Toxic Manganese Exposure and its Effects Manganese is a very useful and important element. It is used in the production of dry cell batteries, fuel additives, fungicides, paint, and adhesives. It is also used for steel production, the production of potassium permanganate (a disinfectant), the creation of glass and ceramics, matches and fireworks, welding rods, […]
How Asbestos Shingles Started and Why They are so Dangerous
How Asbestos Shingles Started and Why They are so Dangerous When asbestos was considered a safe material, it was used in many different products because of its strength and insulating properties. One man, Lutwig Hatscheck, purchased an asbestos factory in 1893, and in 1900 invented asbestos cement. He was then able to patent the product […]
El Dorado Hills’ Asbestos Problem
El Dorado Hills’ Asbestos Problem El Dorado Hills, 22 miles east of Sacramento, California, is a seemingly normal town with good schools, nice golf courses, and gated communities. It is one of the fastest growing areas in California, but it has one problem: naturally occurring asbestos. Most people were unaware of the asbestos lurking underneath […]
Fracking and its Effects on the Environment and Human Health
Fracking and its Effects on the Environment and Human Health Hydraulic Fracturing, or fracking, is the process of injecting millions of gallons of water, sand, and toxic chemicals into the ground to extract natural gas. Fracking was created by Halliburton to increase production in conventional oil and gas wells when the wells started to run […]
February is Cancer Prevention Month
February is Cancer Prevention Month According to the World Health Organization 30 to 50 percent of all cancer cases are preventable. The largest avoidable risk factor for cancer mortality is tobacco smoking, which kills approximately 6 million people each year (from cancer and other diseases). The reason tobacco smoke is so dangerous is that there […]
The History of Ambler, Pennsylvania
The History of Ambler, Pennsylvania Ambler, Pennsylvania, a small town 16 miles north of Philadelphia, was once known as the asbestos manufacturing capital of the world. The town thrived because of Richard Mattison, the son of a Quaker farmer. He went to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. While […]
The Difference between COPD and Asbestosis
The Difference between COPD and Asbestosis COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease obstructing airflow from the lungs. It is caused by irritating gases and particulate matter, which is usually cigarette smoke. The two biggest contributors to COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is caused by inflammation of the lining of […]
Recycling and Disposal of Asbestos
Asbestos is a highly regulated substance under many different statutes: As solid waste under the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) As a hazardous substance under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) As a building Material under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) As an airborne contaminant under the National Emissions Standard […]
The Facts About Asbestos Exposure and Lung Cancer
The Facts About Asbestos Exposure and Lung Cancer Asbestos exposure causes more than just mesothelioma cancer. It can be a contributing factor to a lung cancer diagnosis – a cancer than that affects about 14% of cancer victims, making it the second most common cancer in both men and women according to the American Cancer […]
Low Conviction Rates for Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania Sparks Change in Legislation
Low Conviction Rates for Nursing Home Abuse in Pennsylvania Sparks Change in Legislation According to a recent investigative series by the Reading Eagle, Pennsylvania has the fewest number of convictions in the nation when it comes to abuse and neglect for patient-related care. Investigators found that the state is much more likely to pursue cases of […]