summer 2016 newsletter - adss · asbestos disease support society 16 campbell street, bowen hills,...

Asbestos Disease Support Society

16 Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006

PO Box 280, Spring Hill, QLD 4004

Phone: 1800 776 412

Summer 2016 NEWSLETTER

Asbestos Disease Support SocietySUMMER NEWSLETTER 2016

Date Claimers

Front cover photo: ADSS office Christmas tree.

Brisbane South Morning Tea Group – Sunnybank Hills

Second Friday of the Month• 10th February• 10th March • 28th April (Changes due to Public Holiday)• 12th May• 9th June• 14th July• 11th August• 8th September• 13th October• 10th November - Xmas Lunch

At Sunnybank Hills Library from 9:30am

2017 Member Morning Teas

Toowoomba 28 February

Kingaroy 7 March

Ipswich 4 April

Charleville 21 April

Roma 10 May

Bribie Island 31 May

Sunshine Coast 6 June

Darwin 22 June

Chermside 27 June

Cairns 25 July

Townsville 26 July

Mackay 27 July

Rockhampton 28 July

Logan 2 August

Redlands 29 August

North Lakes 26 September

Gold coast 5 October

Gladstone 24 October

Bundaberg 25 October

Hervey Bay/Maryborough 26 October

Brisbane North Morning Tea Group – Bracken Ridge

First Wednesday of Month• 1st February• 1st March• 5th April• 3rd May• 7th June• 5th July• 2nd August• 6th September• 4th October• 1st November – Xmas Lunch

At Bracken Ridge Library from 10:30am

1SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2016Asbestos Disease Support Society

In This IssueCEO Report 2

Have you completed your Member Services Survey yet? 5

Legal Report 6

Regulators Report 7

Criteria for Life membership and Other Awards 8

Award Winners 9

Asbestos Disease Support Society 2016 Symposium 10

Copycat cells propel asbestos disease: research 2

New Marker for Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Follow-up 13

Closer to a mesothelioma treatment 14

Services Report 15

Heat Stress 16

Office Closure Over XmasThe Asbestos Disease Support Society will close on the

Friday 16 December and reopen Monday 16 January 2017. A staff member is on call for new referrals or urgent matters on

0427 785 873

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR MEMBERS FROM THE

ADSS STAFF AND DIRECTORS

2 Asbestos Disease Support SocietySUMMER NEWSLETTER 2016

CEO Report

I would like us all to take a moment to not only acknowledge our members who have passed away but a great Asbestos Advocate - Ian Sheppard, President of ADSSA – who was diagnosed with cancer and shortly thereafter, passed away. Ian worker tirelessly for the Society in South Australia and was active within the broader asbestos community. He will be sadly missed.

On personal reflection it is eight years since my Mother and Father-in-law passed away from asbestos related disease a week apart. Like many, it seems just like yesterday that I received the phone calls. My father-in-law worked for James Hardie and like many others he brought his clothes home for his wife to wash. He had Asbestosis and his wife had Mesothelioma. Hence my personal passion around asbestos issues.

Now on to a lighter note, I was invited to attend the South East Asia Asbestos Ban meeting in Jakarta to represent the support societies. This was a great honour and I will talk on this a little later. I was also asked to speak at the ASEA International Conference in Adelaide as well. I have to admit it will be lovely to be home now for a few months.

Sound Governance and ComplianceA big thank you to our members who attended the ADSS Annual General Meeting, we had record attendance. The Board report and Financial report will be placed on the new website in the near future.

Our new Board is up and running and have already had two meetings. The new Board Directors bring a wealth of experience in the area of governance and asbestos matters in general.

Sound and Sustainable FinancesThe Society has been fortunate enough to receive a number of donations of recent times and we would like to thank each and every one of you. In particular, we would like to thank the following people who have made a donation over $500:

• XY Vending

• Don Harris

• I K Ellis

• Panel Safe Pty Ltd Donations and payment of membership fees can now be made through our new website www.adss.org.au and all donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.

Sound Support Arrangements for SufferersSince the last Newsletter we have held our Symposium which was well attended. A report on activities is included later in the newsletter. We also had this event filmed and we are in the process of editing this now. Once it is finalised it will go up on the website.

A morning tea was held at North Lakes with large numbers in attendance. Dr James McKeon spoke and did so in a manner well understood by all.

In Loving MemoryAnthony Lloyd Stanley ‘Stan’ Fraser William ‘Billy’ MartinLeslie Raymond Smith Charles James Ryrie Joyce YatesTerence John Reilly

Terry Vella Alberto CattaliniDesmond Ballard Barry Tincknell Anatole MartinovskyRodney Peter Cloutt Dominic Fleming

Graham LeePaul BosworthValerie Myra Watkins

Amanda Richards


Leanne (ADSS Social Worker) has been going out and meeting with some of the key doctors that we deal with advising them of the services that we provide. She has also been linking in with various Social Worker Networks which has been of assistance to Leanne in carrying out her role.

The Brisbane South and Brisbane North Social Groups have now had their Christmas parties and will not reconvene until February next year.

The ADSS was happy to be able to sponsor a high tea for our Queensland Meso Warriors after the symposium. It was nice to put faces to names and hear the stories, particularly the positive ones.

At the time of writing we are also in preparations for the Ecumenical Service.

The ADSS survey should be with you all by now and if you haven’t completed it please do so as the feedback is very important for the future direction of the Society. For those who have completed it a big thank you.

Strengthen engagement with community, government, business and other SocietiesAs part of reaching out to the community more broadly ADSS has commenced advertising in the RACQ’s Road Ahead in order to reach more people. This has led to a few new referrals from people that we wouldn’t have had contact with otherwise.

