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Asbestos is often considered yesterday’s problem, having not been used in construction in the UK for a quarter of a century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mesothelium consists of a single-layer squamous epithelium and lines the internal organs of the body. Mesothelial cells have many important functions, including the transport of cells and fluid into the serous cavities. Localizations of the mesothelium that are relevant for cytology are the pleura, the pericardium and the peritoneum. An effusion in the serous cavities can be caused by various factors. For diagnostic examination, the free fluid is removed clinically and examined in a cytology laboratory. The cells of the effusion, especially the mesothelial cells, are examined morpho - logically under a light microscope and the cause of the effusion is determined. Not only metastatic tumors can invade the serous cavities, mesothelial cells can also be the origin of a malignant tumor disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, asbestos was processed and used at various workplaces in Germany. The use of asbestos has been banned for 30 years. However, the health effects of asbestos use are still evident today. In a study, the IPA investigated the risk of developing mesothelioma or lung cancer among employees with a recognized BK (occupational disease) No. 4103 "Asbestosis or diseases of the pleura caused by asbestos dust". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the ban on the use of asbestos. Topics covered include the story of Serafina Salucci who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after using a wall sheeting material that contained carcinogenic asbestos fibers, the calls from trade unions and patient advocacy groups to cut off any further use of the material and the fibrous silicate materials found in asbestos. Also mentioned is the pressure facing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban all uses of asbestos.

Pleural effusions occur when fluid accumulates between the visceral and parietal pleura in the chest cavity, preventing the lung from expanding fully during inspiration. The reduction in lung volume, depression of the diaphragm and reduced chest wall compliance cause dyspnoea, and occasionally pain or cough. Pleural effusion is a complex problem caused by a variety of conditions requiring different treatment depending on the underlying diagnosis. This article discusses the causes and treatment of pleural effusions, referencing guidelines produced by the British Thoracic Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the establishment and work of the national Mesothelioma Nurse Action Team, a nursing initiative aimed at improving the care and support of people affected by mesothelioma in the UK. The incidence of mesothelioma is increasing and survival is poor, with more patients in the UK dying from mesothelioma than from malignant melanoma or cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead a number of respiratory conditions both benign and malignant although many exposed patients do not develop any significant respiratory disease. Symptoms and signs can be non-specific and knowledge of asbestos exposure can generate anxiety for both patients and doctors. Within this article both benign asbestos-related lung disease (pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleural effusions and asbestosis) and malignant disease (mesothelioma) are discussed. Asymptomatic patients may not need investigation but most should undergo spirometry and have a plain chest film. All patients should be given smoking cessation advice and have a close occupational history taken. Despite the use of asbestos now being regulated the long lag time between asbestos exposure and development of disease means that patients still present with these conditions. Therefore an update covering these illnesses is essential and will help general practitioners deal with questions regarding monitoring, investigations, treatments and Industrial Benefits and claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the health related issues caused due to asbestos in Great Britain. As reported, asbestos is a wide range of crystallized minerals which is used in construction of buildings. It is also mentioned that asbestos is banned as a construction material because it remains hidden in buildings and might cause health problems including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Suggestions for construction companies regarding the use of asbestos are also presented. INSET: Death toll has yet to reach its peak.

The article features nurse specialist Anne Moylan and her experiences in caring for patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma. Also cited are Moylan's promotion to a band 8 nursing role to lead a team of specialist mesothelioma nurses in southern England, the challenges in caring for said patients like combining symptom control, psychological support, and financial and legal issues, and the support by Mesothelioma UK and Hampshire Asbestors Support and Awareness Group on Moylan's work.

The article discusses the importance of support from charitable organizations in the work of nursing professionals, particularly in Great Britain. It cites as example the support provided by charity Mesothelioma UK to nurses who take care of patients with asbestos-related cancer. Also cited are the comment by Mesothelioma UK's Liz Darlison on their program to finance part-time nurse specialist posts, and some other activities of nurses like supporting clinical trials.

Mention the word mesothelioma and many nurses will know of someone whose life has been affected by this increasingly common cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which assessed the types of industries most affected by asbestos-related claims, the timeline of infection, disease manifestation and the resulting claim, and the average compensation payout in mesothelioma cases in Great Britain. The study found that majority of claims relate to historic employers' liability and with settlements. It also projected an increase in mesothelioma deaths between 2010 and 2050. It revealed that firms in the engineering, chemical production and construction were exposed to asbestos.

The article discusses research by immunologist Jean Pfau which examined whether asbestos exposure alters the immune system and leads to increased risk of systemic autoimmune diseases. Topics covered include the reason behind Pfau's interest in studying the asbestos-immune system connection and the theory that the features of asbestos which cause cancers may be different from those that drive autoimmune diseases.

An interview with Christine Jones, clinical nurse specialist at Mesothelioma UK, is presented. When asked her main work responsibilities, she replied that these are planning and assessing the care given to patients suspected of lung cancer. She also talks about the high incidence of mesothelioma in Plymouth, England, the utilization of best practice as her priority in work, and the value of getting experience from various areas before specializing.

The article cites a study which found that carbon nanotubes may be as harmful as asbestos if inhaled. The study said that animal studies indicate that carbon molecules can cause mesothelioma, a form of cancer that occurs in the lining of human lungs. It discusses that the problem of asbestos was caused when it was released into the air, if it was handled inappropriately. It recommends to put products that contain carbon nanotubes through tests.

Deaths from asbestos-related mesothelioma will peak within a decade and nurses will face increasing challenges in caring for victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the commitment of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) in promoting safe, healthy and sustainable workplaces in Great Britain and mentions topics including data on reported workplace deaths in Great Britain, the "No Time to Lose" campaign, and mesothelioma.

