#mesothelioma include

[kamalemons]

The Haltmann Works Company is not responsible for any and all adverse health effects this product may cause, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, sudden rise in capitalistic ideals, maxim tomato allergy, and anything else that may occur after consuming or being in close proximity of this product. For limited time only.

[l-in-the-light]

Do you think Law would pass Amber lead disease to his children? 👀

I'm not a specialist in medical field, actually very far from it. Manga suggests it's a hereditary condition, though we don't know enough details to make a definitive statement. We have no idea how the intoxication started in the first place (manga only says it's because of the mining process), but I have seen people comparing it to asbestos, mostly because it's also associated with color white and there was this awful government's coverup of asbestos intoxication in Japan's modern history, which is probably what inspired Oda. Here's a good summary of how it went and how it still affects Japan even today if you're interested: http://www.ibasecretariat.org/lka-asbestos-truth-and-consequences-in-japan.php

That means Amber Lead Syndrome is likely similar to Mesothelioma, symptoms of which include pain, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fever and sweating (we see Law with all those symptoms indeed!). The only difference are the white patches on the skin, which I think Oda used just to make it easier for people to know at first glance that they're sick but also because symbolically it looks like death marked you (color white is associated with death in Japan). The sickness is caused by inhaling small fibers and once it accumulates it often leads to cancer. Cancer and mesothelioma treatment can also lead to infertility. The sickness itself starts from lungs, but in Law's novel it was suggested it accumulated in the liver. That may suggest that it was simply very late stage of it so it affected other organs as well (we saw evidence of that in the flashback indeed) and from my limited knowledge about medicine I can say that liver problems often lead to skin conditions like changing color. Late stage sickness shows as white patches appearing on the skin and that happens only after liver itself is attacked (but not before that).

Though this illness isn't considered hereditary, there are some studies proving family members of a person who worked with asbestos have mutation in their genes that gives them predesposition to this sickness (it was 1 in 4 case, which imo sounds like a big deal). So like always in our sad world, not enough studies were dedicated to the problem, because it's not beneficial enough to people who have money to fund the research.

But back to One Piece. We know that amber lead syndrome spreads around because of the mining process, and mining suggests indeed inhaling-related sickness. It develops slow enough that people get symptoms very late, which means it's a silent killer. Manga tells us also very explicitly that effects are shared among generations, shortening the lifespans until finally youngest generations die before reaching adulthood. This suggests it's passed down in genes, even though it's not stated this way directly.

Summing it up: treatment makes you infertile, accumulated lead makes it more difficult to have children when it spreads to all the organs and affects them, or the child can be born but will die before they reach their own age of fertility. I would say there's a chance that it didn't make Law infertile, but it still dooms his potential child's lifespan in that case. No children will survive long enough to start the next generation. Whether pregnancy itself can happen or not doesn't really matter as far as the final result goes. He can have a child potentially (if other mentioned factors didn't affect him luckily) but that child won't survive the age of 10 or so. That's exactly why manga called it "biggest tragedy of Flevance", after all. If "shortening lifespan among generations" and "not contagious" doesn't suggest hereditary then it would mean every single person in Flevance got it by mining, using the metal for buildings and wares. That would be the only possibility for Law's child not inheriting the disease and living normal life. But that doesn't explain why each generation gets shorter lifespans, so we're back to square one. Logically speaking, it must be related to DNA in some way and so gets passed down to children.

I dunno how I feel about it while knowing Ancient Kingdom would have means to cure Amber Lead Syndrome, since we know now that it was very advanced. Seems whatever knowledge they had vanished with them, and even when scientists like Vegapunk try to restore it, he is still unable to recreate many of their achievements. Law's Amber Lead Syndrome and his fate is connected in more way than one to the mystery of the Void Century.

[myapathyhaspeaked]

Platontic Sides Week Day 2: Vacations

“For the last time, we’re not, and will never, swim on your side!” Roman yelled, but Remus kept poking him as he rambled on and on about the various benefits of the beaches on his side of the Imagination, like Lovecraftian monsters and seaweed that tangled around your leg and pulled you down, down, down into the watery abyss until you floated to the surface, gasses from decomposition escaping your blue-tinged lips. Roman failed to see anything beneficial about any of that, but had long accepted that trying to figure out how Remus found joy in any of his interests was like trying to get a true ant’s eye perspective by smooshing his face into the ground. Uncomfortable, and would never actually work.

“Oh come on, what’s even in the water!?” Remus complained, like he couldn’t imagine an ocean not filled to the brim with creatures that yearned for blood and bone.

“Fish! And seals and sea otters and starfish!”

“Mermaids?” Remus asked, and really Roman should know better than to treat his brother’s questions as anything but a potential trap.

“I could make some,” he replied, taking the bait. Remus grinned.

“Can they drown me?” Roman groaned and sped up to put some distance between them. Virgil looked up from his phone at the sound of quickening footsteps in the sand and decided to match his pace so he wouldn’t have to walk alone just because his brother was annoying.

The Prince had invited the other Sides to a relaxing day at the beach in the Imagination. This wasn’t a unique occurrence; Roman had been inviting the others to the Imagination since they were children. He’d created bouncy castles, jungle expeditions, magical playgrounds, petting zoos, and a myriad of other things for them to play in and explore. What was new, however…

Roman looked back to see Remus talking about something with Patton. Whatever it was, it was causing Patton to cover his ears and turn pale. He only stopped when a way-too-long arm snaked around to poke him on the back, and realizing he could bug someone else, turned to Janus to continue the conversation. If the snake happened to start walking slower than the rest, well Remus didn’t seem to notice. Their differing speeds caused them to walk less as a group and more as a line, like a roller coaster instead of a car.

“It would be rude to not include them,” Patton had insisted. And look, what fun he’s having now. It wasn’t like they hadn’t excluded them before. Excluding them used to be the standard.

They finally reached the shore. It was perfectly picturesque, gentle waves crashing into white sand dotted with shells ready for the taking. An ice cream shop, one eerily familiar to the one Thomas’ family used to go to when they went to the beach when he was a kid, sat a ways away, playing music just loud enough to hear but not so loud that it became annoying like mall music. The seagulls squawked in the distance, and unlike the real ones, they’d stay in the distance. Logan breathed in the lovely sea air, letting his shoulders slump as he felt the tension leave his body.

He then started searching his tote bag for something. After a few seconds of grabbing around, he pulled out an orange tube. He popped open the blue cap.