We have also commenced working with other law practices to support their clients that have an asbestos related disease because our principle objective is to support sufferers. This does not take away from our relationship with Turner Freeman Lawyers who remain the Societies lawyers.

In order to further our voice and have a stronger national voice, a meeting of the support groups was held just prior to the ASEA Conference. The outcomes are that we have all agreed on the following for Asbestos Awareness Week 2017:

• Asbestos Awareness Week to be held in last working week in Nov

• That it should be a week’s duration not a month’s duration

• That a dedicated sub group should be formed that organises/co-ordinates the Awareness Week at a national level. This group should be made up of members from all representative bodies that form part of the network.

• The subgroup should be up and running by end of Jan 2017 with some indication of amount of work that may be involved and commitment needed from individuals

• Everyone seemed to think the slogan/tag line ‘Not here, Not anywhere’ could be very effective

• Memorial Day should be on the Friday of the Awareness Week

Whilst this may not mean much, this is a major step and with everything there is strength in numbers and if we are all saying the same thing we have a lot better chance of getting a positive outcome.

Advocate on matters pertinent to ARD sufferers, people exposed to asbestos and for the prevention of exposure to asbestos.The Queensland Government are currently reviewing the Asbestos Codes of Practice and Regulations as they apply to the workplace. ADSS has been invited to participate in this exercise.

Our Keytruda petition has been acknowledged by the Federal Government Standing Committee and has been forwarded to the Minister for a response which we are anxiously awaiting for. There are still Keytruda petitions going should people want to sign them – Lou Williams Petition and Bernie Banton Foundation’s Petition and a few more that I am aware of.

SEABANSEA Ban is the South East Asia Ban Asbestos Network which I was fortunate enough to be invited to their conference in early November this year. The forum commenced with each country giving a report on where banning asbestos was up to in their country.

The Importation of asbestos containing products into Australia is still a major issue and was the subject of


our discussions at SEABAN. Our aim is to work with the countries that still make asbestos products through organisations like SEABAN to help the eliminate asbestos in their country to stop it coming in to ours. And whilst we’re doing this, helping the workers to protect themselves against exposure.

As you can see from the issues raised, countries in South East Asia are still producing and using asbestos products. Many workers are unaware of the dangers of exposure to asbestos even though they have seen many of their friends die at a young age. Furthermore, there is little medical expertise in these countries and therefore, there is no diagnosis and the true numbers of people with an asbestos related disease is unknown.

Dr Sugio FURUYA the head of SEABAN reported on the direction that he believed that we needed to take to Ban ARDs

In other words, in order to eliminate ARDs every country has to:

• stimulate substitution/replacement of asbestos and asbestos containing materials,

• stop the use of all types of asbestos (introduce a ban on asbestos),

• introduce/improve measures to prevent exposure to asbestos in place (existing asbestos) -> ultimately remove/dispose all asbestos and asbestos containing materials in place safely and achieve asbestos free environment/society;

• improve early diagnosis, treatment, social and medical rehabilitation of ARDs and

• establish registries of people with past and/or current exposure to asbestos (and conduct health surveillance for/monitoring them).

Reported challenges from some of the countries are as follows:

Vietnam

• Hesitation from certain Governmental agencies in supporting for banning asbestos

• National Assembly Election in May 2016

• Focal point persons who are supportive on banning asbestos either retired or moved to new position with new role

• Policy changed/newly adopted deferred deadline of banning asbestos (from 2004 -> 2008 -> 2020 ??)

• Weak enforcement of current regulations related to asbestos use

• Awareness, knowledge, understanding on asbestos harmful of communities,

• experts, decision makers and others are limited

Cambodia

• ACM materials are cheap, available everywhere, hence used widely.

• Present in construction sites, repair shops: confirmed by lab tests.

• Huge increase in ACM imports: 2005-2012 increasing (14,257 to 63124 tonnes)

• 6 mesothelioma cases diagnosed – but no proper facilities!

• More ACM through increased vehicles imports, largely second hand ones

Indonesia

• Government denial on Asbestos related disease case

• Asbestos industry framing: substitution material requires technology changes, which will increase cost

• Price related to consumer decision

• Government law enforcement

• Industrial secrecy

• Common lack of information on asbestos dangers

Malaysia

• Under notification and poor reporting of ARD’s

• Poor pick up rate and diagnosis

• Huge number of labor work forces are hired from developing countries. Dosh is worried about their health status.

• APCO representing asbestos association presented objections in its public meeting, to DOSH and the Minister and also carrying out activities to block the proposed ban. Their concerns are:

• Economic loses

• Substitute – expensive

• Substitute – dangerous

• Threats of legal action Following presentations from the other countries, we got down to work to see how we could work together to ban asbestos in our respective countries and assist each other in the process. At the time of writing the final outcomes were not available for me to report to you.


Have youcompleted your Member ServicesSurvey yet?

DUE BY 16 DECEMBER

The Asbestos Disease Support Society is now finalising the Member Services Survey.

By now you should have received a paper form in the mail (see right) – you can either return the completed paper form in the enclosed reply paid envelope to the Social Research Centre or complete the survey online (see paper form for details on completing online).

Those who have not yet completed the survey will receive a second and final paper form soon. If you have already returned the first paper form and receive a second paper form, thank you for your response to the survey and you may disregard the second paper form.

Participating in the survey is voluntary, however, results from the survey will help ADSS improve services and information provided to members.

Please return the paper form so it is received at the Social Research Centre, or complete the survey online, by Friday 16th December 2016.

