June 18, 2013 (Press-News.org) A recent study released by the American Thoracic Society and published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has drawn a link between asbestos exposure, smoking and the development of asbestos-related lung cancer. Researchers showed that smoking cigarettes dramatically increased the rate at which workers previously exposed to asbestos developed lung cancer.
The study - led by Dr. Stephen Markowitz, professor of occupational and environmental medicine at Queens College's School of Earth & Environmental Sciences - examined the medical records of 2,000 workers with long-term asbestos exposure and more than 50,000 workers whose occupations did not involve having regular contact with asbestos. The data showed that the combination of smoking, asbestos exposure and having developed the chronic lung condition asbestosis created a proverbial "perfect storm" of risk factors that resulted in a 37 times greater chance of developing lung cancer (when compared to those studied who didn't smoke and had no long-term asbestos exposure).
The study also found a correlation between quitting smoking and a decrease in cancer risk. Those who stopped smoking for a decade - even those afflicted with asbestosis (a scarring of the lungs that inhibits lung function) - were able to cut their chances of developing cancer in half. Once they had reached 30 years without smoking, they had the same chance of developing lung cancer as a fellow asbestos worker who had never smoked.
Asbestos-related diseases: notoriously hard to diagnose
There is no exact scientific consensus as to why there is such a dramatic increase in developing fatal lung cancer when asbestos-exposed workers also smoked, but the dangers of smoking are well-documented. Less well-known, however, is the physiological responses that cause some people with long-term asbestos exposure to develop debilitating medical conditions, while others with similar amounts of exposure seem to have minimal side effects.
There are myriad ways to theoretically explain the discrepancy, everything from genetic resistance to varying precautionary measures (like respirators) and from bad luck to the ventilation on the job site.
One possibility recognized by medical science is the fact that asbestos-linked diseases are notoriously hard to diagnose. This is due in no small part to the fact that common respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent coughs, excess mucus production, fatigue and chest pains are not only markers of conditions like asbestosis, but are also seen in more pedestrian conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, allergies and asthma. Because of this, it is entirely possible that there are millions more victims of asbestos-related conditions that simply don't understand the full extent of their illnesses, having been misdiagnosed.
Another diagnostic hurdle is the fact that diseases resulting from asbestos exposure develop not over a period of days like a common cold, but over years or even decades, making it difficult for even experienced doctors to make the causal link between lung issues today and working around asbestos 10, 20 or even 30 years ago.
Learning more
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition like asbestosis or lung cancer? Do you need more information about holding the responsible parties - the ones who perpetuated the asbestos exposure - accountable for your injuries? Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who has the unique knowledge and skill necessary to handle difficult asbestos injury cases.
Article provided by Gori Julian & Associates, P.C.
Visit us at www.gorijulianlaw.com/
Study finds link between asbestos exposure, lung cancer and smoking
Medical research has found a tentative link between smoking, asbestosis and lung cancer.
2013-06-18
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Staying on the lookout for motorcycles in DeKalb County
2013-06-18
In the last few years, motorcycles have increased in popularity across the country and you have likely seen more appearing on the roads here in DeKalb County. Motorcycles present a unique challenge for motorists because they can be difficult to see. If motorists aren't extra vigilant, they could cause a motorcycle accident.
Due to their smaller size, motorcycles do not move or operate in the same way that passenger vehicles do. Since they are road vehicles, this can be disconcerting to motorists. However, by becoming more aware of these two-wheeled vehicles, drivers ...
As the housing market improves, couples gear up for divorce
2013-06-18
If you have been following the numbers, you probably know that the economy and housing market is slowly recovering. This is great for couples that have been struggling financially; however, it is even better for those who are ready to split.
NBC News notes that there has been a sharp increase in the number of divorce filings. Specifically, The Fiscal Times documents a divorce increase of 25 to 50 percent in some areas over the past year.
Why is there an increase? Sources have detected a direct correlation between the housing market and divorce. People were experiencing ...
Summer road trips can turn to nightmares if a trucking accident happens
2013-06-18
Nothing says "summer" for millions of American families like a road trip. Taking to the highways, seeing the sights and spending quality time together is a tradition that spans generations, no matter if the drive is across the state or across the country. For some unlucky families, though, their vacation will be cut short by a tragic car or truck accident.
Truck accidents are far too common, with nearly 500,000 of them happening every year. Many commercial vehicle accidents involve collisions with smaller passenger vehicles, something that can have dire consequences ...
Colorado adopts regulations for recreational marijuana
2013-06-18
Last fall, voters in Colorado approved a ballot initiative legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. Since then, state lawmakers have been tasked with developing a regulatory framework that carries out voters' wishes while protecting public safety and restricting access by minors. In late May, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a comprehensive set of regulations into laws, paving the way for a retail marijuana trade that is expected to start in January 2014.
Under the new laws, Colorado residents over age 21 will be allowed to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana. They ...
California theft crime: Hayward woman allegedly robs man at ATM
2013-06-18
On an April 2013 evening, a 38-year-old man was surprised just before 9 p.m. to be robbed of his cash by a young woman at an ATM outside of a Fremont bank. According to the Fremont Patch, police reported that, with her hand in her pocket, the perpetrator told the victim she had a gun and that he was to hand over his money.
