposure to high concentrations of naturally-occurring asbestos affects people.  In searching for the impact of these "hot spots," he hoped to use the history of past mesothelioma patients.  

The lost files contained data collected in the 1980s in one of the world's most comprehensive mesothelioma surveys.  The records were put into storage in 2001 and have not been found since the search efforts began early last year. Read the story here.

Today in Australia, asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton was honored by friends and family during the International Day of Mourning for Dead and Injured Workers.  Banton spent much of his lifetime advocating for asbestos justice by working for changes in compensation legislation and fighting to have the mesothelioma drug Alimta included on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.  He died last November at age 61 from mesothelioma.

Mourners gathered today at Reflection Park in Sydney's Darling Harbor.  Reverend Bruce Banton said of his brother, "My brother Bernie was one who stood up and was counted and stood for what he felt was right, and right until the end of his life he cared for others.''

Read the full article here.