The Society at Work

5.10.16 - Volunteers that handed out our bottles of water at King George Square

2.11.16 - Australian Delegation that attended SEABAN

5.10.16 - Amanda, Minister Grace Grace and Andrew Ramsay at Kings George Square

5.10.16 - ADSS at Kings George Square

22.11.16 - Asbestos Awareness Week launch at Redacliffe Place


Legal Report

Thady Blundell

Time Limitation Periods For Asbestos Compensation Claims

There has been some recent publicity in the Sunday Mail regarding the time limits for lodging claims for

asbestos disease under the workers’ compensation system in Queensland.

Under the legislation that governs workers’ compensation claims in Queensland, a worker has 6 months from diagnosis with a work-related condition to lodge a claim. This can be extended in certain circumstances, although there is no clear guidance in the legislation as to when time should be extended.

The reason for the recent publicity is that this time limit is strictly enforced by WorkCover Queensland. Persons exposed to asbestos in Queensland employment must seek advice regarding compensation entitlements immediately on diagnosis with any type of asbestos disease.

The situation though with time limitation periods is complex and can be summarised as follows:-

1. Firstly, different time periods can apply, depending upon in which State a person is exposed to asbestos and whether they were employed or self-employed.

For instance, for those exposed to asbestos in New South Wales, no time limit applies to lodging a court claim or a workers’ compensation claim. Claims still need to be lodged in a person’s lifetime though for significant compensation to be recovered.

Different time limits apply in other States as well.

Whilst there a strict six month time period for those

exposed to asbestos in Queensland employment as far as workers’ compensation claims are concerned, there is no time limit for Queensland exposure for court claims.

2. Secondly, it is important to note that new time limits can arise as new conditions are diagnosed. A person may be diagnosed with pleural plaques (asbestos scarring on the outside of the lung) and for Queensland workers’ compensation purposes, the time limit would commence on diagnosis. If a person is subsequently diagnosed with a more serious asbestos disease, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, another six month time period would apply.

CONCLUSION Whilst the Queensland workers’ compensation time period is strictly enforced, most persons would have an option of a court claim if the workers’ compensation time period had expired. However, it is always essential that anyone diagnosed with asbestos disease seeks immediate advice regarding compensation and, if a claim is available, it should be lodged without delay to protect compensation entitlements.

The six month time period for Queensland workers’ compensation claims is not a new provision. It has been in the legislation for many, many years, however, its interpretation has varied at times but now it is being strictly enforced and those with asbestos disease must be mindful of it.

Society Legal Adviser


Regulators Report

Asbestos Awareness Week 2016

Asbestos Awareness Week at the end of November was a great chance to remind everyone in the

community to check for asbestos before starting home renovation projects.

An estimated one-in-three homes contains asbestos in Australia, and with TV shows like The Block and House Rules making home renovations more popular than ever, it’s vital that tradies and DIYers alike understand what they are dealing with in older homes.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland held a range of events and promotions during the week:

Asbestos Awareness Week launchThe week was launched at Reddacliff Place on Tuesday 22 November in Brisbane by the Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace.

An estimated 2000 people watched demonstrations about how to work safely with asbestos materials during common home renovation tasks, without risking their health by releasing fibres into the air.

The star attractions were House Rules winners Luke and Cody Cook, who spoke about their home and on-show experiences of dealing with asbestos materials in older buildings. There were plenty of requests for celebrity selfies with the show-winning brothers from Dalby, who gave professional advice on asbestos issues and were tested in a ‘friendly’ quiz to make sure they really knew their stuff.

High profile personalities like the Cook brothers and our Asbestos Awareness Ambassador Trevor Gillmeister, as well as our Safety Advocates Julie and Don Sager, are working hard to keep Queenslanders as safe as possible from asbestos risks.

Trevor’s story about his Dad, Ron, and Don and Julie’s story about their son Adam, are both tragic accounts of dearly loved family members taken far too soon by asbestos related disease. Both stories spell out the potentially tragic outcomes of exposure to asbestos fibres. You can watch their stories, by visiting qld.gov.au/asbestos.

In addition, Trevor has recorded two podcasts in which he gives his insights into home renovation and cleaning up after a flood or storm, both of which may involve asbestos materials. He speaks about how to take the right precautions to safeguard yourself and your family.

Bunnings information boothsOn Saturday 19 November, several WHSQ inspectors gave up their Saturday morning to promote asbestos safety at six Bunnings stores across Queensland and answer questions from the public. This is a good avenue to help directly reach our target audience. Hardware stores have helped distribute asbestos information to keen home renovators who may not know of the possible dangers lurking in asbestos products used in their homes.

Asbestos safety publicationsWhy not put up our renovator sticker on your switchboard or meter box to warn tradies or others working on your property? You can order your brochure with sticker, download a copy of our handbook or watch guidance films at qld.gov.au/asbestos.

Luke and Cody Cook

Safety Advocates, Don and Julie Sager


Criteria for Life membership and Other Awards

Introduction

This policy sets out the minimum criteria to be eligible for nomination for an award of life membership or other awards of Asbestos Disease Support Society.

These awards exist to recognise the valuable contribution of individuals to the current and future existence of the Society. The awards system is intended to recognise a wide range of contribution. It seeks to create a scale of award so that large and small contributions to the Society can be recognised appropriately.

• Membership Recognition Award

• Certificate of Appreciation

• In Appreciation Awards

• Life membership

Membership Recognition Award

This Award is intended to recognise longstanding membership of the Society. Given the nature of our membership, membership recognition awards should be given to members when they reach

• 15 years;

• 20 years; and

• 25 years of membership with ADSS or any of its previous incantations

This is a paper award.

