Physician Written Statement For Asbestos Exposure: Fill & Download for Free

One of my nursing school friends died several years ago from Mesothelioma. Her Dad was a roofer and her laundry was washed with his she was in her early fifties and her sister died before she did.Here is some into and sources that may be helpful to you.What factors affect the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease?Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including:Dose (how much asbestos an individual was exposed to)Duration (how long an individual was exposed)Size, shape, and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibersSource of the exposureIndividual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung diseaseGenetic factors, such as having a germline mutation in BAP1 (12)Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, the results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time (1, 2).How does smoking affect risk?Many studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a risk of developing lung cancer that is greater than the individual risks from asbestos and smoking added together (3, 6). There is evidence that quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers (4). Smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma (9). However, people who were exposed to asbestos on the job at any time during their life or who suspect they may have been exposed should not smoke.How are asbestos-related diseases detected?Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job, through the environment, or at home via a family contact should inform their doctor about their exposure history and whether or not they experience any symptoms. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after the exposure. It is particularly important to check with a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop:Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarsenessA persistent cough that gets worse over timeBlood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungsPain or tightening in the chestDifficulty swallowingSwelling of the neck or faceLoss of appetiteWeight lossFatigue or anemiaA thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended. The chest x-ray is currently the most common tool used to detect asbestos-related diseases. Although chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, they can help identify any early signs of lung disease resulting from asbestos exposure (2).A lung biopsy, which detects microscopic asbestos fibers in pieces of lung tissue removed by surgery, is the most reliable test to confirm exposure to asbestos (2). A bronchoscopy is a less invasive test than a biopsy and detects asbestos fibers in material that is rinsed out of the lungs (2). It is important to note that these procedures cannot determine how much asbestos an individual may have been exposed to or whether disease will develop. Asbestos fibers can also be detected in urine, mucus, and feces, but these tests are not reliable for determining how much asbestos may be in an individual’s lungs (2).How can workers protect themselves from asbestos exposure?The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a component of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and is the Federal agency responsible for health and safety regulations in maritime, construction, manufacturing, and service workplaces. OSHA established regulations dealing with asbestos exposure on the job, specifically in construction work, shipyards, and general industry, that employers are required to follow. In addition, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), another component of DOL, enforces regulations related to mine safety. Workers should use all protective equipment provided by their employers and follow recommended workplace practices and safety procedures. For example, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators that fit properly should be worn by workers when required.Workers who are concerned about asbestos exposure in the workplace should discuss the situation with other employees, their employee health and safety representative, and their employers. If necessary, OSHA can provide more information or make an inspection. Information about regional offices can also be found on OSHA’s website at https://www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html.More information about asbestos is available on OSHA’s Asbestos page, which has links to information about asbestos in the workplace, including what OSHA standards apply, the hazards of asbestos, evaluating asbestos exposure, and controls used to protect workers. OSHA’s national office can be contacted at:Office of Public AffairsOccupational Safety and Health AdministrationU.S. Department of Labor202–693–19991–800–321–6742 (1–800–321–OSHA)1–877–889–5627 (TTY)https://www.osha.gov/workers (workers’ page)Mine workerscan contact MSHA at:Office of Public AffairsMine Safety and Health AdministrationU.S. Department of Labor202–693–9400https://www.msha.govhttps://www.msha.gov/support-resources/forms-online-filing/2015/10/15/hazardous-condition-complaint (Hazardous Condition Complaint)The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is another Federal agency that is concerned with asbestos exposure in the workplace. NIOSH conducts asbestos-related research, evaluates work sites for possible health hazards, and makes exposure control recommendations. In addition, NIOSH distributes publications on the health effects of asbestos exposure and can suggest additional sources of