Located in Massachusetts, the Charlestown Navy Yard was among the first shipbuilding sites in the United States. It operated from 1801 to 1974, and has been known as the Boston Naval Shipyard since 1945. Like many other shipyards across the country, the Boston Naval Shipyard used asbestos.

The Secretary of the Navy opened the Boston Naval Shipyard to construct ships for the nation's defense and to repair vessels that had been damaged. The USS Independence was the first ship constructed at the Boston Naval Shipyard, and many other Navy vessels followed. Tank landing ships, destroyers, destroyer escorts, submarines, barrack ships and motor tugs were among the ships built at the Boston Naval Shipyard. The Boston Naval Shipyard was also commonly used to repair and store ships.

The Boston Naval Shipyard was active during several wars, including the Spanish American War and both World Wars. During World War II, the Boston Naval Shipyard employed 50,000 workers, a record high for the shipyard. This was mostly in response to attacks from German submarines that damaged and sank countless naval vessels.

The Massachusetts shipyard employed several types of workers including electricians, shipbuilders, machinists, plumbers, sail makers, blacksmiths and carpenters. Unfortunately, many of these workers may have been exposed to the toxic mineral asbestos. Asbestos refers to a group of six naturally occurring minerals that were widely used for their insulating properties and resistance to heat. Because of this, asbestos was used in many industries, including shipbuilding, from the late 1800s until the mineral's ban in the late 1900s. When asbestos-containing products are damaged or disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled into the lungs. Eventually, these asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

The Boston Naval Shipyard used asbestos extensively during shipbuilding, particularly after it started using steel and metal for hulls and various other ship parts. The U.S Navy reports that nearly 300 asbestos-containing products were used regularly in the shipbuilding process. Although the dangers of the mineral were noted as early as the 1920s, those working with asbestos were unaware of its health effects until the mid to late 1900s. As a result, Navy veterans, naval contractors and shipbuilders, among others, may have been exposed to asbestos fibers in dangerous amounts. The Navy banned asbestos use in 1973, but many workers had already been exposed to the harmful mineral.

The Boston Naval Shipyard was closed down in 1974 as part of a government cost-saving plan. Because the adverse health effects of asbestos exposure became public in the 1970s, any asbestos products at the shipyard had to be cleaned up and removed properly. Several acres of the Boston Naval Shipyard are now part of the Boston National Historical Park.

So, it was organized that after chemotherapy and radiotherapy I would have seventeen Herceptin treatments at three weekly intervals. To be honest after all the other treatments I was tired and weary. However, I was aware of how important this treatment was and decided to give it my all!

Herceptin works by interfering in the way which breast cancer cells divide and grow. Some breast cancer cells divide and grow when a protein that naturally occurs in the body attaches itself to another protein known as HER2, which is found on the surface of the breast cancer cells.

Herceptin blocks this process by attaching itself to the HER2 protein so that the growth factor cannot reach the breast cancer cells. This stops the cells from dividing and growing.

Herceptin only works in people who have high levels of the HER2 protein. It appears to have little effect in those who do not. Approximately one in five breast cancer patients are HER-2 positive

The reasoning behind giving Herceptin over seventeen treatments is that the timescale from diagnosis to the end of Herceptin is approximately eighteen months ... and eighteen months is the most likely time for the tumour to return, or metastic spread to occur – clever don’t you think!

During my treatments – which I got at home- I felt tired but not the dreaded near death tiredness of chemotherapy, and it only lasted a few days. That said there was a build up effect and nearing the end of it I did feel pretty ropey a lot of the time. My biggest problem with Herceptin was cannulation. Having had Epirubicin as one of my chemo drugs my veins in my hand and arm were hard and near impossible to cannulate.

The nurses could only use one arm because my lymph nodes had been removed on the other side during the mastectomy and no cannulations or injections should be done on that side to try to prevent infection. The poor nurses! Me a quivering wreck and no veins to be seen. It did cause me a lot of stress but they managed it every time. Virtually no cancer centres in the UK use portacaths - which are the commonest approach to this problem elsewhere in the world.

I was quite lucky not to have experienced too many side effects during my herceptin treatment. I did experience diarrhoea but while this is unpleasant, it’s manageable. Forward planning about location of toilets and Imodium in your handbag!

Flu like symptoms are also common following administration of the drug.