“Everyone needs to apply sunscreen. I expect you to return in two hours to reapply.”

“Oh come on, we’re not going to get mesothelioma from a fake sun!” Virgil protested. He hated applying sunscreen, there was always the chance of accidentally rubbing his eyes before he rinsed his hands off. 

“The term you’re looking for is melanoma, and it has been shown time and time again that the environment of the Imagination has the ability to affect us.” While developing cancer was unlikely (that wouldn’t happen in Roman’s fantasyland), they had gotten sunburn on previous excursions. It was, unfortunately, too intrinsic to the beach experience to leave out.

Logan finished rubbing the lotion on the spots his wetsuit left uncovered and passed the tube to Virgil. He cringed, but begrudgingly took it. Being sticky was at least marginally better than getting lobsterback. 

Patton took his bag off his shoulders and began to set out the beach chairs. Roman joined him to stick the umbrellas in the sand. After applying sunscreen, the two of them grabbed some plastic buckets and shovels and made their way towards the water. They had plans.

The teacher sighed and laid down on one of the chairs, making sure the umbrella properly shaded him before reaching into his bag and pulling out his book about echinoderms. 

“What’s the point of the wetsuit if you’re not going to swim?” Janus questioned hypocritically, because he was also sitting in a beach chair despite wearing a bathing suit, piña colada in the hand that wasn’t propping his head up. Logan wasn’t sure where the drink had come from. The snake had explicitly refused to carry anything.

He wondered if he had another glass. Hydration is very important. That’s why.

“I might later. It’s just that this chapter on starfish is so fascinating. Did you know that they don’t have a brain?”

Janus hummed, a noise that acknowledged what he said but didn’t give the impression that he cared all that much. “Reminds me of some people I know.”

Meanwhile, Remus was sneaking up on Virgil, who was busy watching a crab scuttle around a small hill. It had blades of grass poking through the sand, and it cut off suddenly to create a mini cliff into the ocean. The crustacean danced between clumps of grass, snapping its claws like castanets.

The anxious Side knew how to swim. He even liked to swim. He just had to warm himself up to it, remind himself that shark attacks were rare and Roman didn’t know how riptides work and wouldn’t make them even if he did and that he wouldn’t get the bends from diving just a few feet. So he was sitting off to the side, waiting for his nerves to stand down.

Remus snickered impishly, the only warning Virgil had before he was shoved over the edge and into the salty water. He spit the nastiness out before glaring up at the Duke, who was peering down at him in turn, grinning.

“You’re an asshole.”

“Thanks, I try.” He then disappeared, giving Virgil a few fleeting moments of hope that he had left to pester someone else. That hope was soon dashed by the huge splash of Remus cannonballing recklessly close to him. 

Janus took a long sip as he watched Virgil flick water at the Duke’s face, only to scream shrilly when Remus gave chase. He tugged his floppy sun hat over his eyes and leaned back.

Patton and Roman had been busy creating a sand castle for the past fifteen minutes, and they were making remarkable progress, probably because they were in a fantasy where wet sand doesn’t collapse at the slightest disturbance. Their goal was a tiny palace fit for tiny royalty. They had completed the main tower, with a strand of seaweed hanging from a carved out window like the locks of a trapped princess. They were now working on the battlements and the moat.

Roman took a scallop shell from the pile they had accumulated and pressed it over where the gateway would be if he was working with a more stable material. He’d need to see if popsicle sticks would work, once they ate them (the popsicle, not the stick). Patton was next to him, poking crenels into the sandy curtain wall. Once that was done, he took some pebbles and lined them up against the edge of the moat that probably didn’t actually add any structural integrity, while Roman took some twigs and poked them into the sand to act as the castle residents. He also placed a cone-shaped shell (not a cone snail, Remus could have all the venomous creatures on his side, he didn’t need to share) outside the wall to serve as a cannon. 

“I don’t know, it’s missing a certain je ne sais quoi,” he concluded after staring at their creation for a moment, rubbing his chin in thought.

“Jenny said what now?” Patton asked cheerily. He knew full well what je ne sais quoi meant, but he was here to have fun. The Prince rolled his eyes, wanting to groan but finding that he wasn’t upset enough to do so.

The fatherly Side scanned the beach for whatever could complete their masterpiece. There was sand, more sand, a shell, even more sand, some washed up kelp, a lot more sand someone should get around to vacuuming, and ooh, score!

He plucked it up from where it was buried in the sand, only visible by how it caught the light at a certain angle, then held it up to present it to Roman. He beamed proudly when his friend’s face immediately became one of excitement.

“Great horseshoe huffing heffalumps, sea glass! Good find, Padre, it’s perfect,” he said as he took it from his hands to admire it better. It was a glittering white, and upon closer inspection, slightly translucent. He spent a while twirling it in his fingers, observing how it looked at all angles.

Now they just needed to find the right place for it.

Atop the tower was the obvious choice, right where everyone could see it. But that was too obvious, and furthermore might cause the structure to collapse. If only there was an interior for the castle, because it would have made a fantastic disco ball.

While they sat there pondering, Remus crawled onto shore like he was reenacting the late Devonian Period, creeping up to the beach chairs. Unaware of his presence, Logan continued spilling sea creature facts.

“Did you know that when threatened, sea cucumbers will eject their internal organs in a process called evisceration.”

“Doesn’t sound like an overreaction at all.”

“Sounds sexy!” Remus popped up, between them, causing them to both jump in surprise. How such a loud Side managed to sneak up on anyone was a mystery, one that Logan was planning to study and one that Janus had long given up on solving.

“The sea cucumber?”

“Anything can be a—”

“No, no they can’t!” Janus interrupted. He’d use his hand-slapping-over-the-mouth trick, but that never seemed to last long with Remus.

“See, Chamber of Sea Kraits agrees with me!”

“You are deliberately misinterpreting me,” he complained like he didn’t purposely speak in a way that made it difficult to tell when he was being sincere.

“Why are you here, Remus? Last I checked you were occupied swimming.” Swimming was a generous word for it. The Duke had spent the last five minutes pretending to be a drowned corpse. He was so close to getting that stiffness of a body that was only halfway into rigor mortis just right.

“Got bored.” It turned out letting yourself drift was a good way of constantly washing up on shore like a piece of driftwood. “Say, how do you feel about burying me?”

“Six feet under buried or make you into a mermaid buried?”

