Blog
March 15, 2021
Sixty-seven countries around the world have banned the use of asbestos. The U.S. is not among them — at least, not anymore. In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency banned asbestos in American products, but after the industry sued, a federal appeals court overturned the EPA’s ban two years later. Though asbestos has been somewhat regulated [...]
March 9, 2021
Most homeowners or renters do not wake up to the alarming situation that confronted a New York resident last year. Sometime after his family moved into a Long Island rental home last May, Andrew Sirico — the father of three children — found something quite troublesome in his backyard. Four trailers filled with construction debris, [...]
March 2, 2021
Most people have heard of the toxic substance known as asbestos – and mesothelioma, the deadly form of cancer that it causes. A common misconception, however, is that the only people in danger of contracting this disease are those who come into direct and regular contact with asbestos insulation or other asbestos products as part [...]
February 23, 2021
As more is learned about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, the list of at-risk occupations and dangerous products seems to grow exponentially. Whether the concern is centered on hazardous careers, consumer products or construction materials, the danger of deadly consequences is unmistakable. One at-risk occupation is those who currently work or have worked in a boiler [...]
February 16, 2021
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is a life-changing moment. It represents a new chapter filled with challenges involving both their health and the financial costs when it comes to securing the best treatment. Those suffering from mesothelioma require a higher level of care, preferably at large academic cancer centers where they can receive treatment from a [...]
February 9, 2021
In spite of countless countries that have outright bans on asbestos and the increase in mesothelioma diagnoses, the United States is steadfast in its refusal to prohibit the importing of the dangerous mineral. With asbestos considered one of ten high-priority chemicals, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seemed to be resistant in providing any meaningful information [...]
January 25, 2021
Life as a military veteran comes with numerous challenges—emotional, psychological and financial. To help veterans pay their medical bills, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays an annual pension. In late December, the VA announced that it is increasing the Maximum Annual Pension Rates for 2021. One tragic consequence that many former service members experience [...]
January 19, 2021
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a risk evaluation for chrysotile asbestos on December 30, 2020. The EPA found that there is an unreasonable risk to workers, consumers, and bystanders. Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA’s next step will be to develop a plan to reduce or eliminate the unreasonable risks [...]
December 15, 2020
The news hits you like a punch in the stomach, knocking the wind out of you. Your physician confirms that you have mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that likely gives you less than two years to live. Although for weeks, you had been aware of the symptoms that included coughing, chest pains, difficulty breathing, [...]