As leaders in the recognition of the dangers of asbestos, the HFIAW continues to research a cure for the insidious diseases it causes.
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that develops from cells of the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs, is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or back pain
- Persistent cough
- Brown or red-flecked phlegm
- Black or tarry stools
In 2012, the HFIAW announced our partnership with Mt. Sinai Medical Center in establishing the Insulators Tissue Bank. This repository uses actual samples from people with documented exposure to asbestos in the laboratory to find new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent asbestos-related conditions, including mesothelioma.
At the 2012 HFIAW Conference, General President James A. Grogan issued a call to action to approximately 8,000 insulators to participate by agreeing to donate tissue samples should they be diagnosed and treated for an asbestos-related disease. Since then, we have been working to expand participation in the Insulators Tissue Bank to other trade unions that also have high incidence of asbestos-related disease.