“I’d prefer a kraken but that works too.”

Virgil saw Patton and Roman waving to him and walked onto shore to see what was up. And what was up seemed to be a kickass sandcastle.

“How the hell did you guys make that?” he asked, because he was pretty sure sand couldn’t do that. He’d know it could actually do a lot more than he thought if he fell down an internet rabbit hole about sand sculpting. 

“Blood, sweat, and tears, my frightful friend.”

“And buckets!” Patton added before motioning for him to take a closer look. Peering down into the bailey, he saw a small mandala design made of shells radiating from a piece of white sea glass.

“Woah, neat,” he said as he took in the details. Several of the twig people seemed to be dueling. “So, what are you gonna do now?”

Grabbing the closest item nearby, Patton held up a beach ball and answered, “Volleyball?”

“With three people?” Roman asked. It would be odd, but if the moral Side wished for it, he was perfectly happy to make a quick volleyball court. 

“We could do three on three if we invited the others.”

“They seem a bit…busy,” Virgil pointed out, nodding over to where Janus and Logan were packing sand on top of Remus, steadfastly ignoring his suggestions to add a certain anatomical feature.

“Well how about a good ol’ game of catch with your old man,” Patton suggested, and that received nods all around. Since two of them had yet to enjoy the waters, they decided to play in the ocean, wading until waist deep and standing in a triangle formation. Despite only being ten or so feet away from each other, they spent half their time chasing after fumbled balls as they drifted away, the waves pulling the beach ball away every time they reached like the fruit branches above Tantalus.

The Sides stayed at the beach until the sun began to dip into the water, lighting it up gold as the sky was painted in peaches and tangerines. They then made their way back to the door to the Mindscape, ice cream from the shop in hand.

---

@platonicsidesweek

[thoughtportal]

Indiana plastics fire spewed toxic chemicals, EPA tests find, including benzene and hydrogen cyanide 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/indiana-plastics-fire-spewed-toxic-chemicals-epa-finds-benzene-rcna79778

The EPA said Thursday that it also found asbestos in samples of debris that fell in surrounding neighborhoods up to 1.5 miles from the fire. Asbestos can cause several types of cancer, including mesothelioma and lung, laryngeal and ovarian cancer. No amount of exposure is considered safe, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

[sad-scribble]

the true genders:

Male Female RAT Danish Venezuela K-Mart™️ Dick's Sporting Goods™️ Goggobite Hamburg Cheeseburg Borb Gorb Pay Less Shoes™️ Vampire Warewolf Thing™️ Clinically Insane but a Blorbo Clinically insane but Just Insane Kidney Donor 5 Gay Rats 7 and a Half Men Trans (Either) None Other Prefer Not to Say (Coward)

Other Genders Include: Home Owners Association of Vicksburg, Virginia Gaylord, Michigan Hell, Michigan Hell, Norway Wal-Mart Super Centers Ararcho-Anarchist 1800-588-2300 Empire Today™️ Bob Ross Chia Pet Red Beans and Rice Ikea Cafeteria Worker Indiana Resident Bermuda Triangle 5th Grader 6th grader High School Freshman High School Senior Mesothelioma Domino's App, Featuring, Hatsune Miku™️ Play-Doh Monstrosity Made of Origami Yucatan Peninsula Cuba Ancient Roman Norse Mythological Being It™️ Other Other.

Other Other Genders Include: Battle Cat 277 English Men named Gary 1 Child named Gerry 16 South African Children Home Owners Associations of Ottawa Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Louisiana Gumbo Mississippi North Texan Oklahoma Panhandle Native American God Cancer (Star Sign of Crab) Cancer (Disease) Lobster Shrimp Fried Rice Waddle Dee Amalgamation of the Fears of the Next Person you Meet Lusty Argonian Maid Köttbullar Chicken Noodle Soup Served Hot and Fresh on December 17th, 1942 Sheep Goat Goat Simulator Goat Simulation Skeleton Skeleton but Cooler David Shy Guy Secure Contain Protect Red Man™️ Omori Player Hard Boiled Egg Other Other Other

Other Other Other Genders Include: Me! :-) Green Man™️ Bangkok, Thailand Shay's Rebellion Alexander Hamilton's Husband Alexander Hamilton's Wife Scottish Dr. Pepper Dr. Bright Tumblr User Fly Swatter Pepsi Cola™️ Nestle™️ Swiss National Banks Federal Reserve Fallout 76 SCP-035 John Garfield (President of the United States) Garfield (Cat) Narrator from Stanley Parable™️ Every Kiss Begins with Kay™️ Everybody Wants to Rule the World Madagascar (Movie Series) Madagascar (Island) Elephant 2 Trucks Isle of Man Dos Islas Del Caribe French SCP-049 New South Wales Rochester, New York Swedish Meatballs Effects of Male Pattern Baldness on Italians 9Gag User Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Floridian South Texan Black Beans and Rice Other Other Other Other

Other Other Other Other Genders Include: Pepperoni Shakespeare's Play, Macbeth Beowulf Homer (Simpson) Homer (Author) Political Candidate German Polish Femboy 67 Children with Knives A Hamster Spinning a Wheel in Someone's Head FemMAN Dos Amigos Restaurant Chains North Sentinel Island Odin Ice Giant Skylander Disney Infinity™️ Guitar Hero Nintendo Wii Spaghetti Tacos Jerusalem Crème Brule Humunculous Spanish At Least 31 Years Old MIT Graduate BenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenreyBenrey Hey! Listen!

YOLO

Celeste Flying Spaghetti Monster The Computer from Don't Hug Me I'm Scared Target™️ SCP-079 Oyster Pirate Ninja Robot from the Future Robot The Thing™️ Blob 1990's Rendered 3D Sphere Youtube Poop Mist Flying Chinchilla Gingi Robot Chicken

what you want more?

[beardedmrbean]

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/johnson-johnson-sues-researchers-who-linked-talc-cancer-2023-07-13/

Sounds like J&J is a good, well-meaning company with nothing to hide but its love for people..

Standard procedure, or is this a new one they've got going now.

J&J alleges researchers used "junk science" to disparage company's products

Defendants say the lawsuits are meant to "silence" scientists

July 12 (Reuters) - Johnson & Johnson has sued four doctors who published studies citing links between talc-based personal care products and cancer, escalating an attack on scientific studies that the company alleges are inaccurate.

