July 7, 2014 – Although the asbestos factories closed many years ago, Ambler residents exposed to the asbestos remain at risk for the development of the potentially fatal diseases of mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Previous studies revealed that there has been an increase in the mesothelioma rate in the Ambler area, particularly for women. Thanks to a $10 million grant funded by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), a new interdisciplinary research center has been established Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania to thoroughly study a multitude of asbestos exposure related issues raised by Ambler residents living near the BioRit Asbestos Superfund site. This innovative interdisciplinary approach will allow researchers to study both environmental and biological concerns raised by Ambler residents.
The Penn Superfund Research and Training Program Center will focus its research on several community based concerns including the remediation process, genetic susceptibility, prevention of asbestos-related diseases and the use of blood tests to determine the likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease. Researchers from the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology (CEET) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine will use part of the grant funds to continue their work on identifying asbestos exposure pathways that lead to the development of mesothelioma.
The CEET joins other Superfund programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry in the development of a model for working with communities throughout the country on asbestos-related issues. The grant includes funding for a Community Engagement Core which will communicate all findings back to the Amber community to allow the residents to make more informed decisions about remediation and remaining exposure risks in the area.
The Philadelphia Asbestos Attorneys at the Shein Law Help Victims and Their Families Seek Justice and Just Compensation
Asbestos exposure has been linked to serious health conditions including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. If you or your loved one is suffering from one of these conditions, you will likely face significant emotional, physical and financial losses. With over 30 years of experience, the Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at the Shein Law have obtained compensation for countless individuals exposed to this dangerous carcinogen. We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, maintaining conveniently located offices in Philadelphia, PA and Pennsauken, NJ. Call our asbestos lawyers today to schedule your free confidential consultation at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or submit an online inquiry form. We will gladly meet with you and your family at a time and location most convenient to you.