The alleged robber was arrested just over a week later in Hayward after law enforcement had reviewed security film. At the time of her arrest, the defendant was in possession of identification cards that belonged to another alleged robbery victim who ...
Naperville Personal Injury Attorneys Mathys and Schneid Named to Million Dollar Advocates Forums
2013-06-18
The Law Offices of Mathys & Schneid is pleased to announce that the Naperville firm's two partners have been accepted into the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Personal injury lawyers Mark W. Mathys and Mark T. Schneid have been certified as life members of these prestigious groups.
The Million Dollar Advocates Forum is an exclusive group for trial lawyer who have won verdicts, settlements and awards of at least $1 million. Less than 1 percent of U.S. lawyers are members. Members must have been the lead attorney on at least ...
Stryker Hip Implant Failures Under Investigation
2013-06-18
Patients who have Stryker Orthopaedics' Rejuvenate and AGB II hip implant systems, which were recalled in July 2012, have been advised to consult with their surgeons. Unfortunately, they are at serious risk of having to undergo another operation to remove the defective implant and replace it with a new device.
Stryker recalled the Rejuvenate and ABG II implants after they showed signs of dangerous metal wear and corrosion. These defects can cause debilitating pain, swelling and tissue death.
Stryker marketed the Rejuvenate and AGBII hip implants as safe and effective. ...
Emeritus Law Discusses Finding the Right Orlando Immigration Lawyer for Your Case
2013-06-18
When you need an immigration attorney in Orlando, you want someone who knows the law, has experience in the industry, and most importantly of all, you want someone who will take the time to talk to you. In most cases that would require the services of an Orlando immigration lawyer, there are serious consequences for failing to plead your case successfully. You want to be sure that the person representing you has your best interest at heart.
When you need an immigration lawyer in Orlando, turn to Emeritus Law and let their knowledgeable attorneys guide you through the ...
Atlanta Natural Health Clinic, Southern Environmental Medicine Center, Moves Locations
2013-06-18
Southern Environmental Medicine Center, an Atlanta integrative medicine practice, wishes to announce that it has moved locations as of May 6th, 2013.
Formerly located in the Palisades at West Paces shopping center, the Atlanta environmental medicine clinic is now located in the Tuxedo Atrium office park. The clinic's new address is:
3833 Roswell Rd
Suite 116
Atlanta, GA 30342
The new Atlanta natural health clinic location maintains Southern Environmental Medicine Center's existing schedule and phone number. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, ...
Norcross Dental Associates, the Dentists in Norcross, Discuss Cosmetic Teeth Whitening 101
2013-06-18
There is nothing more inviting than a beautiful, pearly-white smile, but many of us feel the need to hide our stained or off-white teeth. Fortunately, the Norcross dental experts at Norcross Dental Associates know there is a very easy solution to bring us back to being all grins: cosmetic teeth whitening.
Cosmetic teeth whitening is a simple in-office procedure for the dentists in Norcross, and it is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures they perform. During the procedure, a concentrated peroxide gel is left on your teeth for four 15-minute intervals with breaks ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Pink skies
Monkeys are world’s best yodellers - new research
Key differences between visual- and memory-led Alzheimer’s discovered
% weight loss targets in obesity management – is this the wrong objective?
An app can change how you see yourself at work
NYC speed cameras take six months to change driver behavior, effects vary by neighborhood, new study reveals
New research shows that propaganda is on the rise in China
Even the richest Americans face shorter lifespans than their European counterparts, study finds
Novel genes linked to rare childhood diarrhea
New computer model reveals how Bronze Age Scandinavians could have crossed the sea
Novel point-of-care technology delivers accurate HIV results in minutes
Researchers reveal key brain differences to explain why Ritalin helps improve focus in some more than others
Study finds nearly five-fold increase in hospitalizations for common cause of stroke
Study reveals how alcohol abuse damages cognition
Medicinal cannabis is linked to long-term benefits in health-related quality of life
Microplastics detected in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy
Ancient amphibians as big as alligators died in mass mortality event in Triassic Wyoming
Scientists uncover the first clear evidence of air sacs in the fossilized bones of alvarezsaurian dinosaurs: the "hollow bones" which help modern day birds to fly
Alcohol makes male flies sexy
TB patients globally often incur "catastrophic costs" of up to $11,329 USD, despite many countries offering free treatment, with predominant drivers of cost being hospitalization and loss of income
Study links teen girls’ screen time to sleep disruptions and depression
Scientists unveil starfish-inspired wearable tech for heart monitoring
Footprints reveal prehistoric Scottish lagoons were stomping grounds for giant Jurassic dinosaurs
AI effectively predicts dementia risk in American Indian/Alaska Native elders
First guideline on newborn screening for cystic fibrosis calls for changes in practice to improve outcomes
Existing international law can help secure peace and security in outer space, study shows
Pinning down the process of West Nile virus transmission
UTA-backed research tackles health challenges across ages
In pancreatic cancer, a race against time
Targeting FGFR2 may prevent or delay some KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancers
[Press-News.org] Study finds link between asbestos exposure, lung cancer and smokingMedical research has found a tentative link between smoking, asbestosis and lung cancer.