J&J's subsidiary LTL Management, which absorbed the company's talc liability in a controversial 2021 spinoff, last week filed a lawsuit in New Jersey federal court asking it to force three researchers to "retract and/or issue a correction" of a study that said asbestos-contaminated consumer talc products sometimes caused patients to develop mesothelioma.

One of the researchers, Richard Kradin, declined to comment. The other two, Theresa Emory and John Maddox, did not respond to requests for comment. Lawyers who have represented the three researchers in similar litigation in the past declined to comment.

J&J is facing more than 38,000 lawsuits alleging that the company's talc products, including its Baby Powder, were contaminated by asbestos and caused cancers including ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. J&J is attempting to resolve those lawsuits, as well as any future talc lawsuits, through an $8.9 billion settlement in bankruptcy court.

J&J says that its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos.

J&J has stopped selling talc-based Baby Powder in favor of cornstarch-based products, citing an increase in lawsuits and "misinformation" about the talc product's safety.

The company in 2021 began exploring bankruptcy as a potential solution to the lawsuits, which saw a mixed record at trial, including several defense wins but also a $2.1 billion verdict awarded to 22 women who blamed their ovarian cancer on asbestos in the company's talc products. J&J said in bankruptcy court filings in April that the costs of its talc-related verdicts, settlements and legal fees have reached about $4.5 billion.

Last week's lawsuit against Emory and Maddox, pathologists affiliated with Peninsula Pathology Associates in Newport News, Virginia, and Kradin, a pulmonologist who worked at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center before his retirement, comes on the heels of another complaint LTL filed in late May against another doctor, Jacqueline Moline, who works at Northwell Health in Great Neck, New York, on similar grounds.

Moline published an article in 2019 studying 33 patients who said their only exposure to asbestos came from talc products, and Emory, Kradin and Maddox followed up with a 2020 study of 75 similar patients.

All four doctors have provided expert testimony in lawsuits against J&J, and their research has been cited in lawsuits where they have not testified, according to the complaints.

LTL said the researchers concealed the fact that some or all of the patients involved in their studies had been exposed to asbestos from other sources.

The company is also asking the court to force the researchers to disclose the patients' identities.

The lawsuits allege product disparagement and fraud, among other claims.

Adam Zimmerman, a professor at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, said companies rarely file lawsuits over research they disagree with. It will be very difficult for LTL to prove that the researchers intentionally harmed J&J's reputation, which is required for product disparagement cases in New Jersey, but the company may view the lawsuits as a way to discourage other researchers or reclaim the narrative about talc safety, Zimmerman said.

"When a litigant starts suing opposing experts, that's very aggressive," Zimmerman said. "It sends a message that the gloves are off."

Moline has argued in court papers that LTL's litigation would have a profoundly chilling effect on future medical research if the company were allowed to unmask patients "in the hopes of publicly smearing them." Her court filings say that LTL's lawsuit was meant to "attack and silence" scientists, and that she has an ethical obligation to protect the identities of her research subjects.

LTL's lawsuits allege that the doctors' research allowed them to collect millions of dollars from plaintiffs' lawyers to push a "false narrative" about J&J. The complaint against Moline, for example, said she had made a "small fortune" testifying as a paid expert in lawsuits, receiving over $3 million from her work on asbestos lawsuits. LTL alleged that Kradin also made more than $3 million testifying as a plaintiffs' expert.

The researchers could not immediately be reached for comment.

LTL had filed similar lawsuits against the researchers in December 2022, but those complaints were linked to LTL’s first bankruptcy filing and were dismissed along with the rest of the bankruptcy in April.

The cases are LTL Management v. Moline and LTL Management v. Emory, U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Nos. 23-cv-02990 and 23-cv-03649.

For LTL: Peter Harvey of Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler; Allison Brown of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; and Kristen Fournier of King & Spalding

For Moline: Kevin Marino and John Tortorella of Marino Tortorella & Boyle

For Emory, Kradin and Maddox: Not yet available Read more:

J&J unit files for second bankruptcy to pursue $8.9 billion talc settlement

Cancer plaintiffs drill down on J&J's support for $8.9 billion talc deal

U.S. court rejects J&J bankruptcy strategy for thousands of talc lawsuits

Reporting by Dietrich Knauth; additional reporting by Brendan Pierson

__________________________________

This one could go either way, I don't blame them for trying either it's a lot of money.

Also gotta consider the timing since after 3 years of "trust the science" people are actually getting less prone to trusting the science after all the times the science changed its mind in those 3 years.

Tell me about that vaccine making me impervious to covid all over again science, I need to hear it one more time.

If the initial finding is correct, they'll need lots of their own baby shampoo, gotta clear up the tears somehow.

if not correct, that could change some things up too, piss some people off at the same time, so yayyyyy

[astergh0st]

current tabs open in my browser include a word counter site that I haven’t touched all day, two youtube tabs, a google search for mesothelioma that i am yet to look at any of the results for, and an image of a can of ham.

[asbestostestingadelaide]

The Importance of Asbestos Testing Services

Asbestos testing and sampling should be carried out whenever building materials appear to be deteriorating or prior to any construction or remodeling projects which could disturb them, as exposure to asbestos fibers poses serious health risks, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos-testing labs should be licensed and insured for accurate results, capable of testing crumbly, solid materials as well as dust samples with either polarized light microscopy or transmission electron microscopy techniques.

Certification

Asbestos is a fibrous and heat-resistant mineral commonly found in building materials. If improperly removed or handled, asbestos exposure may lead to lung diseases and other health concerns if not handled safely - thus making the decision to hire an accredited asbestos inspector essential.

Certified professionals complete training courses managed by third-party accreditors to obtain their credentials and obtain certifications to perform asbestos testing services in various settings.

An asbestos professional typically collects samples of suspicious materials during an inspection and sends them off for lab analysis, taking between several days and several weeks depending on the material type being tested for. Rush and emergency turnaround services are also available at additional costs.

New York City requires any construction, demolition or renovation project that disturbs ACMs to undergo an asbestos survey (ACP-5). Even simple projects like painting or demolishing walls may necessitate this inspection before receiving approval from the Department of Buildings.

Experience

Before undertaking any home renovation project, it is vitally important to hire a certified asbestos inspector. They can test for asbestos in areas like acoustic ceiling sprays, floor tiles, linoleums, insulation materials, drywall/joint compounds and roofing materials - among others.

