| Asbestos |
A family of naturally occurring silicate
minerals that have been mined primarily for their fire-resistant properties.
Inhalation of asbestos has been linked to the formation of mesothelioma
and other lung illnesses. |
| Asbestos Cancer |
Mesothelioma. The type of cancer caused
by inhalation of asbestos fibers. |
| Asbestos Lung Cancer |
Usually an oxymoron reference to mesothelioma.
Strictly speaking, asbestos causes a cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma
is not lung cancer, but it affects the thoracic cavity, so people
often call it that. |
| Asbestosis |
A respiratory disease that results due
to prolonged inhalation of asbestos. As asbestos fibers collect in
the lungs, they cause scarring that results in labored breathing and
shortness of breath. |
| Amosite |
Also known as brown asbestos, this is
the second most common form of asbestos; five percent of asbestos
production in the world comes from amosite. |
| Boilermen |
Tradesmen who build and repair steel structures
such as boilers, ships and bridges. Asbestos insulation used in many
of these structures historically increases the risk of mesothelioma
in these tradesmen. |
| Cancer |
An abnormal growth of cells which grow
in an uncontrolled way and can spread to other areas of the body. |
| Carcinogen |
Any substance or agent that causes cancer. |
| Chrysotile |
Also known as white asbestos, this is
the most common form of asbestos; 95 percent of asbestos products
in the United States are of this variety |
| Class action lawsuit |
A type of lawsuit that allows numerous
plaintiffs with a common interest or type of personal damage to collectively
sue an allegedly responsible entity. |
| Crocidolite |
Also known as blue asbestos, this is the
least common form of asbestos. It is frequently considered the deadliest
of the six commercially exploited asbestos forms |
| Electrician’s
Mates |
A job trade within the U.S. Navy that
requires the repair and production of ship engines. Asbestos insulation
used in such components has historically increased the risk of mesothelioma
in enginemen. |
| Enginemen |
A job trade within the U.S. Navy that
requires the repair and production of ship engines. Asbestos insulation
used in such components has historically increased the risk of mesothelioma
in enginemen. |
| Epidemic |
An outbreak of disease that affects a
disproportionately high amount of people within a particular region
or population. |
| Firemen |
A job profession that involves extinguishing
fires. In the Navy, firemen are those who are tasked with caring for
and operating a ship's machinery. |
| Immunotherapy |
Administration of biological agents to
induce a cancer fighting response from your immune system |
| Legal settlement |
A legal contract of resolution that is
agreed upon by two parties. Settlements resolve legal disputes and
may be reached prior to or as the result of court proceedings. |
| Lung Cancer |
An uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells
in the lungs. |
| Machinist Mates |
A U.S. Navy engineering rating for enlistees
tasked with operating and repairing a variety of ship machinery. The
three categories of Machinist Mates are nuclear mechanics, auxiliary
mechanics and propulsion mechanics. |
| Metastasis |
Spread of a tumor from one part of
the body to other areas. |
| Mesothelium |
Tissue lining the chest, abdominal cavities
and outer surfaces of most internal organs. The tissue is made of
mesothelial cells. |
| Mesothelioma |
A type of cancer that has been linked to
asbestos exposure. It can be found in the lining of the chest (pleural
mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma),
or the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). |
| Parietal Pleura |
The medical term for the body cavity found
within the middle thorax that encloses the diaphragm and lungs. |
| Palliative Treatment |
Therapy that aims to relieve symptoms of
cancer, but is not likely to cure the disease. The goal is improving
a patient’s quality of life. |
| Pipefitters |
Tradesmen responsible for building, maintaining
and repairing piping systems. Asbestos has been a common form of insulation
among Naval ship piping and other structures. |
| Peritoneum |
Tissue composed of mesothelial cells that
lines the abdominal wall and is the location for peritoneal
mesothelioma. |
| Pleura |
Thin sheet of cells that protects and cushions
the lungs. The pleura is composed of two layers separated by a small
amount of fluid. This is the most common site for mesothelioma. |
| Pleural Cavity |
The space between the layers of the pleura. |
| Pleural Effusion |
Accumulation of fluid between the lining
of the lungs and chest cavity. |
| Pleural Mesothelioma |
Cancer of the pleura |
| Seabees |
Term for the Construction Battalions (CBs)
of the U.S. Navy. Seabees are tasked with building bases, roadways
and other structures and have a history of asbestos exposure. |
| Shipfitters |
Individuals who are responsible for fabricating
and repairing ships. Asbestos insulation has historically been used
in Naval and civilian ships. |
| Statute of Limitations |
a federal or state law that limits the
time length in which legal proceedings may be brought to court. |
| Toxin |
Any poisonous substance that results from
the production of naturally occurring processes and biological organisms. |
| Tort |
A civil wrong brought about either by negligence
or intent that results in emotional or physical damage to a person
or persons. Asbestos-related trials are typically labeled as torts
for negligence. |
| Tremolite |
One of six asbestos forms of asbestos mined
for commercial use. Tremolite displays a pearly luster and may be
brown, gray, white or green. |
| Tumor |
An abnormal mass of tissue that results
from uncontrolled cell division from damaged cells. Tumors can be
benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). |
| Vermiculite |
A shiny, flaky natural mineral that is
used for insulation products and is often contaminated with asbestos.
More. |
| Zonolite |
A brand name for vermiculate that was previously
mined from Libby, Montana. Prior to the closure of these mines, Zonolite
accounted for 70 to 80 percent of all commercially available vermiculite. |
