According to a recent study, North Carolinians, like the rest of the country, using off-road vehicles (ORVs), such as all-terrain vehicles, four-wheel-drive vehicles and off-road motorcycles, may be exposed to naturally occurring asbestos fibers. When driving these ORVs, dust is often kicked-up which can put drivers at risk of asbestos exposure.
Study confirms diet has impact on mesothelioma survival
North Carolinians would likely be interested in a new mesothelioma study. The study, conducted by Johns Hopkins and Drexel University, reveals that survivors of mesothelioma and other cancers may not be following appropriate dietary guidelines to increase their survivability. Participants in the study -- 53 survivors of breast, prostate and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma -- were asked to track their diets over three days.
Proving causation in product liability cases
When North Carolinians develop a disease, such as mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, they may bring a product liability case. Product liability cases may be based on strict liability, negligence or breach of warranty. Strict liability requires the claimant to show that the product had an unreasonably dangerous defect in its design or manufacturing process that the claimant used the product in the way it was intended to be used, and no changes were made to the product from its original state when sold.
Firefighters face high risk of asbestos exposure
North Carolina firefighters face hazards, including smoke, fire and explosions. They may also be exposed to asbestos, which causes fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos fibers are most dangerous when disturbed and released into the air that often occurs when buildings are burning and firefighters are inside attempting to put out the fire. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, firefighters have double the rate of malignant mesothelioma, a fatal asbestos-related disease, than the general population.