AHERA accredited inspectors are specially trained to locate, identify and estimate quantities of asbestos-containing material (ACM). They provide thorough reports detailing their findings as well as create abatement plans to address any concerns discovered during inspections.

Asbestos testing should involve examining both solid and friable samples; typically laboratories will need at least one teaspoon of dust.

Naturally occurring asbestos found in rocks and soil poses no immediate health threat, provided it remains undisturbed. When disturbed during construction or demolition activities, asbestos fibers can be released into the air and inhaled by workers and residents in close proximity. A professional asbestos inspection firm should always be able to deliver accurate results, guaranteeing that an area inspected is safe before beginning work or demolition activities in it.

Licensing

Asbestos is a dangerous substance that poses serious health risks when disturbed. Not only can asbestos lead to lung cancer, but also mesothelioma and lung diseases like asbestosis. Therefore, testing for asbestos prior to renovation or demolition work must take place for both occupants and workers' safety.

Asbestos testing should be part of any construction or renovation activity which disturbs building materials such as floor tiles, drywall, pipes, insulation or fire-proofing materials. Furthermore, an asbestos test is strongly advised before purchasing an old home that could contain ACM.

Contractors, project monitors and professional service firms who perform activities that disturb friable asbestos must obtain a license before engaging in such activities. To do so, applicants must complete either an initial or renewal individual licensing package along with State Form 48741. Furthermore, documentation from an EPA/PA approved training course must also be provided before an onsite inspection can take place and an approval issued.

Insurance

Asbestos can be found in older homes built before the mid-1980s. Due to its durability and resistance to fire, asbestos was often utilized for vinyl floor tiles, roofing shingles, wall insulation materials and insulation materials. When these items become damaged they release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air which may eventually lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover the costs associated with asbestos inspection, testing and removal; however, this expense could be covered as part of a claim for property damage due to sudden events like storm-related roof or foundation damage, fire or theft.

When selecting an asbestos testing service, be sure that they possess both standard liability and workers' compensation insurance policies as well as adequate professional liability protection to guard against damages caused by errors of judgment or professional opinions.

Asbestos Testing Adelaide

[rosetheravaged]

OOC - What's going on with Alex

I'm gonna go ahead and put this below a cut because it may contain some triggering topics. I'll be sure to tag them.

Please read the tags as I've included every trigger I can think of that applies to this post. If I've missed one, please leave a comment or message me. It was not done intentionally.

Some context you'll need for this post: I live in the US. My Dad moved to Nova Scotia, Canada in 2016. He had two bad falls in 2019 and 2020 which left him with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

At the end of February, my dad video-called me for the first time since probably American Thanksgiving. I knew immediately that something was wrong because he looked like he'd lost 60 lbs.

He tells me that for the last several months he's been having severe fatigue issues and weight loss. Then, he ended up in so much pain in his abdomen that he went to the Emergency Department/Room. The doctor that had done his scans apparently had a grim look on his face. My dad, being my dad, reassured the doctor that whatever news he had, it was good news because it was answers.

Cancer. Of course, it was cancer. He had a biopsy and then went to see an Oncologist. Apparently, he had a rare mix of the two types of Mesothelioma and it had been growing inside of him very slowly for the past 50 years. That's not a typo. 50. Years. He'd have been 13 at the time he'd eaten something with asbestos if it was an environmental cause. Well, the Oncologist gave him about a year.

A week after his call to me, which was a day after his appointment with the Oncologist, he was in the Emergency Department/Room again. This time, he was having trouble breathing due to fluid filling up his abdomen and crushing his diaphragm. They drained some of the fluid, but we were informed it would keep coming back. It's called Ascites and was caused by the cancer.

I flew up to Nova Scotia and was there for two weeks. He passed away on March 14, 2023. Exactly one week since I'd flown up. I was with him. I didn't want him to be alone. Anyone who has ever been with someone who is dying like that knows how horrible it is. It wasn't peaceful. I will spare you more details though.

The Saturday after he passed we had a service for him at my step-mom's church. The Tuesday after we spread his ashes. I came back on Thursday.

Yesterday, I was feeling down all day. I have Major Depressive Disorder, so that happens, even with the medication I'm on. Today, I reached for my phone, opened Messenger, and went to video call my dad. I stopped short of actually calling him, (I have his phone anyway) but the fact that I did that at all hit me like a truck.

So for the last like 6 hours, I've been an emotional mess and have been trying to ignore reality by binging anime. I have no muse because grief likes to take everything from you.

That's what's going on with me right now. I don't know how long I'll be like this. I don't know if I'll rebound and have a good day (or several) and then slide back into this pit I'm in. Grief isn't linear and for me, it's not fast.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: I apologize for how slow I've been to reply to messages. I apologize for my lack of RP replies. I appreciate your patience with me as I go through this.

Thank you,

Alex

[weafurry]

[First image ID: A screenshot of a text. The contact says mom and the number is crossed out It was sent on Wednesday February 14th at 5:17 pm. It says "Please do not wear that Charlie Brown asbestos shirt to grandma's ever again. She almost called the fire department thinking it was real. END ID]

[Second image ID: A grey T-shirt laying on a wooden surface. On the shirt there is an image of Charlie Brown crying and saying "Good grief.... They put me on a shirt made of 100% asbestos" below him there is white text which reads "Exposure to ASBESTOS can be life threatening. If you breath ASBESTOS fibers you may increase the risk of several serious diseases, including ASBESTOS MESOTHELIOMA, and LUNG CANCER. Symptoms of ASBESTOS related diseases, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain, often do not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure. END ID]

[wutbju]

David Malcolm Bain, BJU Class of 1974.

David Malcolm Bain, Sr., 71, of Columbus, IN passed in San Clemente, California while with his wife, Pat, and family at 10:50 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024 . He fought a hard fight receiving cancer treatment. God took him Home to rest. David was born May 17, 1953, in Columbus, Indiana, the son of Harry James and Marilyn Jean Tempest Bain. On May 1, 1987, he married his beloved wife, Patsy Ann Hancher. David and Patsy met at Our Place Restaurant on Central Avenue, in Columbus, where they fell in love immediately. Patsy was the owner of the restaurant at the time and David would come in every day to see her. Patsy won his heart with her delicious free cooking, fresh iced tea and coffee. Many cherished memories were created together at Our Place restaurant, and even years later, the family continues to treasure them.