Certificate of Appreciation

This Award is intended to provide encouragement and recognition for individuals or an organisation that has voluntarily undertaken a service to or for the Asbestos Disease Support Society beyond their normal role.

This is a framed paper award.

In Appreciation Award

This Award is intended to recognise those individuals or organisations who have an extended commitment in their service to the Society beyond their normal role

This award reflects the importance of the contribution of the individual or organisation to the ongoing sustainable operation of the Society.

Service for this Award requires a minimum of 5 years commitment to the Society beyond their normal role.

This is an oval award.

Life Membership

Life Membership is the highest Award available to a member in recognition of the exceptional contribution of individual to the existence or effectiveness of the Asbestos Disease Support Society. It is therefore only to be awarded in exceptional circumstances.

It should be recognised that life membership does not have to be awarded each year.

In considering the award of Life membership an individual should have:

• demonstrated significant, sustained and high quality service to ADSS

• an ongoing commitment to ADSS as a volunteer and/or Board Director

• demonstrated a commitment that does not seek personal reward,

• demonstrated a commitment to the values of ADSS

• been a member for at least 10 years

• made a significant contribution in terms of time, effort and commitment to ADSS

This is an engraved glass award.

Benefits of Life Membership

In addition to the status of membership of a select group within the Society, Life Membership with be recognised by:

• Award of the Life Membership at the Annual General Meeting

• Exemption from fees associated with the Society

• Full voting rights

• Listing on the Society Web site

• Invitation and exemption from all costs for all Society functions

Process for Awards

• Nominations for any award should be forwarded to the CEO from a Member or Director

• Nominations will be forwarded on to the Board at the September meeting each year for consideration.

• The CEO has the ability to put forward names of people identified as eligible in accordance with the criteria outlined above.

• The Board has the ability to waiver the length of membership, criteria for Life Membership

• The Board of Directors will make the final decision on whether to award a person Life membership.

• The award will be presented at the Annual Thank You event or any other event deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.


Award Winners

The ADSS Board of Directors recently approved the policy on “Criteria for Life membership and other Awards”. This policy aims to set out a clear and transparent process for selecting award recipients.

In recognising individuals who have given an extended commitment to the Society, the Board awarded three people In Appreciation Awards at the recent Symposium.

Dianne Ellis

Di Ellis has been a member of ARDSSQ/ADSS since January 2009. Di lost her husband to an asbestos disease in 2009. Di provided phone support to our members up until 2016 when she retired. Di continues to assist ADSS when she can.

Andrew Ramsay

Andrew Ramsay has been a member of ARDSSQ/ADSS since April 2009. Andrew comes from the construction industry and has a passion for preventing people’s exposure to asbestos. Andrew assists the Society by raising this issue in many venues

and visits our members’ homes should they think that they may have asbestos in place. Andrew is the current Chair of ADSS and chaired the former Management Committee since 2014. Andrew was also Vice President of ARDSSQ from 2012 to 2015.

Professor Nico van Zandwijk

Professor Nico is retiring as Director of the Asbestos Disease Research Institute (ADRI).

He is also Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney.

In 2007 he joined ADRI after a long career in thoracic oncology in Europe. In 1985 he founded the department of thoracic oncology at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and made major contributions to the identification of prognostic factors in lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, to chemoprevention studies in lung cancer and major national and international clinical trials.

He has authored or co-authored more than 250 peer-reviewed international scientific papers and book chapters and has long-standing collaborations with investigators from other states in Australia, Europe, Canada, the US, Japan and Korea.

Life membership is awarded to a member who has made an exceptional contribution to the existence and/or effectiveness of the Society. The Board awarded three people Life Membership at this year’s Symposium.

Mrs Beverley Robertson

Bev Robertson has been a member of ARDSSQ/ADSS since February 2007. Bev lost her husband to an asbestos related disease some years ago. Bev currently coordinates the Southside Support Group. Bev was a member of the ARDSSQ Management Committee from 2009 till 2015. Bev continues to volunteer in various roles assisting the Society with our day to day functions.

Mrs Eileen Stagg

Eileen has been member of ARDSSQ/ADSS since July 2006. Eileen also lost her husband to an asbestos related disease some years ago. Eileen provided phone support to members with an ARD for many years retiring early this year to start her new life. Eileen was a member of the ARDSSQ Management Committee from 2008 until 2015.

Mrs Patricia Cini

Pat Cini has been a member of ARDSSQ/ADSS since June 2004. Pat lost her husband to an asbestos related disease in 2014. Since joining the Society Pat has provided phone support to members with an ARD as well as co-ordinating the Southside support group for many years. Pat was a member of the former Management Committee, Vice President of ARDSSQ between 2009 and 2012, and an ADSS Board Director since 2015. Pat continues to volunteer in various roles assisting the Society with our day to day functions.


Asbestos Disease Support Society 2016 Symposium

More than 200 Asbestos Disease Support Society (ADSS) members, friends and supporters who

gathered at the 2016 Symposium were given a small but fascinating insight into the great inroads researchers and doctors are making in the fight against asbestos-related diseases.

Professor Nico van Zandwijk, Dr Katherine Semple and Dr Robert Edwards were this year’s symposium guest speakers, and gave their views on current thinking among researchers, and new ways doctors were treating sufferers of an asbestos-related disease.

