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Martin Luther King, Jr. – A Voice of Wisdom

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Speaking with a voice of wisdom and reason, Martin Luther King, Jr. led the civil rights movement from 1955 until he was tragically assassinated in 1968.  A Baptist preacher and activist, King was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for using nonviolent resistance to combat racial inequality.

Why nonviolence?

Dr. King had a strong Christian upbringing and faith that influenced his method of gaining equality for black Americans. He was also influenced by the nonviolent movement of Mahatma Gandhi. He chose peaceful marches, boycotts, and protests over riots. He concentrated on facts but also engendered feelings of possibilities and a new future.

His voice of wisdom

In his “I Have a Dream” speech, he pointed out the Emancipation Proclamation freed millions of slaves in 1863. Yet in 1963 when he delivered this speech, he reminded everyone “one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free”. He spoke of leaving behind the years of slavery and hatred and working forward to a land of freedom and equality.

The theme of dreams were not new in his speeches. In a 1960 speech to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), he pointed to the gap between reality and the American dream. Though King’s speeches had a poetic cadence that enticed his listeners, he didn’t shy from criticizing white supremacists, federal government and state governments and the lack of progress made.

A keen strategist 

King was also a master of strategy and logistics. He planned marches, protests, and opportunities for speaking for maximum results. Colleges, religious gatherings and conferences, in addition to protests, were openings to speak. He made the most of these occasions by speaking to a broader audience. He also spoke with his voice of wisdom to the heart and soul of America as he reminded us of words spoken by Jefferson and Lincoln and the American Dream for all.  

Violence in the midst of peace

Tragically, this wise and peaceful man was killed by an assassin. His life ended far too soon. But the results of his efforts are many, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 just days after his death. 

Many did not appreciate Dr. King at the time of his death.  Sadly, a significant portion of America viewed him at the time as a troublemaker.  However, in the decades since his death, his legacy and stature have only grown. He is rightfully recognized today as a great American and champion of peace and equality. His towering speeches now live as an inspiration to generations of Americans born after his passing.

In this difficult time for our nation, America would do well to remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and his nonviolent, yet forceful, means of appealing to our better angels.

Asbestos Shingle Siding – Keep It or Not?

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asbestos siding
Asbestos Shingle Siding

Have you seen homes with asbestos shingle siding that looks like this?

It is often present in neighborhoods built in the 1920s into early 1980s. A number of construction product manufacturers found that by adding asbestos to their cement, a long-lasting, fire-resistant, attractive product could be made. One product was asbestos-cement shingles. Product manufacturers including Johns Manville, Keasby & Mattison and others mixed the asbestos mineral into their cement, pressed it into sheets, and were able to create a variety of looks, finishes, and sizes for asbestos shingle siding.  

Asbestos turns from miracle to deadly product

When the many benefits of asbestos were first discovered, it was touted as a miracle. But, after many decades, as people handling it became sick, medical literature began to establish that breathing asbestos dust posed a very real human health hazard.

By 1972, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) placed limits on the levels of asbestos a worker could be exposed to in a given day. In the following years, asbestos was phased out of many products including siding. However, there is still no outright ban on asbestos in the United States.

Asbestos can cause a number of diseases – lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the lining of the lung. Many homes, schools, government buildings, manufacturing facilities, and businesses built with asbestos products remain in use. This means knowing how to deal with the possible presence of asbestos extremely important.

How to handle asbestos shingle siding

Asbestos shingle siding is one of the main products do-it-yourself (DIY) home renovators of older homes may find. Because it is widely known that asbestos is dangerous, they may decide to tear it down. That would be a very bad decision. Asbestos is not harmful if undisturbed. However, since this is a fibrous mineral, it is when the tiny fibers are released into the air that trouble begins. An asbestos shingle that has no cracks, breaks, crumbles, punctures, disintegration, etc. is rarely a problem. If the shingle is damaged, stop work and hire an accredited asbestos abatement professional. There is no safe level of exposure and handling siding debris or tearing it off can expose you to harmful levels of asbestos. Some shingles may appear similar to those with asbestos but are solely cement. The abatement contractor can determine composition, but it is not discernible for a person without the right equipment. Don’t take a chance.

The problem with asbestos

These invisible fibers are easily inhaled. They can also attach to clothing, furniture, carpets, and air ducts leading to inhalation by the person who worked with the mineral. They can also be inhaled by anyone who comes in contact with that person – such as family members. The danger is very real and also very sinister as it may be decades – even 50 years – before a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made.

While it may be tempting to pull down a couple of damaged shingles from an otherwise secure wall, it is not worth the risk. As said previously, there is no safe exposure level to asbestos fibers. Bring in an expert abatement professional who knows what can be done safely with asbestos siding and protect your family and yourself.

New Test for Cancer Diagnoses Shows Promise

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Currently, tests to determine if there are cancer cells in a person take at least a week before getting results, but a new test for cancer diagnoses shows promise with results seen in ten minutes.

What is this test?

This test is based on a discovery by researchers at the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). What they discovered is a one-of-a-kind DNA signature that seems to be common to all types of cancer. They found this unique DNA in intense clusters of methyl groups in certain locations.

One of the researchers at AIBN, Professor Matt Trau, explained, “Virtually every piece of cancerous DNA we examined had this highly predictable pattern. It seems to be a general feature for all cancer. It’s a startling discovery.” This discovery was followed by another showing that when these methyl clusters are inserted into a solution, the cancer DNA pieces fold into 3-dimensional nanostructures and, at that point, can stick to gold.

Once researchers found this, they created a test using gold nanoparticles that change color if 3D nanostructures of cancer DNA are present. “This happens in one drop of fluid. You can detect it by eye, it’s as simple as that,” revealed Professor Trau. This is basically the same technology as using strip indicators to test for pregnancy.

Cancer diagnoses benefits found so far:

• Works on all types of cancers tested to date
• Simple – no complicated and expensive lab equipment needed
• Fast – results in 10 minutes
• Portable – eventually could test via mobile phone
• Accuracy – as high as 90% in some cancers

Is there a downside?

This test is new. It is not perfect. Will it give too many false positive diagnoses? Does it truly identify all types of cancer – or were researchers just fortunate in which ones were tested? Only time will tell, but the future appears to be very promising.

What is the future?

This technology was tested on 200 samples using cells from various types of cancers as well as healthy cells, but a great deal more testing is needed before this is generally accepted and available.

The simplicity and affordability of this test could mean life or death for many. Researchers tested their discovery on multiple types of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma – all with good results. Hopefully it will soon be tested on asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma as a quick diagnosis could accelerate treatment.

Dr. Abu Sina, an AIBN researcher, said, ”It works for tissue derived genomic DNA and blood derived circulating free DNA. This new discovery could be a game-changer in the field of point of care cancer diagnostics.” That is the hope for all and a research worth watching.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day and ADAO, the Group that Started it All

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The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, ADAO, was the group that started it all. It began in 2004 when two people, Doug Larkin and Linda Reinstein, who had loved ones suffering from mesothelioma saw a need and worked to find a way to stop this deadly disease. They found it through the ADAO as they began spreading the message about asbestos and mesothelioma.

Today is Mesothelioma Awareness Day, started by ADAO, and a perfect time to look at this amazing organization that makes fighting for past, current, and future victims of asbestos its goal.

The journey

Caring for, and watching their family members die, put the founders in contact with others going through the same painful journey – a journey that could be prevented for the generations to come if the mineral at the heart of it all could be banned. Fourteen years later, it is still not banned in the United States, but is in many parts of the world.

This group started slowly but gathered momentum as other victims and their family members learned of its existence. Today, thanks to people from all walks of life: patients, caregivers, and a host of donors and volunteers, the ADAO boasts a network of over 50,000 people who share in this quest to eradicate mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases from the world.

More than a ban

While the ADAO does strive for a ban, their mission goes beyond that with three initiatives: education, advocacy, and community.

Education

The ADAO has gathered a built an extensive library that is shared throughout the globe, along with a website brimming with information about asbestos and what you can do. There are speakers at conferences and events around the world presenting opportunities to interact and share information with others on similar missions. Each year, the ADAO hosts its own conference, the International Asbestos Awareness Conference where the latest information on the status of prevention and treatments is shared. In 2019, the conference will be in Washington, D.C. on April 5-7.

Advocacy

Since 2004, the ADAO has presented 13 staff briefings for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. They’ve created and sponsored a bill, the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, that is supported by both the House and the Senate. This bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finally – and permanently – remove the possibility of all human or environmental asbestos exposure.

Community

Caring for someone suffering from mesothelioma is an isolating experience. Linda Reinstein experienced that as she cared for her husband and knew it was an important part of the ADAO mission to support those with the disease and those caring for them. There are groups throughout social media to provide contacts and support without leaving home, there are campaigns, like “Share Your Story” and “6 Word Quotes” that educate about the dangers of asbestos and unite those living with the aftermath of exposure.

The fight continues

Until asbestos is banned throughout the world and there is no one suffering any longer from this disease, the ADAO will continue to fight to educate, support, and bring the issues of exposure to those in government who can make a difference.

You can sign a petition to the EPA for a final ban on asbestos, follow the ADAO on Facebook and Twitter, and get their eNewsletter – all ways to stay informed.

On September 26th We Remember Asbestos Victims and Push Forward for a Ban

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The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) takes asbestos exposure seriously as they have heard the stories of thousands who have died, and so each year on September 26th they remember asbestos victims and push forward for a ban on this deadly mineral.

While many countries around the world have banned the use and import of asbestos, it is still legal in the United States. It is proven to be a cancer-causing substance for those exposed as there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Awareness Day

This year the ADAO has moved from a Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26th to proclaiming September a Mesothelioma Awareness Month to increase the reach to people that can be educated to the threat of asbestos use and the need for caution when working with any material that may contain asbestos.

How can we remember asbestos victims and push forward for a ban?

• Right now you can sign a petition to ban asbestos. By clicking this link, you’ll be directed to a page where you can sign. The more legislators who see the interest of citizens for a ban, the more they can push the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase the current rules, recognize the dangers, and get to the point of an outright ban.

• Join the chat on Twitter September 26th, from 12-1 PM ET. Go to #ENDMeso – for that hour, you’ll find questions about asbestos awareness as well as comments from people personally affected by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, a deadly disease directly connected to exposure. The purpose is to create a global conversation between experts, victims, advocates, and anyone concerned about the dangers and the long delay in stopping the use of asbestos in the US.

• Light a candle on September 26th for the Mesothelioma Warriors lost to the disease and those who continue to fight for their lives.

• Participate in the 9th Annual Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Walk/Fun-Run. Last year $30,000 was raised to help fund awareness and education efforts. The race in in Alton, Illinois, but is available to anyone through the ADAO’s Virtual Team where you can join in from the front of your computer.

The urgency of a ban

Mesothelioma is a disease that often takes decades to appear after exposure. It currently has no cure. Because of the long lag between exposure and diagnosis, people exposed today may not develop the disease until 2050! This cycle needs to stop now and asbestos must be banned to stop it.

In addition to the steps you can take outlined above, you can donate to the ADAO as a partner in the fight for a ban. You can directly contact the EPA and your legislators. You can be an advocate for the health of many by adding your voice to stop the import and use of asbestos now.