Mesothelioma and the cynical role of corporate-paid scientists

Unfortunately, the political climate of the first half of the twentieth century, a time when asbestos-interested corporations put pressure on governments to minimise control of the asbestos risk, still lingers. While this may not be the case so much in the UK, in the USA a number of corporations lobby hard to persuade government agencies that both their role, and that of asbestos, in causing cancers like mesothelioma should be downplayed.

This corporate pressure of government reached a head in 2008 when a number of scientists, all sponsored by former asbestos-making or asbestos-using corporations, contacted the Environmental Protection Agency urging it to change its stance on chrysotile asbestos - the most common kind.

Using a number of controversial studies, the scientists attempt to argue that chrysotile asbestos does not cause mesothelioma.

It may be thought that, at the heart of all this, there is a desire by the corporations in question to avoid paying asbestos cancer compensation to the thousands of people with the illness who are yet to make a claim.

Although there is strong global consensus, backed by both the World Health Organisation and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, that chrysotile asbestos undoubtedly does cause the cancer, the corporations are not without allies. The most notable of these is President Bush, who has long used Congress to advocate tort reform that would effectively deny workers with asbestos-related diseases the right to sue for personal injury compensation.

Many experts have been quick to criticise the scientists for undermining the integrity of the scientific community. One doctor from the University of Washington's Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences headed a petition containing the signatures of 83 of the nation's leading health organisations strongly condemning the practice of "science-for-hire".

Senator Patty Murray is vocal opponent of the practice. He commented, "I'd like the political appointees at the EPA to look into the eyes of a mesothelioma patient and say that asbestos isn't dangerous. It appears that this administration is once again putting politics before public health."

Work illness lawyers of national reputation
It is now acknowledged by all credible scientists that the widespread use of asbestos in the twentieth century has caused one of the greatest industrial illness tragedies in history.

Fortunately, civil processes are in place to ensure those affected by asbestos-related illnesses can claim compensation for their pain, losses and suffering.

Even in cases where the companies that exposed workers to risk have folded, insurers can be traced and settlements achieved - something the no win, no fee solicitors on our panel are skilled in doing.

All of these solicitors are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and all work on a cost-free basis, win or lose, while protecting you from any costs incurred by the opposing side - something which goes beyond any simple definition of "no win, no fee".

We also demonstrate our commitment to a client-first approach by delivering on our no-cuts promise, meaning that all successful claimants receive 100% compensation.

Contacting us is easy. We can be reached online or over the telephone.

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