That included detailed explanations of the various diseases, including pleural plaques, pleural effusions, diffused pleural thickening, rounded atelectasis, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Drs Semple and Edwards provided information on the general cause of these diseases, how they developed and affected the human body, treatment options and prognosis for sufferers, while Professor van Zandwijk gave members a glimpse into the exciting progress researchers are making.

After their talks, they took general questions from audience members, and answered more personal queries from members who were battling an asbestos related disease.

ADSS thanks Professor van Zandwijk, Dr Semple and Dr Edwards for attending the 2016 Symposium, their ongoing support for ADSS and its members, and their commitment to eliminating the disease and ongoing work with sufferers. While the information provided by our three guest speakers confirmed new medical research and procedures were giving hope for the future, there was also a sobering moment when each these three dedicated experts made it clear the fight to fully eliminate asbestos from Australian society was far from over.

Here are some of the messages to come out of the 2016 ADSS Symposium.

Our expert guests

Professor Nico van Zandwijk, Director of the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) and Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney. Professor van Zandwijk’s major research interest is in thoracic oncology. He founded the department of Thoracic Oncology at the Netherlands Cancer Institute and was head of department from 1985 to 2008. His department was the first to study mediastinal staging, locoregional chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy in malignant mesothelioma. In 2007, Professor van Zandwijk was asked to become the inaugural director of the purpose built Asbestos Diseases Research Institute in Sydney. Over the years he has been involved in many clinical trials, translational research and mentoring more than 20 students who have become research leaders in the own right.

Dr Katherine Semple, Greenslopes Private Hospital respiratory physician. Dr Semple is a Respiratory and Sleep Physician based at Greenslopes Private Hospital. She is also a visiting medical officer at the Mater Adults Hospital. Katherine graduated in medicine from the University of Queensland. She trained in Respiratory Medicine in Brisbane and at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney before completing a Sleep Fellowship at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. She did research investigating Pseudomonas biofilm formation in bronchiectasis and obtained a Master of Philosophy from UQ.

Dr Robert Edwards, Wesley Hospital respiratory physician. Dr Edwards is a Thoracic Physician with special interests in thoracic and sleep medicine and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. Dr Edwards began his practice at the Wesley in 1977. He received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Queensland and underwent his post-graduate training at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital and the University of Sydney. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians, and is a member of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Confusion over the types of asbestos-related diseases

The greatest difficulty for some asbestos-related disease sufferers stems from confusion in the community and among some medical practitioners over the different types of diseases that can be caused by asbestos contamination.

Greenslopes Private Hospital respiratory physician Dr Katherine Semple told the 2016 ADSS Symposium the prognosis of sufferers depended on the type asbestos-related disease the patient had contracted.

Unfortunately, confusion in the community had sometimes led to all illnesses that resulted from asbestos exposure being labeled asbestosis, which was one of the worst forms of asbestos-related disease.

But in reality, they might be suffering from pleural plaque, which was not fatal and could be managed with proper medical care.

“Even doctors mix up the diseases and label illnesses as asbestosis, even if it isn’t,” she said. “I have seen medical records in hospitals listing a patient as suffering from asbestosis, when they in fact had pleural plaques which should be treated differently.”

Dr Semple said it was important for sufferers and their doctors to be fully aware of what type of asbestos-related disease they were dealing with before entering a treatment plan.

Asbestos dangers ‘still high’: experts

The latest medical research and figures show the risks to people from asbestos-related diseases continue to be high, despite wide-ranging prohibition laws and a strong community awareness of the material’s danger, the experts warned the 2016 ADSS Symposium.

ADSS Chief Executive Officer Amanda Richards said figures quoted during the conference suggested the chances of getting a potentially fatal illness from working with or being in contact with asbestos products was moving from construction and manufacturing workers to often unsuspecting members of the community.

Data was already showing a dramatic increase in the number of sufferers because of home renovations or simply encountering unseen airborne fibres in their backyards and suburbs.

University of Sydney asbestos research teams conducting clinical trials had been concerned with the number of asbestos-affected people who had not been infected through traditional work-related activities.

Between 2010 and 2016, 64 men and one woman had taken part in the research after being infected at work.


In the same period, 98 men and 99 women had been infected by non-occupational contact. It was a dramatic increase in non-occupational incidents.

“The research says you no longer have to work with asbestos as part of your job to be at risk,” Ms Richards said.

“And that means it is harder to predict who might get sick from asbestos. There is no longer a typical victim from construction, manufacturing or the armed forces. It can strike anyone, anywhere and that means we all have to be more vigilant.”

Ms Richards made the comments after three respiratory disease specialists predicted long-term changes to the types of people presenting with symptoms associated with asbestos particles being inhaled into the lungs.

Professor Nico van Zandwijk, Director of the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) and Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney, Dr Katherine Semple, Greenslopes Private Hospital respiratory physician, and Dr Robert Edwards, Wesley Hospital respiratory physician, all issued the warning at the 2016 ADSS Symposium last October.

Prof Zandwijk told members he had seen a significant shift in how people taking part in clinical trials had encountered asbestos.

“In the past, asbestos was considered a wonder material because it could be used for many purposes and was highly fire resistant,” he said. “So it became common in the construction and manufacturing industries, as well as the armed forces to protect service people from fire.

“Of course, it also made its way into products that were used in homes, schools and other public buildings.

“Those materials are starting to deteriorate and affect more people from areas outside the workforce.

“We are going to have to be very careful in future with the built environment in Australia and mitigate against the potential for it to harm more people as it gets older.”

Dr Semple said the greatest threat to Australia came from imports from nearby nations that had not yet acted to eliminate asbestos products.

“The use of asbestos in countries around us is actually growing,” she said. “China, Russia and many South East Asian nations are still mining, using and exporting it.

