According to the Jackson NJ Online, New Jersey Senator Tom Kean (R-21) has introduced legislation to declare Sept. 26 as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in New Jersey annually. The legislation, SJR-77, has been approved by the New Jersey Senate and is waiting for consideration in the General Assembly.

The report quotes Sen. Kean as saying, “We don’t have a cure or standard treatment yet for mesothelioma, so we need to learn more about this disease and spur the development of effective treatments.” He says that designating a statewide annual recognition of Mesothelioma Awareness Day will help ensure that the public and policymakers do not forget the importance of mesothelioma awareness, and help promote funding for research.

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The Kansas City Tribune features a touching story about Wendell and Elizabeth Mason. Wendell passed away as a result of complications from mesothelioma in December 2006 at age 65. He was employed for 25 years as a truck driver and insulation fabricator, where it is believed he was exposed to asbestos on the job.

The story, written by Tom Bogdon, says Wendell’s widow, Elizabeth (Beth), and his three grown children will wear t-shirts featuring a photo of Wendell on Saturday to draw attention to Mesothelioma Awareness Day. They also have obtained a proclamation from Olathe, Kansas, Mayor Michael Copeland declaring Mesothelioma Awareness Day in the city.

The report quotes Beth Mason as saying, “We want people to stop and think. Asbestos is still out there. We don’t want other families to go through what we’ve been through. Wendell and I were robbed of our retirement together.”

Read the full story at the KC Tribune’s web site.

There is much debate over the issue of nanotechnology, with recent reports swinging to the positive side of the spectrum. Scientists at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Nanotechnology Center say nanotechnology may provide an avenue for physicians to track cancer cells in the body, and enable targeted treatment.

A recent report in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette says the scientists, led by Alexandru Biris, assistant professor and the chief scientist at the university’s Nanotechnology Center, have developed a technique for attacking cancer cells by injecting them with nanoparticles a few thousand times smaller than the diameter of a human hair, then heating the particles with low-frequency radiation. The heat kills the cancer cell completely. The nanotechnology scientists are working in cooperation with physicians from the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences department.

The Gazette article quotes Dr. Piotr Grodzinski, director of the National Cancer Institute’s Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer as saying the concept of using nanoparticles to treat cancer isn’t new, but that the type of nanoparticle developed by the Little Rock team is groundbreaking. The Little Rock team usues a highly magnetic cobalt particle surrounded by layers of graphitic carbon.

Scientists at the UALR Nanotechnology Center have had promising results from initial research, killing about 98 percent of cervical cancer cells used in the study. Before they can move into clinical trials with human beings – at least two years away – they must investigate a number of issues, including how the technique will affect surrounding tissues and how to reduce the toxicity of the metals used in the nanoparticles, among others.

It is the mission of the Nanotechnology Center at UALR to “advance the science of Nanotechnology through research and outreach and accelerate technological innovations into practical applications for society.” The Center received $5.9 million in funding from the Arkansas State Goverment in 2006, which helped the program garner an additional $1.9 million in federal grant funding.

Read the full article online at the UALR Nanotechnology Center web site.

Nanotechnology has raised safety concerns in the past as a concern for mesothelioma. Last May, this site featured information from an article published in the scientific journal Nature Nanotechnology, which likened the effect of carbon nanotubes to asbestos fibers when introduced into the body.

The UALR Nanotechnology Center acknowledges that as with exposure to asbestos, nanotubes can be potentially dangerous if the tiny fibers are inhaled, noting that manufacturers, lab researchers, suppliers and other professionals who handle nanotubes are at risk and should use protective clothing. The Center also recommends appropriate ventilation in areas where carbon nanotube fibers may become airborne. Scientists are still examining the possible connection between carbon nanotubes and mesothelioma.

A friend of mine just sent me this update:

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that a 2004 law imposing stricter rules on those suing for asbestos-related injuries can be applied to cases pending before the legislation was passed, a move that could frustrate thousands of people seeking claims.

The 6-1 decision Wednesday means that many of the 40,000 Ohio cases filed before the law was enacted are likely to be dismissed. It also has potential ramifications in Florida, Georgia, Kansas and other states that have sought to use such laws to reduce litigation related to the cancer-causing substance.

Am I the only one that finds it incredible that all this legislation is being passed to protect businesses, while legislation intended to protect consumers has been stalled for over 10 years?

I am very interested to hear your opinions on this developing story. Please use the comment feature, below.

Read the full story here: http://www.mesothelioma.law.pro/news/2008/10/16/ohio-supreme-court-changes-the-rules-for-asbestos-victims-seeking-justice/