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Mesothelioma Research a Priority in Government Medical Research Program
January 28, 2008 — The Department of Defense (DoD) listed mesothelioma research as a priority in the Defense Appropriations Bill signed by the president last November. This indicates significant progress for mesothelioma patients and asbestos–related advocacy groups, as this is the first time mesothelioma research groups have been eligible to compete for federal research funding.
To be eligible for funding, federal medical research projects must have direct military relevance and distinct scientific merit. For mesothelioma researchers, this will not be an issue as more than 30% of annual mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure that occurred during military service within the Navy and exposure in Navy shipyards.
Mesothelioma Cases Expected to Continue Even With Reduced Asbestos Exposure
In California, mesothelioma cases are of greater occurrence due to the number of shipyards that serviced the Pacific fleet during periods of increased military activity. Because of a long latency period, asbestos–related diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma are still emerging in veterans and other military personnel.
In 1983, the Navy implemented the Navy Occupational Safety and Health (NAVOSH) Program to set occupational health and safety standards—a portion of which dealt directly with limiting asbestos exposure. Even with these efforts to reduce asbestos exposure, the DoD expects cases of asbestos–related diseases within military personnel to continue for decades.
Despite Mesothelioma Research Funding, Asbestos Diseases Affect People Today
Unfortunately, the benefits of federal funding for mesothelioma research will not be observed by people suffering from mesothelioma today. If you have been exposed to asbestos or have a military background, especially in the Navy, discuss with your doctor steps you can take to make sure that any asbestos–related disease is caught early in the development process. For more information about mesothelioma diagnosis, visit: Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Common Symptoms and Testing Methods.
While at this moment there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are treatment options for those that have developed mesothelioma or another asbestos–related disease. For more information about treatment options, please visit: Mesothelioma Treatment Guide: Pleural Mesothelioma Treatments.
Mesothelioma, Asbestos Exposure and How Brayton Purcell Can Help
For over 24 years, the mesothelioma attorneys of Brayton Purcell have been extensively involved with the legal rights of mesothelioma victims, including injured workers and their families. We have represented both asbestos workers and individuals who have been exposed to asbestos through others. We seek damages to the full extent allowed by law in order to compensate our clients for their pain and suffering, loss of wages, and medical expenses.
If you would like to request more information about how Brayton Purcell’s mesothelioma lawyers can help you, you may contact us through this web site or at our offices. Our main offices are in California, Oregon, and Utah, and we have a nationwide client base—many of our mesothelioma lawyers are admitted in multiple states.
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