“For the health industry, it will remain a big problem as workers in these factories immigrate. We will be seeing disease caused by asbestos for decades to come.”

Dr Edwards said he had noticed his patients moving from people in the traditional construction industry or working in power stations to those in ever day life. Often their contact

with asbestos had come through home renovations or maintenance.

And he felt some people still regarded the strength and versatility as a building product more highly than the dangerous affects it had on people.

Some countries, particularly in Asia, still regarded it as a wonder material and had not outlawed it.

He called for greater regulation and care on what products were being introduced to Australia.

“Asbestos can still be found in the construction industry here, mainly through imports,” he said. “We have to be more careful with what we are allowing to be brought in.”

New disease research ‘promising’

Researchers are making some “exciting” findings as they explore the use of immunotherapy to treat and potentially cure asbestos-related diseases.

Professor Nico van Zandwijk, Director of the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) and Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney, told the ADSS 2016 Symposium there was still a great deal of work to be done, but early results on limited numbers of patients were promising.

Immunotherapy is commonly used to treat cancers and other diseases. It involves sending natural laboratory-made antibodies into a person to restore their immune system function. Antibodies can be taken orally, injected, applied through the skin via a cream or administered directly into an organ.

It is currently used to stop or slow cancer growth, stop disease spreading in the body and boosting the immune system to better destroy cancer cells.

“Researchers believe certain antibodies make the tumors more visible to the natural immune system.,” he said. “But we will need to see more data to understand the real value.”

Professor van Zandwijk said several trials were underway to see if the treatment was effective in fighting asbestos-related diseases and early results were exciting.

One trial of 25 asbestos disease patients saw seven show improvement, 12 stabilize, with the final six getting no benefit from the treatment. One patient showed significant signs of improvement after just eight weeks.

But he said it was too early to celebrate. Other trials did not show such promising results.

“Like all research, we sometimes make a few steps forward, only to suffer a fall,” he said.


Copycat cells propel asbestos disease: research

In Daily Adelaide independenty news

23 November 2016

Article sponsored by Flinders University

The cells of malignant mesothelioma, a tumour caused by asbestos, can promote their own growth

by changing themselves into blood vessels, new research led by Flinders University has found.

Oncology researcher Associate Professor Sonja Klebe in the pathology laboratory at Flinders

The discovery of this ‘vascular mimicry’, as demonstrated in patient samples and animal models, sheds new light on future approach to medical and therapeutic intervention including anti-angiogensis in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

With no cure in sight, and short life expectancy in advanced mesothelioma, the development of more targeted and less intrusive therapies is very important to patients’ quality of life, researchers say.

“All tumours need blood supply and standard anti-angiogenic drugs which aim to stop tumours from recruiting blood supply from the surrounding stroma do not dramatically improve survival in mesothelioma patients,” says Associate Professor Sonja Klebe, from Flinders University’s School of Medicine.

“By targeting these tumour-derived vessels, we might be able to improve our therapeutic approaches, while

also reducing some of the worst side-effects, by switching our focus to inhibiting both vascular mimicry alongside conventional vessel growth.”

Australia has the highest reported per-capita incidence of asbestos-related disease in the world, including the highest incidences of mesothelioma.

In 2012, 652 Australians died from mesothelioma. It is estimated that for every death attributed to mesothelioma two more people die from lung cancer caused by asbestos.

According to the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Management and Awareness 2014-18, it is predicted as many as 25,000 Australians will die from mesothelioma over the next 40 years.

Associate Professor Klebe is investigating the use of alternative and natural therapies, such as curcumin (the main component of the spice turmeric) in targeted and localised treatments, particularly in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery and other therapeutic approaches.

“We are striving to tackle the patients’ tumours while minimising or relieving the worst side effects of treatment,” she says.

Despite a ban on using asbestos, she warned against complacency in not using safety equipment to remove asbestos in private residences.


New Marker for MesotheliomaDiagnosis and Follow-up

Posted on: October 24, 2016 by Alex Strauss

A protein most often used to measure the risk level in pregnancy may also offer a more reliable way to diagnose malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma is a highly aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Right now, there is no easy or definitive way to diagnose it and doctors have to rely on some combination of patient history, imaging studies, biopsy and blood tests.

But a newly-identified mesothelioma blood biomarker called glycodelin may help. Past studies have found that pregnant women with lower levels of this protein were at higher risk of pregnancy loss.

Testing a New Mesothelioma BIomarker

To test glycodelin’s value in mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment monitoring, German researchers at the University of Heidelberg measured glycodelin levels in the blood serum of people with a variety of malignant and nonmalignant lung diseases, including mesothelioma.

They found that glycodelin was highly expressed in malignant pleural mesothelioma tumors. A biopsy of tumor tissue also found that another form of glycodelin called glycodelin A was not only expressed but also correlated with mesothelioma survival. Patients with the highest glycodelin serum levels had the worst overall survival.

Distinguishing Pleural Mesothelioma from Other Lung DIseases

The German tests showed that glycodelin levels were not nearly as high in people with nonmalignant diseases like COPD or pleurisy, although people with non-small cell lung cancer did express the protein.

To help distinguish pleural mesothelioma from lung cancer, the researchers tried using the glycodelin test in combination with a test for another mesothelioma biomarker called soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP).

“A comparison of SMRP and glycodelin serum measurement in a large patient cohort demonstrated that the detection of both soluble factors can increase the reliable diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma,” concludes lead researcher Dr. Marc Schneider in Oncotarget. “Altogether, glycodelin seems to be a new potential biomarker for aggressive malignant pleural mesothelioma.”

