David N. Weissman, M.D.’s Testimony: Conclusion to Comments on Asbestos

Read more from the testimony of Dr. Weissman, who spoke before the Senate’s Committee on the Environment and Public Works about the dangers of asbestos. This final section includes the conclusion of his testimony and comments about this carcinogen, which is known to cause dangerous diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Despite the ability to prevent asbestos-related diseases by preventing exposure, they continue to be an important problem in the United States.

At least in part because of the long lag in time between exposure and mortality, deaths from asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma have not yet declined.

Furthermore, asbestos exposure continues to occur due to the presence of asbestos in older buildings and continued importation of asbestos-containing products from other parts of the world.

Asbestiform erionite, a non-serpentine, non-amphibole mineral fiber that is well-established as having toxicity similar to asbestos, is not included within regulatory definitions that are limited to the six commercial types of asbestos.

Controversy surrounds the toxic potential of several other mineral fiber types, in particular acicular/prismatic actinolite identified in El Dorado, California; and “cleavage fragments” of non-asbestiform amphibole minerals encountered especially in mining and construction.

NIOSH continues to work actively in this area and has developed a draft Roadmap describing current issues and research strategies to address these issues.

Working with a range of partners, our ultimate goal is to develop, disseminate, and facilitate the adoption of evidence-based recommendations to better protect workers from diseases caused by asbestos and other mineral fibers. Thank you again for the opportunity to testify before you today. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/2007/06/t20070612c.html

Courtesy of EPA

Other helpful links:

Asbestos Asbestos
Asbestos and lung cancer Asbestos and lung cancer
Mesothelioma attorney Mesothelioma attorney
Mesothelioma Lawyer Mesothelioma lawyer
Asbestos attorney Asbestos attorney