foodconsumer.org: Merlin Olsen dies of mesothelioma

Merlin Olsen dies of mesothelioma
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admin on 03/12/2010 00:19:00
 
Merlin Olsen, a Hall of Fame football player, football broadcaster and actor,
has died, media reports say. He was 69.
Olsen, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2009, died Thursday of
mesothelioma at City of Hope hospital outside of Los Angeles after several
courses of chemotherapy.
Mesothelioma is incurable and caused specifically by exposure to asbestos, which
was used commonly as insulation material. This dangerous material may likely be
found in old houses or buildings.
On July 12, 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule
banning most asbestos-containing products. But this dangerous material is still
allowed in certain products.
Olsen sued the companies he worked with like NBC Studies, NBC Universal, 20th
Century Fox Film Corporation, Sherwin Williams, Lennox Industries among others
claiming he was exposed to asbestos in the workplace.
Olsen says in the lawsuit that all the defendants were engaged in making,
designing, installing, distributing or otherwise handling of asbestos and they
were responsible for his disease.
Mesothelioma takes 20 to 30 years to develop. Mesothelioma symptoms vary with
the type of the disease. The most common type of mesothelioma, pleural
mesothelioma can result in many symptoms including persistent dry or raspy
cough, coughing up blood, difficulty in swallowing, night sweats or fever,
unknown weight loss, fatigue, persistent pain in the chest or rib area or
painful breathing, shortness of breath and appearance of lumps under the skin on
the chest. Other types of the disease peritoneal mesothelioma and testicular
mesothelioma have the similar symptoms.
Mesothelioma kills about 2500 Americans each year, according to National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health statistics.  Although everyday
exposure can lead to the disease.
Those who suffer the disease may want to seek help from mesothelioma lawyers or
attorneys.  They need to know that their legal representatives should have
experience dealing with mesothelioma cases.
Mr Merlin Olsen was exposed to asbestos at about 11 years and again in his
adulthood, according to media reports.
By Jimmy Downs