Monitoring Mesothelioma Patient Progress

Glycodelin also proved to be valuable for another purpose in mesothelioma treatment; tests showed that it could be used to monitor how well a tumor was responding to therapy.

“The glycodelin serum levels correlated with the tumor response to treatment,” reports Dr. Schneider.

Therapy often managed to help bring down glycodelin levels in the mesothelioma patients tested, but it gradually rose again as their tumors progressed.

Source:

Schneider, M, et al, “Glycodelin is a potential novel follow-up biomarker for malignant pleural mesothelioma”, October 4, 2016, Oncotarget

https://survivingmesothelioma.com/author/alex-strauss/

https://survivingmesothelioma.com/facts/pleural-mesothelioma/

https://survivingmesothelioma.com/facts/what-is-mesothelioma/

https://survivingmesothelioma.com/surviving-mesothelioma-a-patients-guide/


Closer to a mesothelioma treatment

SeniorAU.com.au

21.11.16

The Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) has announced promising further results from the

first-in-man study testing microRNA-based treatment for mesothelioma (TargomiRs).

The announcement comes along with statistics warning homeowners and DIYers about the dangers of asbestos exposure when renovating homes.

TargomiRs, a new drug that was developed by ADRI in association with Sydney-based biotech company EnGeneIC, continues to show promising results.

Underlining the potential of this new treatment using genetic material, the research conducted at ADRI has found that the same microRNAs that form a part of TargomiRs can reduce the expression of PD-L1, a protein expressed by mesothelioma cells which dampens the immune response.

These findings suggest that the investigation of new drug combinations such as microRNA mimics (microRNA mimics are synthetic microRNAs present/packaged in TargomiRs) together with inhibitors of immune checkpoints (monoclonal antibodies used with increasing success in melanoma and lung cancer patients), could provide another novel approach to treatment for mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, a cancer that can develop between 20-50 years after inhaling asbestos fibres. After the diagnosis has been made the disease progresses rapidly with many patients surviving less than one year. Inhaling asbestos fibres can also cause lung cancer, asbestosis and benign pleural disease.

Professor Nico van Zandwijk, Director Asbestos Diseases Research Institute and a world leader in research for treatments for asbestos-related diseases said, “While the results of the first stage of clinical trials of the new medication, TargomiRs appear positive, prevention is better than cure with the most effective means of preventing disease is stopping exposure to asbestos fibres.”

“There is a growing body of evidence that more people including women are being diagnosed with mesothelioma through non-work related exposure including during home renovations.” Professor van Zandwijk said.

“Deaths caused by asbestos are not a thing of the past and as long as asbestos remains in our environment there are grave concerns for the number of Australians

who are not aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure” he said.

Based on statistics published in the 2016 Australian Mesothelioma Report, around 14 Australians die of asbestos-related diseases each week.

“Asbestos exposure has been linked to DIY and as there is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s vital that all Australians safely manage asbestos-containing materials that might be found in and around their homes,” he said.

If asbestos is disturbed during renovations or in the demolition of homes containing asbestos, fibres can be released into the air and be inhaled. Inhaled fibres increase the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma or lung cancer.

Peter Dunphy, Founding Chair of the Asbestos Education Committee said, “Asbestos is not only found in fibro homes.

Australia was among one of the largest consumers of asbestos-containing materials in the world with asbestos-containing products still found in 1 in 3 brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad homes or apartments built or renovated before 1987.

“These [asbestos] products could be anywhere! Under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels.”

A number of resources are freely available for home owners and renovators at www.asbestosawareness.com.au.

The website features an asbestos product database that people can easily search for and identify the many different types products to look for, the locations where they might be located and learn how to manage and dispose of asbestos safely.

http://www.asbestosawareness.com.au/

http://www.asbestosawareness.com.au/


Services Report

Leanne Pettersen

I recently had the pleasure of attending the end of year gatherings of both the Brisbane South and Brisbane North Social Groups. As you can see, they really got into the Christmas spirit!

Listening to and watching the group members interact, I was reminded about how important these social groups are. The group members are welcoming and friendly and they have a real understanding of the lived experience of asbestos related disease. Several group members describe the smiling welcoming faces of the other members are something they really look forward to each month, along with the cup of tea and the piece of cake!

It wasn’t easy for some of the group members to take that first step into their first group meeting. One member who has now been attending regularly for several years explained how, at her first meeting, she was parked outside the library for some time, sitting in her car, trying to convince herself to get out and walk through the doors. She did walk through the doors, and she says it’s the best thing she did and the meetings continue to provide her with a source of comfort and support, along with several friendships that have continued outside the group environment.

The social groups were set up with the aim of bringing people together who are affected by asbestos related diseases. It is a space for people to share experiences and it can be helpful just to talk to other people in similar situation.

Some of the benefits of attending a social group:

• It can help you feel less lonely or isolated, as you make connections with others facing similar challenges. You realise you are not alone, and this can be a huge relief to the person.

• Members can offer one another emotional comfort and mutual support and the opportunity to talk openly and honestly to others.

• Members can share practical advice, information, resources and tips to help cope with your situation.

• It can expand your social network and help you make new friends, which can improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

• You will also help the other group members with your friendship and caring manner and this brings a sense of comfort in giving back to the community.

Thank you to the volunteer coordinators Bev Robertson and Lyn Parks for your continued commitment to the groups and we look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

If anyone would like any further information on the social groups, please contact the society on 1800 776 412.


Heat Stress

If you are an older person you are more at risk of experiencing heat stress, especially if you live alone, have medical conditions, or take certain medications.