One of the more serious herceptin side effects is a reduction in heart function. To monitor this it's normal to have an injection fraction scan every three months to determine if any damage has been done. These scans terrified me at first as I didn’t want anything to interrupt my treatments but I needn’t have worried as my heart function improved on Herceptin. Trust me to be different!

People can also experience allergic reactions and this is the reason the first two treatments are usually given in hospital.

My message to anybody out there who is embarking on Herceptin treatment is it’s not as bad as chemotherapy, it truly is life saving and it will be over before you know it! Stick with it and see it through. It's tough but you'll be glad you did once it's over.

Losing a loved one to mesothelioma is horrific. Like many cancers, it drains a persons energy as breathing becomes increasingly difficult. The cancer cells continue to multiply until they have filled the person's lungs, which make breathing difficult. The time for prevention is long past by the time symptoms develop, as it can take decades for symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. In some cases, workers exposed to asbestos do not develop mesothelioma. However, the risk of developing this deadly illness increases the longer one is exposed to asbestos.

Working in an environment where asbestos is common carries some additional risk. In this case, workers need to stand united against manufacturers that may have exercised poor judgment in crafting asbestos for industrial applications. While the use of asbestos in buildings has been restricted in the United States since the 1970s, in other parts of the world, workers and soldiers may have been exposed at any point since that time. Even in the United States, exposure within older structures is still possible. This exposure can potentially lead to mesothelioma, and those who have been exposed may be entitled to settlements based on their suffering, as well as their familys suffering.

However, victims of mesothelioma must be careful choosing an attorney so they can be well represented in court. A family or victim who enters a court in pain and seeks to leave with some measure of solace has to be choosier than other cases. Selecting a law firm with a proven track record in mesothelioma law is the best chance a family has of being fairly compensated for the pain they have experienced. Baron and Budd is a respected law firm that has helped mesothelioma patients and families seek compensation. They have a proven track record and a long history of precedent-setting results. Baron and Budd is here to help victims and victims families who are in need of veterans attorneys to receive compensation for exposure to asbestos. Please visit www.MesotheliomaNews.com for more information.

Newport News, VA is home to several asbestos exposure job sites, which may have put employees at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Among the asbestos exposure sites in Newport News are the Newport News Shipbuilders-Drydock, Franklin Printing Company, Riverside Hospital and Newport News Shipyard. These workers may have been exposed to asbestos which can cause serious health problems.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in the production of a variety of products including pipes, drywall, shingles, tiles, cement and even clothes. Because of its insulating properties and resistance to heat, asbestos was also used aboard many naval ships. In fact, asbestos use peaked during the world wars and the post-cold war era.

The Newport News Shipyard, as well as other U.S. shipyards, used large amounts of asbestos in the production of naval vessels. The mineral was used in hot water pipes, boilers, tanks and ceiling tiles, putting employees aboard the ships at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Because the Newport News Shipyard produced a large number of ships and used asbestos in countless locations aboard these vessels, a wide range of employees, including pipefitters, plumbers and electricians, could have been exposed to the dangerous mineral.

The Newport News Shipyard built a variety of ships including the following: USS Essex, USS Coral Sea CVA 43, USS Ranger, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Midway, USS Nimitz and the USS Boxer, among others. The shipyard in Newport News also built the SS United States, one of the largest passenger ships in the world. Those working aboard these vessels may have breathed in asbestos fibers or ingested fibers while eating. These fibers can remain in the body and later lead to the development of mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis.

Those working aboard naval vessels built by the Newport News Shipyard are not the only Virginia employees who could have come into contact with asbestos. Because asbestos was used in a wide variety of products, a number of others could have been exposed. For example, the Riverside Hospital and Franklin Printing Company located in Newport News have also been cited as asbestos exposure sites.

Newport News workers who were exposed to asbestos may not develop symptoms of asbestos-related diseases for several decades. The latency period for asbestosis, which causes fibrosis and inflammation of the lung tissue, ranges from 10 to 40 years. Individuals who develop mesothelioma cancer as a result of asbestos exposure may not experience symptoms for up to four decades.

Although the Newport News Shipyard and other asbestos locations in Virginia have undergone extensive cleanup to get rid of the harmful mineral, many workers have already been exposed. Individuals who believe they have a history of asbestos exposure should make an appointment with their physician to screen for asbestos-related illnesses.

We are all exposed to low levels of asbestos in the air we breathe. These levels range from 0.00001 to 0.0001 fibers per milliliter of air and generally are highest in cities and industrial areas.

