It
is documented that Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos
in the world from the 1950’s until the 1970’s. As a tragic consequence,
Australia now has the highest per capita incidence of mesothelioma in
the world. With more than 500 Australians contracting mesothelioma per
year, it is estimated that up to 18,000 Australians will die from this
asbestos related cancer by the year 2020.
Despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos, there are
many people who have not heard of Mesothelioma. This asbestos related
cancer is defined as: a malignant spreading tumor of the mesothelium of
the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising form the inhalation of
asbestos fibers.
One of the most baffling and frightening known facts concerning
Mesothelioma is that many years may pass, between inhalation of
asbestos dust and its deadly legacy of disease; it is not uncommon for
four decades or more to pass before symptoms due to asbestos dust
inhalation become apparent.
In November 2004, I was an invited speaker at the Global Asbestos
Congress 2004, held in Tokyo Japan. Over 800 participants from 40
countries around the world were in attendance. To be a part of such a
large gathering of fellow humans, united in a quest to rid the poison
of asbestos from our environments was an intensely moving experience.
Having lost my husband to mesothelioma I know first hand the suffering
this cruel disease places on its innocent victims.
There were many speakers and each told a tale, of pain, death and
heartache. We listened, we understood and we ached for the past,
present and future victims of the killer asbestos and its legacy of
mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. We listened and we
were shocked and angered to learn that despite the growing awareness of
the dangers of asbestos and the increasing incidence of asbestos
related disease, there remains some countries who are mining asbestos
with little or no regard for their workers or people who will come into
contact with asbestos products.
Asbestos disease Association member’s world wide are working tirelessly
and fighting almost insurmountable odds to ban asbestos from all
countries of the world. It is a sobering and frightening fact, that
even if we were successful in this quest, the legacy of asbestos
related diseases will continue for five decades.
Add your voice to the many who want this killer product erased from the
worlds environments – Add your voice to the call that pleads for
adequate compensation for victims and their families. Sign the online
petition at Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization:
http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) continues to raise
public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the
incurable and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is quickly
expanding and uniting veterans, fire-fighters, shipbuilders, teachers
and thousands of other innocent people around the world. Asbestos
Awareness leads to education, prevention, new treatments and ultimately
a cure.
Lorraine Kember is the Author of "Lean on Me: Cancer Through a Carer's Eyes." www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com A powerfully moving and inspirational true story about her husband's
courageous battle with mesothelioma and her emotional journey as she
cares for him. This touching book includes helpful information on
topics such as: cancer pain management, symptom control, and coping
with grief. Diary excerpts and poems Lorraine penned along the way are
interspersed throughout this book and further depict the depth of their
love for each other, the sense of helplessness she experienced on his
diagnosis, and her growing strength as she comes to realize that there
is much she can do to improve the quality of his life. This book has
been highly recommended by the Cancer Council, as well as numerous
other organizations and doctors. To read more about this book or order
it online, please visit the link above.
