The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a grant to several research and education institutions in Pennsylvania to educate citizens about the disastrous health effects of asbestos exposure. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has found that residents in Ambler have higher rates of mesothelioma than the rest of the state, likely due to the asbestos factory that ran for years in the small town. The factory operated under different owners from 1881 to 1962.
Officials hope that efforts from the grant will educate Ambler residents about the past so that together they can create a healthier future. Frances K Barg, Ph.D, a lead investigator for the grant project, said that Ambler residents have multifaceted concerns.
“We know there is an existing health risk, but that’s just one piece of the problem; these communities suffered great social and economic consequences when the asbestos factory closed, and today, they are still trying to recover from that loss,” Barg said.
The project’s major goals include:
- Interviewing residents and collecting documents to create a resource for researchers and activists to learn about the town’s history with asbestos
- Informing citizens, scientists and lawmakers about the unique struggles the Ambler residents face from living near and working at toxic industrial sites
Researchers will then use this information to educate the rest of country about how dangerous asbestos is and how people still struggle with mistakes asbestos manufacturers made decades ago. If you or a loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma, we can help you seek justice against the organizations that caused your disease. Call today to schedule a free consultation: 1-888-637-6347.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – asbestos lawyers
The asbestos industry affects people in many ways. This post shows that asbestos-related jobs were a major source of employment for the town’s residents, but they also posed critical health risks to employees. When asbestos manufacturing plants shut down after reports began to surface about health risks, employees found themselves without jobs and in poor health. Hopefully grants like these can provide options for people suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers.