Jan,

Thank you so much for helping us get the word out on mesothelioma and asbestos.  Your story as well as the others on your site are very touching.  Would it be at all possible to have our link say “Mesothelioma” linked to our webpage at “http://www.pleuralmesothelioma.com”.

Below is a short article you asked for.  Please feel free to use any part or all of it.  Inside the article I included links to certain relevant pages we offer.

“Our website has the most up to date and comprehensive information about Pleural Mesothelioma on the web today.  With information ranging from a complete list of symptoms, to treatment options, and steps to take after a diagnosis.

For the United Kingdom, asbestos was used in literally thousands of products from the time of the Industrial Revolution to nearly the end of the 1900s.  People who worked for an extended period of time in an environment where asbestos dust was regularly released are at greatest risk for pleural mesothelioma. The body's natural defense mechanisms successfully clear many asbestos fibers, but when asbestos exposure is heavy, these defense systems are overwhelmed. Mucus within the airways traps asbestos fibers and other toxins that are inhaled. These trapped foreign particles are either swallowed or coughed up.

Some asbestos fibers are difficult for the body to rid itself of. These long, pointed fibers can reach the pleural lining of the chest wall and lung. Once the fibers have penetrated the pleura they injure the mesothelial cells. Researchers are uncertain exactly how this injury leads to cancerous changes. The tissue changes leading to mesothelioma cancer occurs slowly. The mesothelioma life expectancy depends on the stage, age, treatment options and individual health.  The symptoms of mesothelioma generally do not appear for 20 to 30 years after the initial asbestos exposure. A latency period of up to 50 years has been known.”

Best luck on your project.  The project seems to resemble some form of a Blog or Forum based website.  That would be incredible useful to the communities.  Thanks again and we look forward to keeping a correspondence with you. 

Best Regards,

Benjamin Leer

Public Awareness Director
PleuralMesothelioma.com