The author comments on the collaboration between the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) for promoting healthier workplaces and preventing the spread of mesothelioma through effective exposure control. Topics covered include BOHS' "Breathe Freely" campaign, the highlights of the "Action Mesothelioma Dat 2015" event hosted by BLF on July 3, 2015 and the determined causes and treatment of mesothelioma.

Information about the After the Event (ATE) insurance roundtable held in Great Britain in 2015 is presented. Topics discussed at the roundtable include the need to fix damages-based agreement regime, ATE insurance stability, mesothelioma, ATE premiums, group litigation, insurance claimants, and the insurance jurisdiction.

The article reports on the entitlement of mesothelioma victims to apply for compensation packages worth £123,000, as announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Great Britain. Topics include the symptoms of mesothelioma, the risk on exposure in asbestos, and the views of DWP Minister Mike Penning regarding the eligibility of mesothelioma victims on the compensation packages to be offered by insurance companies.

The article presents a report published by the newspaper "Sunderland Echo," which states that more people die of Mesothelioma, a disease caused due to asbestos exposure, in Sunderland, England than anywhere else in Great Britain, as of December 2013.

The article reports that the Australian law firm Slater & Gordon is making efforts to expand into the personal injury legal market in Great Britain. Slater & Gordon is planning to acquire the law firm John Pickering & Partners, that is specialized in asbestos and mesothelioma compensation claims. Slater & Gordon is also in talks to acquire a large portion of the law firm Pannone LLP.

The article focuses on the dispute between the British Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) over the British Mesothelioma Fast Track system, which give precedence to mesothelioma sufferers over other victims. Topics include the payment of compensation, the legal liability of employers, and the indemnification of insureds.

The article focuses on the dispute between asbestos victims support groups, the British Ministry of Justice and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) on the replacement of the Mesothelioma Fast Track system. It informs that the system was described by the organization Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK and mentions Mesothelioma Pre-Action Protocol by the ABI. It states that the ABI has supported the claimants in the employee-liability litigations against insurers.

The article reports on the consultation plan launched by Great Britain Court minister Helen Grant which aims to create an out-of-court process that will settle the compensation claims for sufferers of mesothelioma cancer.

The article focuses on the work of the Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (CoC) regarding the assessment of vulnerability of children to asbestos exposure, in which they found that children are at more risk of developing mesothelioma.

The article offers information on the introduction of legislation for the sufferers of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma and the Mesothelioma Bill on health and safety law by Queen Elizabeth II, the constitutional monarch of Great Britain. It states that the Bill establishes a payment scheme for mesothelioma sufferers. It also discusses an online portal for the sufferers by the organization Association of British Insurers.

The article reports that the British government has pledged extra support for around 3000 mesothelioma sufferers who are currently frozen out of pursuing damages.

The article discusses a March 28, 2012 judgment by the Great Britain Supreme Court regarding employer liability (EL) policy trigger litigation, focusing on the response of EL insurance policies to employee-related claims dealing with the asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma. The decision partially overturns a 2010 ruling by Great Britain's Court of Appeal.

In this article the author comments on the ruling of the Supreme Court of Great Britain that maintains that employers' liability (EL) insurance cover for exposure to toxic materials that cause the asbestos-related disease mesothelioma, starts at the point when the employees are exposed to toxics and not when the disease starts developing. The verdict has been welcomed by the claimant community. Also the author discusses the case of Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council and MMI & Commercial Union.

The article discusses a court case regarding the issue on whether the employer's liability (EL) policy should be indemnified at the point of exposure or when the illness manifests itself. It mentions the stand of the claimants and defendants with regards to the issue. It also presents the views of a lawyer regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the possible rulings of the court.

The article discusses research which demonstrated that a four-gene expression ratio test predicted which patients undergoing surgery for mesothelioma had the best prognosis for survival, conducted by G. J. Gordon et al, published in a 2009 issue of the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute."

The article reports that a survey by the British Lung Foundation showed that patients affected by the asbestos related lung disease mesothelioma were not offered psychological support or end of life care from health professionals. Lung cancer nurse Annie Reeves explains the need to discuss terminal care soon after diagnosis.

The article discusses research being done on active symptom control with or without chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. It references a study by M. F. Muers, R. J. Stephens, P. Fisher and colleagues, published in the 2008 issue of "Lancet." It was reported by researchers that there was no difference in the quality-of-life subscales among the groups involved in the study and a further investigation of vinorelbine is suggested.

The article focuses on two separate scientific studies which concluded that certain carbon nanotubes have the potential to be as dangerous to human health as asbestos fibers. The study conducted by researchers at Edinburgh University in collaboration with the Woodrow Wilson Center's Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies found that needle-shaped carbon nanotubes may lead to mesothelioma. The other study found that multi-wall carbon nanotubes form fibrous or rod-shaped particles 10-20 micrometers in length that could induce mesothelioma in mice.

The article highlights two studies which claim that rigid multiwalled carbon nanotubes longer than 20 micros elicit the same toxic response in mice that asbestos does. According to the researchers, the results suggest that in humans, nanotubes could lead to mesothelioma, the hallmark cancer of asbestos exposure if sufficient quantities of the material are able to reach the lungs by inhalation.

Reports on the development of a test that could be useful for screening and diagnosis of mesothelioma and to monitor response to treatment by researchers from Australia and the United States. Worldwide incidence of malignant mesothelioma; Testing of serum from people with confirmed mesothelioma; Relation between soluble mesothelin-related protein concentrations and other malignancies or inflammatory conditions.