Your ability to care for yourself safely in hot weather can also be affected by:

• being frail

• being unable to move easily or without assistance

• having dementia or a mental illness.

Remember

• When it is very hot, you may be at increased risk of heat stress.

• Some people are more at risk of heat stress, including babies and young children, the elderly, and people with some health conditions or on certain medications.

Advice for carers

This advice is just as important if you care for an older family member, friend or neighbour.

Remember that as a carer, if you don’t take care of yourself in hot weather you are putting your own health at risk as well as those you care for.

What is heat stress?

Heat stress occurs when your body cannot cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. When it is very hot, you may be at increased risk of heat stress.

How do you get heat stress?

When the temperature of our surrounding environment is around 32 °C our bodies are able to maintain a stable temperature. Repeated hot days can threaten our body’s ability to cope and function normally.

People who are at increased risk of heat stress

Some people are more likely to experience heat stress, including:

• babies and young children

• older children and teenagers

• people with existing physical and mental health conditions or using certain medications

• the elderly

• people who exercise

• people who work outside

• overseas travellers who are not used to the heat.

Plan ahead

• Ask a friend or family member to check on you twice a day if possible during hot weather, especially if you live alone. Whenever possible, it is better if your friend or family member can see you rather than just talk to you on the phone, as this will help them to check for any changes to your physical condition.

• Make sure you have a phone that will work if there is a power failure. If you have a safety alarm pendant, make sure this will also work if the power is off.

Keep cool

• If the house is hot, turn on your airconditioner if you have one. Make sure it is set to ‘cool’ before turning it on. If you are worried about the cost of using your airconditioner, look into what concessions (rebates) may be available on your energy bills.

• Visiting airconditioned local libraries or shopping centres can also offer some relief from the heat.

• Take simple measures to keep cool:

• Rinse a cloth in cool water and use it to wipe your arms and neck.

• Sleep with just a sheet over you.

• Put your feet in a bowl of cool water.

• Make ice cubes from water or cordial and suck them.

• Put a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to create a cool breeze.

Clothing and personal aids

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, preferably made from natural fibres like cotton or linen that absorb sweat and allow the skin to breathe. Avoid synthetic fabrics.

• If going outdoors, even for a short time, always:

• apply sunscreen

• wear a wide brim hat that covers your head and shades your face


• wear sunglasses (remember to take your sunglasses off before going inside and then pause to let your eyes adjust from the bright sunlight).

• If you use a wheelchair, walker or any other metal equipment, keep it in the shade as it can quickly become hot to touch and cause a burn.

Eating and drinking

• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty, unless your doctor has advised you not to. Try to drink water or diluted fruit juice and avoid tea, coffee or alcohol.

• Always carry a water bottle to avoid becoming dehydrated.

• Eat smaller meals more often. Cold meals, such as salads and fruit, help keep your water levels up and as you are not using your stove or oven your home will be cooler.

• Take care when you buy, store and handle food in hot weather to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Medicines

• If you take prescription medications, you must continue to take these during periods of extreme heat.

• Some medications can make you more likely to experience sunburn and heat stress, so extra care should be taken to watch for signs that you are becoming affected by the heat. Speak to your doctor or a chemist if you need advice on a particular medication.

Signs and symptoms

Signs of heat stress include:

• muscle cramps

• pale skin

• dizziness

• headache

• nausea (feeling sick)

• increased heart rate

• fainting

• excessive sweating or no sweating with high temperature and hot, dry skin

• urinating less often

• confusion.

Various degrees of heat stress

The effects of heat stress can range from mild symptoms such as a rash or cramps to very serious conditions such as heat stroke.

These effects can build up over a number of days as you become exhausted from the heat. This can worsen heart disease and other chronic health conditions you may have.

Intense physical activity in hot weather can cause even healthy young people to develop a condition called exertional hyperpyrexia. Early signs are a lack of coordination and slurring of speech, but the condition can result in collapse and even death within 1 to 2 days.

If you suspect you have heat stress:

• Rest in a cool, well ventilated area.

• Remove excess clothing.

• Drink plenty of water and fluids. Consider diluted juice (mixed with water) or low sugar sports drinks.

• Apply cool wet cloths, cold water or ice packs (armpits and groin) to the skin.

Seek urgent medical advice

The following are severe heat stress symptoms:

• a high body temperature

• nausea

• dry, red, hot skin

• a rapid heart rate.

Where to get help

• If you have severe symptoms, always dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance in a medical emergency

• See your doctor

• Visit a GP

• Ring 13 health (13 43 25 84)

This information is taken from http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/

http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Food-poisoning

http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Food-poisoning

Support Those Who Support The Society

Corporate Sponsors

The contact details for all of our corporate sponsors and corporate members are available by ringing

the ADSS office on 1800 776 412

ADSS is an endorsed charity (ABN 29 150 479 514).Donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.

We thank all members for their ongoing support.

Air Liquide Healthcare

AMWU

Asbestos Industry Association

BERT

CEPU – Plumbing Division

CFMEU – Mining & Energy Division

DOTS Allied Health Services Pty Ltd

Electrical Trades Union

Gumdale Demoltion Pty Ltd

IRT Asbestos Management Pty Ltd

Queensland Council of Unions

The Services Union

Slater + Gordon Lawyers

Thunderbird Demolition

United Voice

Workplace Health & Safety Queensland

Corporate Members

Thanks to QLD Health for providing funding to ADSS to help carry on our services.

summer 2016 newsletter - adss · asbestos disease support society 16 campbell street, bowen hills,...

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