information. NIOSH can be contacted at:Education and Information DivisionInformation Resources BranchNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636)https://www.cdc.gov/nioshWhat programs are available to help individuals with asbestos-related diseases?Some people with asbestos-related illness may be eligible for Medicare coverage. Information about benefits is available from Medicare’s Regional Offices, located in 10 major cities across the United States and serving specific geographic areas. The Regional Offices serve as the agency’s initial point of contact for beneficiaries, health care providers, state and local governments, and the general public. General information about Medicare is available by calling toll-free 1–800–633–4227 (1–800–MEDICARE) or by visiting the Medicare website.People with occupational asbestos-related diseases also may qualify for financial help, including medical payments, under state workers’ compensation laws. Because eligibility requirements vary from state to state, workers employed by private companies or by state and local government agencies should contact their state workers’ compensation board. Contact information for state workers’ compensation officials may be found at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) website.If exposure occurred during employment with a Federal agency, medical expenses and other compensation may be covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Program, which is administered by the DOL Employment Standards Administration’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. This program provides workers’ compensation benefits to Federal (civilian) employees for employment-related injuries and diseases. Benefits include wage replacement, payment for medical care, and, where necessary, medical and vocational rehabilitation assistance in returning to work. Benefits may also be provided to dependents if the injury or disease causes the employee’s death.In addition, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program provides benefits to longshoremen, harbor workers, other maritime workers, and other classes of private industry workers who are injured during the course of employment or suffer from diseases caused or worsened by conditions of employment. Information about eligibility and how to file a claim for benefits under either of these programs is available from:Office of Workers’ Compensation ProgramsEmployment Standards AdministrationU.S. Department of Labor1–866–692–7487 (1–866–OWCPIVR)202–693–0040 (Federal Employees’ Compensation Program)202–693–0038 (Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program)https://www.dol.gov/owcpEligible veterans may receive health care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)Medical Center for an asbestos-related disease. Veterans can receive treatment for service-connected and nonservice-connected medical conditions. Information about eligibility and benefits is available from the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1–877–222–8387 (1–877–222–VETS) or on the VA website.What other organizations offer information related to asbestos exposure?The organizations listed below can provide more information about asbestos exposure.The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is the principal Federal agency responsible for evaluating the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances. This agency works in close collaboration with local, state, and other Federal agencies, with tribal governments, and with communities and local health care providers to help prevent or reduce harmful human health effects from exposure to hazardous substances. The ATSDR provides information about asbestos and where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. The ATSDR can be contacted at:Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry1–800–232–4636 (1–800–CDC–INFO)1–888–232–6348 (TTY)https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the general public’s exposure to asbestos in buildings, drinking water, and the environment. The EPA offers a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Hotline and an Asbestos Ombudsman. The TSCA Hotline provides technical assistance and information about asbestos programs implemented under the TSCA, which include the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. The Asbestos Ombudsman focuses on asbestos in schools and handles questions and complaints. Both the TSCA Hotline and the Asbestos Ombudsman can provide publications on a number of topics, particularly on controlling asbestos exposure in schools and other buildings. The Ombudsman operates a toll-free hotline for small businesses, trade associations, and others seeking free, confidential help.The EPA website includes a list of EPA state asbestos contacts. In addition, EPA’s Asbestospage provides links to information about asbestos and its health effects, including suggestions for homeowners who suspect asbestos in their homes, and laws and regulations applicable to asbestos. Questions may be directed to:U.S. Environmental Protection Agency202–554–1404 (TSCA Hotline)1–800–368–5888 (Asbestos Ombudsman)https://www.epa.gov/asbestosAnother EPA resource that may be of interest is the brochure titled Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers. Released in April 2007, this brochure includes work practices for both automotive professionals and home mechanics that may be used to avoid asbestos exposure. It also summarizes existing OSHA regulatory requirements for professional auto