It is known that breathing asbestos can increase the risk of cancer in people. There are two types of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos: lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin lining surrounding the lung (pleural membrane) or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). Cancer from asbestos does not develop immediately, but shows up after a number of years. Studies of workers also suggest that breathing asbestos can increase chances of getting cancer in other parts of the body (stomach, intestines, esophagus, pancreas, and kidneys), but this is less certain. Early identification and treatment of any cancer can increase an individual's quality of life and survival.

People working in industries that make or use asbestos products or who are involved in asbestos mining may be exposed to high levels of asbestos. People living near these industries may also be exposed to high levels of asbestos in air.

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed in some way to release particles and fibers into the air.

Symptoms

Asbestos mainly affects the lungs and the membrane that surrounds the lungs. Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers for a long time may result in scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the pleural membrane (lining) that surrounds the lung. This disease is called asbestosis and is usually found in workers exposed to asbestos, but not in the general public. People with asbestosis have difficulty breathing, often a cough, and in severe cases heart enlargement. Asbestosis is a serious disease and can eventually lead to disability and death.

Breathing lower levels of asbestos may result in changes called plaques in the pleural membranes. Pleural plaques can occur in workers and sometimes in people living in areas with high environmental levels of asbestos. Effects on breathing from pleural plaques alone are not usually serious, but higher exposure can lead to a thickening of the pleural membrane that may restrict breathing.

Low levels of asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or lung washings of the general public. Higher than average levels of asbestos fibers in tissue can confirm exposure but not determine whether you will experience any health effects.

A thorough history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests are needed to evaluate asbestos-related disease. Chest x-rays are the best screening tool to identify lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure. Lung function tests and CAT scans also assist in the diagnosis of asbestos-related disease.

Most people are aware of the three year limitation period on making a claim. This means that you must claim within three years from the date of the accident. Alternatively, if a medical condition is diagnosed and a working environment is cited as the primary cause of the injury or illness, you then have three years to pursue a claim from the date of the diagnosis. This is stipulated in Section 14 of the Limitation Act 1980 and takes effect when the claimant has knowledge of the fact that the work injury is significant, that the injury is a result of an act that could be considered to constitute negligence, nuisance or breach of duty or the identity of the defendant.

But despite this three year period, the hard truth is that a claim for an injury at work should be started as soon as possible after the event. If you leave it for too long, evidence or witness statements crucial to the claim may be lost. The earlier you can begin proceedings, the fresher the events are in your mind and the more accurate your statement and that of any witnesses will be.

If you are able to, taking photographs of the location is advised. This will show clearly any mitigating circumstances that may have caused the accident in the first place, and can act as powerful testimony in supporting your claim. If this is left until later then the situation may have radically changed, negating any chance you may have of using it as evidence in your case. By gathering as much evidence as possible at the time, you have a far better chance of using that evidence as the basis for your claim.

Making a work injury claim at the earliest possible opportunity after the event helps in establishing a strong case for compensation, particularly if the evidence shows your employer to be negligent in his or her duty of care and commitment to your safety in a workplace environment. But with some cases, an injury or illness may not become apparent immediately. In these cases, the three year limitation period starts from the date of diagnosis. This covers illnesses such as mesolthelioma (caused by exposure to asbestos), Vibration White Finger from excessive use of power tools or Repetitive Strain Injury. Stress is also becoming an increasingly prevalent reason for many people bringing a claim, although because it is inherently difficult to prove a causal link between a working environment and stress, many claims experts are reluctant to take on stress-related cases. Many of these longer term injuries and illnesses rely on a specific diagnosis by medical experts to correlate them to a specific cause, and it is this evidence that is essential in bringing a successful claim.

In all work injury claims, talking to an expert advisor or solicitor is the first step in pursuing a compensation claim. They will be able to tell you honestly whether your claim has a real chance of succeeding. To help them do this, you will need to present them with clear evidence for the cause of the injury or illness, which is why it is important to start the process as quickly as possible after the event, while it is still fresh in your mind and the evidence is available to substantiate the claim. Leave it too long and you may miss the opportunity to claim the compensation you deserve.

Many people have unknowingly been exposed to asbestos. Some people may think that exposure is only a problem for those working in certain fields or not wearing the proper equipment. Asbestos however, is found in many places, including schools that your young children may attend. Were they exposed to enough levels to cause harm? Have your children been exposed to harmful levels of asbestos? Unfortunately, it does not take a large amount of exposure to start to see its side effects, so it is wise to always make sure that you are being cautious.