David Bain, Sr. was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. The best example of a family man you could ever imagine . Family is what his life revolved around. David was a man that would give you the shirt off his back. He always thought of others before himself and set this example daily. One example of his caring nature is where David would get up early during the winter months to shovel snow for the elderly or watering his customers flowers during the warm weather months while they were on vacation or away for business.

As a young boy, he grew up on the mission field in the countries of South Africa and Barbados with his parents and siblings. This started his love for Jesus that carried him all throughout his life. You could see this through his positive attitude and the way he treated people. He never knew a stranger and talked to everyone everywhere. He never complained, even in his final days while battling Mesothelioma. He had strong Christian convictions and just wanted to serve the Lord in all that he did. He graduated from the Institute of Christian Service with a degree in Practical Christian Training at Bob Jones University. He had a great work ethic and worked for over 50 years as a Master Carpenter and served Columbus with all of his grace and glory with a cheerful heart. One of David’s greatest qualities was that he was a perfectionist and specialized in remodeling historic homes. He was active in efforts to preserve historical buildings in Columbus, IN. Many of his customers became dear friends throughout his life. He was a member, deacon, and elder of the Hartsville Baptist Church and helped start the Hartsville Food Bank. He had a strong love and passion for people, food, coffee, and loved gatherings. In his last 6 months of life, he spent time with family visiting the mountains in Gatlinburg on a family trip and visiting his sisters and their families in South Carolina. He spent his final days in San Clemente, California with his wife, soaking in the beauty of the ocean and mountains. He was truly at peace there.

Survivors include his wife, Patsy; children, David (Celine) Bain of Columbus, Shannon (Robert) Dailey of Hope, Amanda (Matthew) Dreyer of Greencastle, Adam (Christina) Bain, also of Columbus; grandchildren, Nolan Dailey, Gavin Bain, Elijah Dreyer, Mwajuma Bain, Addison Dailey, Emma Bain, Daegan Baxter, Malachi Dreyer, Ellie Bain, Samuel Dreyer, Maevyn Bain; siblings, Pam (Mike) Ardoin, Debby (Louis) McCray, Cindy O’Cain, both of South Carolina, several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Gregory Bain and parents, Harry James and Marilyn Jean Tempest Bain.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street with Pastor Tim Tallent officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Hope Moravian Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made any of the following: Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Bob Jones University or Hartsville Baptist Church (David’s home church).

[dubaiheart]

Advanced Thoracic Surgery in Dubai: Meet the Top Surgeons

Thoracic surgery is a critical medical specialty focusing on procedures involving the organs of the chest, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus. It plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, and esophageal disorders. Dubai, a global leader in healthcare, offers cutting-edge thoracic surgical services at some of the most advanced facilities in the world. At the forefront of this field is Dubai Heart, a leading name in cardiology and thoracic care.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the advancements in thoracic surgery available in Dubai, introduce you to the best heart specialist in Dubai, and highlight why Dubai is home to some of the best cardiology hospitals and clinics in the region.

Why Dubai is a Global Hub for Advanced Thoracic Surgery

1. World-Class Medical Expertise

Dubai attracts some of the most highly trained and experienced surgeons in the field of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. These specialists often bring expertise from leading global institutions, offering patients the highest standards of care.

2. State-of-the-Art Facilities

The city’s healthcare infrastructure is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and surgical technologies, enabling minimally invasive procedures, robotic-assisted surgeries, and advanced imaging techniques.

3. Comprehensive Care

From diagnosis to post-surgery rehabilitation, Dubai’s healthcare providers offer a seamless continuum of care, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.

4. Accessibility and Diversity

With its strategic location and multicultural environment, Dubai is easily accessible to patients from around the world, offering medical services in multiple languages and culturally sensitive care.

Conditions Treated by Thoracic Surgery

Thoracic surgery addresses a wide range of conditions, many of which require specialized care. Some of the most common include:

1. Heart Conditions

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

Heart valve disorders

Congenital heart defects

Aortic aneurysms and dissections

2. Lung Diseases

Lung cancer

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Pulmonary embolism

Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

3. Esophageal Disorders

Esophageal cancer

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Achalasia (difficulty swallowing)

4. Mediastinal Conditions

Tumors in the mediastinum (the area between the lungs)

Thymomas and thymic cancers

5. Chest Wall and Pleural Disorders

Pectus excavatum (sunken chest)

Pleural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity)

Mesothelioma

Advanced Thoracic Surgical Techniques in Dubai

The evolution of thoracic surgery has been marked by significant advancements, many of which are now available in Dubai’s leading hospitals and clinics.

1. Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), have transformed patient outcomes by reducing recovery times, minimizing pain, and lowering the risk of complications.

2. Robotic-Assisted Surgery

Robotic systems allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with unparalleled precision. These technologies are particularly beneficial for delicate operations such as valve repairs and tumor resections.

3. Transcatheter Procedures

For heart conditions, transcatheter techniques like TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) offer minimally invasive alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery.

4. 3D Imaging and Planning

Advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D CT scans and MRIs, allow surgeons to visualize the surgical site in detail and plan procedures with precision.

5. Enhanced Recovery Programs

Post-surgery recovery programs are designed to optimize outcomes by focusing on early mobilization, nutrition, and physical therapy.

Dubai Heart: A Leader in Thoracic Surgery

Dubai Heart stands out as one of the most trusted names in thoracic and cardiac care. Here’s why it’s a top choice for patients seeking advanced treatment:

1. Expert Surgeons

Dubai Heart is home to the best heart specialists in Dubai, who are renowned for their expertise in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. These specialists are dedicated to delivering personalized, high-quality care.

2. Cutting-Edge Technology

The hospital is equipped with the latest surgical and diagnostic tools, including robotic systems and advanced imaging technologies, ensuring precise and effective treatments.

3. Comprehensive Services

From preventive care to complex surgeries and rehabilitation, Dubai Heart offers a full spectrum of cardiology and thoracic services under one roof.

4. Patient-Centered Care

Dubai Heart emphasizes a patient-first approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and ensuring compassionate, culturally sensitive care.

5. High Success Rates

With a strong track record of successful outcomes, Dubai Heart has earned its reputation as one of the best cardiology hospitals in Dubai.

Success Stories at Dubai Heart

The success of Dubai Heart can be seen in the lives it has transformed. Here are a few inspiring stories:

Case 1: Minimally Invasive Valve Repair

A 62-year-old man with severe mitral valve regurgitation underwent a robotic-assisted valve repair at Dubai Heart. Thanks to the minimally invasive approach, he experienced a quick recovery and was able to return to his normal activities within weeks.