mechanics.The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products, including asbestos, under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC maintains a toll-free 24-hour hotline where callers can obtain product safety and other agency information and report unsafe products. In addition, CPSC publications provide guidelines for repairing and removing asbestos, and general information about asbestos in the home. CPSC can be contacted at:Office of Information and Public AffairsU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission(301) 504-7923 (M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm ET)1–800–638–2772 (Hotline)301-595-7054 (TTY)https://www.cpsc.gov/Individuals can also contact their local or state health department with questions or concerns about asbestos.Selected ReferencesAgency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Public Health Statement for Asbestos. September 2001. Retrieved April 18, 2017.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Asbestos. September 2001. Retrieved April 18, 2017.National Toxicology Program. Asbestos. In: Report on Carcinogens. Fourteenth Edition.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program, 2016.Ullrich RL. Etiology of cancer: Physical factors. In: DeVita VT Jr., Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, editors. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. Vol. 1 and 2. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2004.U.S. Geological Survey. Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2016: Asbestos. Retrieved April 18, 2017.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Health Effects of Asbestos. Retrieved April 18, 2017.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Health Effects Assessment for Asbestos.September 1984. EPA/540/1-86/049 (NTIS PB86134608). Retrieved April 18, 2017.IARC Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk to Humans. Arsenic, Metals, Fibres and DustsExit Disclaimer. Lyon (FR): International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2012. (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, No. 100C.)O’Reilly KMA, McLaughlin AM, Beckett WS, et al. Asbestos-related lung disease.American Family Physician 2007; 75(5):683–688. [PubMed Abstract]Landrigan PJ, Lioy PJ, Thurston G, et al. Health and environmental consequences of the World Trade Center disaster. Environmental Health Perspectives 2004; 112(6):731–739. [PubMed Abstract]Goldberg M, Luce D. The health impact of nonoccupational exposure to asbestos: what do we know? European Journal of Cancer Prevention 2009; 18(6):489-503. [PubMed Abstract]Testa JR, Cheung M, Pei J, et al. Germline BAP1 mutations predispose to malignant mesothelioma. Nature Genetics 2011; 43(10):1022-1025. [PubMed Abstract]Related ResourcesLung Cancer—Patient VersionMalignant Mesothelioma—Patient VersionWhat You Need To Know About™ Lung CancerReviewed: June 7, 2017Most text on the National Cancer Institute website may be reproduced or reused freely. The National Cancer Institute should be credited as the source and a link to this page included, e.g., “Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.”Please note that blog posts that are written by individuals from outside the government may be owned by the writer, and graphics may be owned by their creator. In such cases, it is necessary to contact the writer, artists, or publisher to obtain permission for reuse.Want to use this content on your website or other digital platform? Our syndication services page shows you how.National Cancer InstitEach Year There Are2,000 to 3,000New Cases of MesotheliomaGenderBecause men are exposed to asbestos more often, they are 4.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with this cancer.Race95 percent of all mesothelioma patients are white. Hispanics are diagnosed more frequently than blacks or Asians.AgeFor people older than 60 years of age, the risk of developing the disease is 10 times higherthan that of people younger than 40.Where Mesothelioma OccursStatistically speaking, most mesothelioma cases appear in the pleura surrounding the lungs; this can be as high as 70-90%. However, there are still 10-30% of cases that appear in the peritoneum, about 1% that appear in the pericardium and less than 1% that appear in the tunica vaginalis.70-90%Pleura1%PericardiumLess Than 1%Tunica Vaginalis10-30%PeritoneumMesothelioma Claimed More Than37,000Lives in the United States From 1999 to 2013Mesothelioma Deaths by State, 1999-20132,497 PeopleDied of Mesothelioma in 2013.Treatment OptionsTreatment for this cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients can also enroll in clinical trials to try experimental therapies.Multimodal TherapyResearch has shown improved survival with multimodal therapy, an approach that combines two or more treatments. A 2007 study on four-modality therapy reported a median survival of 26 months.Clinical TrialsHuman studies called clinical trials give patients access to the latest breakthroughs in treatment. As of April 2015, researchers have conducted nearly 250 clinical trials for mesothelioma worldwide.Top Five Countries for Mesothelioma Clinical TrialsGet the Treatment You Deserve.We'll help you or a loved one find the most qualified mesothelioma specialists and treatment facilities in your area.Get Help NowSurvivalStatistics on the outcomes of many past patients give today’s patients a general idea of their outlook. On average, 40 percent of pleural mesothelioma patients survive at least one year after starting treatment. By year five, survival drops to 8 percent.I hope this helps!