One important fact is that even if you were exposed to high levels of asbestos in the past, you are not going to experience major asbestos side effects within a short period of time following exposure. Generally, it takes twenty to thirty years before the signs and symptoms can be seen. After a time, it can be hard for many to recall where they might have come into contact with asbestos. Think about the past ten years and try to retrace your steps. Now imagine that you have to trace your steps back thirty years.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to limited lung capacity resulting in severe coughing and difficulty breathing. Exposure can also lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and lung cancer, among numerous other problems. Many people have become victims of asbestos within the U.S. In fact, there are already thousands suffering from mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, each year.

Sometimes, people also fail to recognize asbestos side effects when they are suffering from a nagging, dry cough. They may believe that their symptoms are related to something else that will eventually go away. The worst thing that you can do is neglect medical problems. If you think that you may be experiencing asbestos side effects, seek medical treatment. Tests can be run to determine whether or not you are suffering from asbestos side effects. It is better to be safe than sorry. If you are diagnosed with an asbestos related disease such as cancer, make sure that you understand your treatment options.

Cancer treatment options often include surgical options and oncology treatments. Surgical options entail Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) which involves the removal of the affected lung along with its linings and the associated linings of the heart and diaphragm. Although EPP is an aggressive surgery, it has the best record for removing the maximum number of tumor cells and has been associated consistently with long-term, disease-free survival. Following surgery, radiation to the chest area is used to achieve local control, and chemotherapy is used to achieve systematic control.

Oncology treatments most commonly refer to chemotherapy. To deliver chemotherapy to the body, the most common method is to inject it into a vein.

If you find that there may be a link between your condition and a particular company or organization, you could potentially be entitled to benefits. Although there is no dollar amount that can make the pain and discomfort to go away, you may want to consider seeking compensation to get help with your medical bills.

Many people know that they need to avoid asbestos. If you do not avoid asbestos, you could be diagnosed with pleural plaques, or much worse. If you are working in an environment that has older buildings which may contain asbestos-ridden materials, such as insulation, roofing products, cements, fireproofing products, etc… , you may be at risk for coming into contact with asbestos. Short term, you are most likely not at risk for experiencing any physical complications. Over time however, whether it is twenty or forty years from now, you could find that you have pleural plaques or another asbestos-related medical condition.

Scans and tests performed by your physician can determine whether or not you have developed pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are raised areas of the collagen tissues of the fibrosis that are smooth. They are generally found on the inner surface of the ribcage, on the pleura and on the diaphragm. It takes many years after the initial asbestos exposure for any pleural plaques to form. Some have found that it is not until sixty years after their exposure to asbestos that they are diagnosed with pleural plaques.

Pleural plaques are not painful and they are not life threatening. Because of this, most people who have this condition will never know unless their doctor discovers the plaques through tests and scans that are preformed for other medical conditions. Furthermore, because there is no pain and no life threatening danger associated with pleural plaques, there are currently no cures or treatments options for individuals diagnosed with this condition. It is simply something that you will live with, and your life will not be impaired because of the plaques.

Of course, those who have pleural plaques are at higher risk for mesothelioma because of their exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a life-threatening form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells lining the lung, chest cavity, abdominal cavity or heart cavity. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs forming a mesothelium, a tissue that helps protect the organs.

It is important to make sure that you are getting regular check-ups and that you discuss your concerns with your doctor. Make sure that your doctor knows about your exposure to asbestos, and you should also disclose when your exposure occurred and for how long you were exposed to it.

If you do have a medical condition, other than pleural plaques, that causes you physical harm, there is the possibility that you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover for damages. The outcome of your case and the damages you may be able to recover are different in every case. Many of the people awarded damages are people who were misinformed by their employers about their working conditions and are ultimately diagnosed with a life-threatening disease as a result.
The more you know about asbestos and the dangers associated with it, the more you will be able to protect yourself. Even though there is no significant danger with a diagnosis of pleural plaques, you are at risk for future serious health problems.

Breast cancer walks raise hundreds of thousands of dollars, along with sales of pink bracelets, pink ribbons and more. On a corporate level, multi-million dollar companies have joined the cause by promoting specific products of which a portion of their proceeds will be donated.