Case 2: Life-Saving Lung Cancer Surgery

A 55-year-old woman with early-stage lung cancer underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. The procedure was successful, and she has remained cancer-free since her surgery.

Case 3: Complex Congenital Heart Defect Repair

A 10-year-old boy born with a congenital heart defect received life-changing surgery at Dubai Heart. The multidisciplinary team collaborated to perform a complex repair, allowing him to lead a healthy, active life.

Choosing the Best Thoracic Surgeon in Dubai

Selecting the right surgeon and facility is crucial for successful outcomes. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Expertise and Credentials

Look for board-certified thoracic surgeons with extensive experience in treating your specific condition.

2. Technology and Facilities

Ensure the hospital is equipped with advanced surgical tools and diagnostic systems.

3. Comprehensive Care

Choose a facility that offers integrated services, from diagnosis to post-operative rehabilitation.

4. Patient Reviews and Success Rates

Research testimonials and outcomes to gauge the quality of care provided.

5. Personalized Approach

The best surgeons and clinics, like those at Dubai Heart, tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs.

Tips for Maintaining Thoracic Health

While advanced surgery is invaluable for treating certain conditions, prevention and early intervention are key to maintaining thoracic health. Here are some tips:

Quit Smoking Smoking is a major risk factor for lung and heart diseases. Quitting can significantly improve your health.

Stay Active Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and lungs, reducing the risk of chronic conditions.

Eat a Healthy Diet Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support overall health.

Monitor Your Health Regular check-ups and screenings can help detect conditions early, improving treatment outcomes.

Manage Stress Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Vaccinate Certain vaccines, like those for influenza and pneumonia, can prevent respiratory infections that may lead to complications.

Why Dubai Heart is the Best Choice

When it comes to advanced thoracic surgery, Dubai Heart is a leader in the field. With a team of highly skilled specialists, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Dubai Heart provides unmatched care for patients. Whether you’re dealing with a complex heart condition, lung disease, or another thoracic issue, Dubai Heart offers the expertise and technology needed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion

Thoracic surgery is a life-changing field of medicine, and Dubai is at the forefront of innovation and excellence in this specialty. From minimally invasive techniques to compassionate care, Dubai’s hospitals and clinics offer everything you need for optimal thoracic health.

At the heart of this excellence is Dubai Heart, where patients receive world-class care from the best heart specialists in Dubai. With its advanced technology, skilled surgeons, and patient-first approach, Dubai Heart is your trusted partner for thoracic and cardiovascular health.

Take the first step toward better health today by scheduling a consultation at Dubai Heart, one of the best cardiology hospitals in Dubai. Your heart and lungs deserve the best care, and Dubai Heart is here to provide it.

[wattsasbestos24]

Safe and Professional Asbestos Removal in Adelaide with Watt’s Asbestos

Why Is Asbestos Removal Important?

Asbestos was widely used in Australian construction up until the late 1980s due to its durability and heat resistance. However, it is now recognized as a hazardous material that can cause severe health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, when its fibers are inhaled.

Buildings constructed before 1990 in Adelaide may still contain asbestos in areas such as roofs, ceilings, walls, and flooring. Proper removal and disposal by licensed professionals are essential to protect your health and comply with Australian safety regulations.

Watt’s Asbestos: Your Adelaide Experts

At Watt’s Asbestos, we specialize in providing comprehensive asbestos services, ensuring that your property is safe and asbestos-free. Our team is fully licensed and equipped to handle asbestos in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Services We Offer:

Asbestos InspectionsNot sure if your property contains asbestos? Our experts conduct thorough inspections to identify asbestos materials and assess the risk levels.

Asbestos RemovalWe handle the removal process with precision, adhering to strict safety standards to minimize the release of harmful fibers into the air.

Asbestos DisposalProper disposal is crucial to ensure asbestos does not pose a risk to the environment. We transport and dispose of asbestos waste in accordance with government regulations.

Site RemediationAfter removal, we ensure the site is fully cleaned and safe for reoccupation or further construction work.

Why Choose Watt’s Asbestos?

Licensed Professionals: Our team is highly trained and certified for asbestos handling and removal.

Commitment to Safety: We prioritize safety at every step, protecting you, your family, and the environment.

Local Expertise: Based in Adelaide, we understand the unique needs of local properties and regulations.

Transparent Process: From initial inspection to final disposal, we maintain clear communication and provide detailed reports.

Ensure a Safer Property Today

If you suspect asbestos in your home or workplace, don’t take unnecessary risks. Contact Watt’s Asbestos, Adelaide’s trusted name in asbestos removal and disposal. Let us help you create a safer environment for your loved ones or employees.

Call us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our professional services

Name - Watt’s Asbestos

Address - 7B Anderson St, Barmera SA 5345 

Website - https://wattsasbestos.com.au/asbestos-adelaid

[demoexx]

Your Essential Guide to Safe and Effective Shellharbour Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal is no small task. It requires expertise, careful handling, and adherence to strict safety regulations. If you live in or around Shellharbour and are concerned about asbestos in your property, this guide will help you understand the importance of professional Shellharbour Asbestos Removal services. From the risks associated with asbestos exposure to how to find the right professionals, we’ve got you covered.

1. Understanding the Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Before we dive into the process of Shellharbour Asbestos Removal, it’s important to understand why this material is so dangerous. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials due to its heat resistance and durability. Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

If your home or building was constructed before the 1980s, there’s a chance it may contain asbestos in materials such as insulation, roofing, or flooring. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne, and inhaling these fibers can lead to long-term health issues. This is why asbestos removal is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your home and family.

2. Why You Should Trust Professionals for Asbestos Removal

While some DIY projects may seem straightforward, Shellharbour Asbestos Removal is not one of them. Handling asbestos safely requires specialized training, equipment, and knowledge of the laws and guidelines governing its removal. Without the proper expertise, attempting to remove asbestos can be hazardous, not only to you but to others in the vicinity.

Professionals have the necessary tools, including respirators, protective clothing, and sealed containment systems, to safely remove asbestos. They will also ensure that the material is disposed of properly, adhering to all environmental and health regulations. Hiring a certified asbestos removal service is the only way to ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.

