Mayor to Declare April 1 Asbestos Awareness Day in Montgomery

Mayor Bobby Bright will sign a proclamation declaring April 1 as Asbestos Awareness Day in Montgomery in a ceremony at his office Friday, March 28, 2008, at 10 a.m.

Montgomery, Ala. (PRWEB) March 25, 2008 -- Mayor Bobby Bright will sign a proclamation declaring April 1 as Asbestos Awareness Day in Montgomery in a ceremony at his office Friday, March 28, 2008, at 10 a.m. This proclamation will go hand-in-hand with a senate resolution declaring April 1 National Asbestos Awareness Day, and April 1-7 Asbestos Awareness Week. Asbestos Awareness Day is a project of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

Locally, Asbestos Awareness Day strives to educate the public about the ongoing dangers of asbestos exposure, which can lead to asbestos-related disease such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer affecting the mesothelium, or the protective lining around our internal organs. It most commonly affects the linings of the lungs, abdomen and heart. Unfortunately, many symptoms of mesothelioma (shortness of breath, severe cough, chest pain) do not appear for 20 or more years, making it difficult to diagnose early. For this reason, the cancer is often diagnosed in the later stages, making it difficult for proper treatment and survival.

Asbestos has been used in a wide range of building materials, including roofing, insulation, ceiling tiles, and sheet rock. For this reason, it is especially important to identify any potential asbestos hazards before engaging in home improvement projects.

In the U.S., current statistics show 2,000-3,000 people are diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma each year. However, 10,000 Americans die each year from all asbestos-related diseases, according to statistics compiled by the Environmental Working Group. Mesothelioma was not tracked as a specific cause of death by federal health officials until 1999, so actual totals for mesothelioma may be much higher.

It is the primary goal of MyMeso.org to raise awareness in the public about mesothelioma and related asbestos diseases, to provide a forum for those affected by mesothelioma, and to create a network of information and resources expanding hope for a cure. MyMeso.org is a public awareness and community outreach effort of Beasley, Allen, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

Contact: Wendi Lewis

334-495-1308 / 334-221-3595 cell

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