With a condition as prevalent as breast cancer (one in eight women suffer from it), the attention, fundraising and push for support and knowledge can only be seen as a benefit to the cause.

Those close to someone whose life has completely changed due to breast cancer, perhaps someone who wasn't able to continue with her normal work and began accepting breast cancer Social Security disability--all have a vested interest in the continuing evolution of treatment options.

For women recently diagnosed and considering whether breast cancer SSI disability is the right move for them, new treatment trends are certainly something to explore as well. Working with a Social Security attorney who specializes in breast cancer SSI disability benefits will be of help, as the attorneys will regularly remind their clients of the importance of keeping detailed notes on all medical visits and treatments sought.

Hope for a Cure:

A recent breast cancer study from Canadian researchers has been the source of lots of buzz lately. The study, as reported in the NY Times, found that a shorter term of radiation could have the same positive effect as the five weeks that are commonly recommended. The study is mainly applicable to those with early-stage breast cancer, so will have the most impact on those who have been diagnosed as such.

The benefits of the shorter radiation schedule, which is three weeks as compared to the typical five weeks, are immense and varied. On an individual basis, women's lives wouldn't be disrupted for quite as long. Imagine a single mother with two children and a full-time job, for example--fourteen fewer days of radiation would probably be an incredible gift to her. Women who have applied and are working towards receiving breast cancer SSI disability benefits would have to speak with their lawyers to keep them updated on any changes in treatment schedule.

Additionally, if each woman spends less time receiving radiation, that would open up time for doctors to help more women receive the radiation they need, more quickly. By allowing an increased number of women to receive quicker treatment, more lives could be saved, and more breast cancer survivors created.

Social Security Disability Application Next Steps:

When treating the disease and also in the midst of the breast cancer Social Security disability application process, the importance of discussing treatment and symptom changes with legal counsel can not be over-stated. If women were to be approved for breast cancer Social Security disability, and also an appropriate candidate for shortened treatment, there could be consequences for the terms of the SSI disability.

While the most important focus is on ridding the body of the cancer, it's also smart to consider and plan for all different avenues of support throughout the disease, which, for some, will be breast cancer SSI disability. Improved technology and continuing research will allow experts to continue exploring alternative treatment options that benefit everyone.

An individual who has had a mesothelioma diagnosis should contact a New Jersey mesothelioma attorney right away. Exposure to asbestos makes up 70 - 80% of mesothelioma cases. If you have were diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure and you live in New Jersey, mesothelioma attorneys can help. You may have right to seek compensation for your damages.

Go see a doctor if you experience the following mesothelioma symptoms:

Shortness of breath
Pain in the chest
Loss of weight
Pain in the abdomen
Anemia
Bowel obstruction
Fever
Blood clotting

These symptoms, by themselves, do not mean you have meothelioma. A history of prolonged exposure to asbestos is an important piece of the diagnostic process.

A mesothelioma diagnosis that is due to the exposure to asbestos requires the attention of a New Jersey mesothelioma attorney.

Should you contact a mesothelioma attorney

In New Jersey, the exposure to asbestos can occur from the following places:

Shipyard workers
Asbestos mines and mills
Producers of asbestos products
Businesses of heating and construction
Other trades workers

Secondary exposure to asbestos is also a risk factor for the development of mesothelioma. Living with someone who works in these environments puts them at risk also. The dust from asbestos can get into the workers hair or on the clothing so when they go home they bring the hazardous chemical putting others that live there at risk.

A New Jersey mesothelioma attorney can help if a mesothelioma diagnosis was the result of the exposure to asbestos. An individual has certain legal rights and with the help of a mesothelioma attorney, you may be compensated for your damages.

How a Mesothelioma Attorney Can Help

Studies showed that exposure to asbestos do cause cancer. Defining the connection between the two is difficult to prove but with the help of an attorney, this can be achieved. Attorneys work on your behalf to help get the compensation you deserve. An attorney can help in a number of ways. First, they will be able to determine accountability and amount of damages. The attorney will file a claim on behalf of the victim and conduct research, both legal and financial, to support the case being presented. They will interview witnesses and gather experts who can testify on the victim's behalf. An attorney will first attempt to negotiate a settlement. If negotiating a settlement is not possible then he or she will represent the victim in court.

It is a fact that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma and it is another fact that an individual can file a claim for damages suffered.

Contact a New Jersey mesothelioma attorney to find out your legal options and have your case evaluated.