3. The Process of Safe Asbestos Removal

When you hire a professional Shellharbour Asbestos Removal service, you can expect a detailed and methodical approach to ensure the removal is done safely and effectively. The first step is a thorough inspection of the property. A certified technician will examine all areas of concern, such as old insulation, roofing materials, or flooring, to identify any potential asbestos.

Once asbestos is confirmed, the removal process begins. The work area will be sealed off to prevent any asbestos fibers from escaping into the air. The professionals will then carefully remove the asbestos, ensuring that it’s done in a controlled and safe manner. Once the material is removed, it will be carefully packed and transported to a licensed disposal facility. Finally, the area will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected to ensure that no asbestos remains.

4. Why Timely Asbestos Removal Matters

You might be wondering if asbestos removal can be delayed. The answer is no. The longer asbestos-containing materials are left undisturbed, the higher the risk of exposure. This is why it’s crucial to act quickly when you suspect that your property contains asbestos.

Not only does timely Shellharbour Asbestos Removal protect your health, but it also protects the value of your property. Asbestos can be a major turn-off for potential buyers, and if you plan to sell your home in the future, having asbestos professionally removed will make your property much more appealing. Additionally, delaying the removal could result in higher costs down the road if the asbestos becomes more difficult to remove or if it leads to contamination of the surrounding area.

5. How to Choose the Right Asbestos Removal Company

Choosing the right company for Shellharbour Asbestos Removal is critical to ensuring that the job is done safely and correctly. Start by looking for licensed and accredited companies that specialize in asbestos removal. Check for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get a sense of their reputation.

A good asbestos removal company will offer transparent pricing and be willing to explain the process in detail. They should also provide a clear timeline for the project, as well as any necessary documentation regarding safety and compliance with regulations. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and ensure that the company you choose is fully equipped to handle the job.

A Safe Future Starts with Professional Asbestos Removal

In Shellharbour, asbestos removal is not something that should be left to chance. By hiring professionals who are equipped with the right tools, experience, and certifications, you can ensure the safety of your home and everyone in it. Whether you're dealing with a residential property or a commercial building, Shellharbour Asbestos Removal services are essential for safeguarding your health and the environment.

[charlesbday]

Asbestos Claims

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that were widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various industries due to their strength, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals. Common products containing asbestos include insulation, roofing materials, flooring, and automotive parts.

[dailyanarchistposts]

Children, Play And The Environment

The future of the human race – our children – are the people who most need a safe and diverse environment of experience but are most at risk from it. Children are also at risk from the war, starvation and water-borne diseases crippling the Majority World. But not here? Blood tests reveal that nearly every person on Earth is harbouring detectable levels of dozens of persistent organic pollutants, including the worst: PCBs and dioxins. These chemicals cause liver damage and in the womb and in breast milk have measurable damaging effects on the brains of children. Currently, we are all involuntary subjects in a vast worldwide experiment on which each day we are exposed to hundreds of chemicals, many of which have been shown to cause harm, and many of which have never been tested. These toxins are endocrine disruptors that have major effects on reproductive health. The alarming decline in sperm counts is almost entirely restricted to the industrialised world. Reproductive defects in men have doubled. Female infertility and miscarriages are on the increase in the industrialised world and are directly linked to environmental causes, such as eating fish with high levels of industrial toxins – industrial New England is one infertility hot spot. They also damage the immune system and increase mortality rates from diseases we had thought treatable.

Children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental toxins. They have greater exposures to environmental toxins than adults. Pound for pound, children drink more, eat more and breathe more air than do adults due to their more rapid metabolism.

Children therefore have substantially heavier exposures to any toxins that are present in water, food, or air. Children taste everything and are much closer to the earth than we are, putting them at risk from toxins in dust, soil and carpets as well as toxins that from low-lying layers in the air, such as some pesticide vapours. Children undergo rapid growth and their development is uniquely at risk form toxins. The nervous system is not well able to repair any structural damage caused by environmental toxins: if cells in the developing brain are destroyed by chemicals such as lead, mercury, or solvents, or if vital connections between nerve cells fail to form, there is high risk that the resulting neurobehavioral dysfunction will be permanent and irreversible. Even if damage is not apparent, we are storing up disaster for the future. Many diseases that are triggered by toxins in the environment require decades to develop. Examples include mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos, leukaemia caused by benzene, breast cancer caused by DDT and some chronic neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s may be caused by exposure to environmental neurotoxins. Many of those diseases are more likely in later life if the toxin was ingested when young – cancers of all kinds, for instance.

The natural environment is important to children because it represents a place where they can interact with nature and play, relatively safely: away from traffic and also, temporarily, away from the control of adults. The primary place for play and socialising is ‘waste’ or rough ground, precisely because it is ignored by most adults. The value of such an environment is that, unlike an artificial one, such as concrete, tarmac or an artificial sports surface, children can interact with and change it. This happens in many ways, from obvious things like dens, tree houses and water play to more subtle things such as bike tracks which vary with the weather and which are constantly modified by the wear and tear resulting from the children’s use of them. The natural environment is constantly being polluted, threatened, damaged and destroyed; the ‘countryside’ is largely agribusiness farmland where children are denied access and at risk from the many pesticides, fertilisers and dangerous machinery most farmers use. In cities and towns, in addition to pollution, there is dumping – some of it toxic – and the constant threat of development of these ‘wasted’ (i.e. nonprofit making) brownfield sites for industry, roads and housing.

Our response is not to stop using the 8000+ chemicals known to be damaging to our health – chemicals that capitalists swear are either not dangerous or necessary to our prosperity (sic, their profits!) – it is to increasingly restrict and protect our children from the environment: indoor play, antiseptic schools, air filters blowing during the school run every day, holidays abroad because we suppose the environment cleaner and safer. Children are told “don’t touch!”, “put it down”, “stay away”. They are forbidden to wander off, to explore and experience the world on their own terms because it has become so dangerous both in fact and in the minds of neurotic parents. We can do this because we have choices. But poor and marginalized people – and they exist in millions in the developed world as well – do not. They live by polluted rivers, must slog though toxic mud, drink pesticide-flavoured water, work in asbestos-ridden factories, labour in herbicide-drenched fields for the agricultural corporations. And often their children are beside them, if they are not already sick or dying. And why? Because children most of all have no power and no chance to escape the visible and invisible enemy – environmental pollution and degradation – that is damaging their health and development, stultifying their lives and prospects, and killing them slowly and eventually and all for money, and the pampered lives of the captains of industry, the corporate giants, the corrupted politicians.