Erla Arndt filed an appeal (Arndt v. Workers’ Comp. Appeals Bd., 56 Cal.App.3d 139) after the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board denied benefits following the death of her husband, John, from mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. The appeals board ruled that Mrs. Arndt was not entitled to collect benefits because her claim was filed more than a year… read more »

The Indian government has blocked a former U.S. Navy ship from docking in its waters for dismantling after an investigation revealed that the ship was contaminated with toxic chemicals. A two day inspection of the ship by government officials revealed that the ship—formerly known as the SS Independence—was contaminated with toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral… read more »

Senator Patty Murray of Washington and Representative Betty McCollum on Minnesota have introduced a resolution in the United States Senate and House of Representatives to designate September 26 as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Both women have been longtime advocates of enacting a complete ban on asbestos in the U.S. read more »

Army Archerd, a columnist for more than 50 years with the Hollywood trade journal Daily Variety, died this week after a five-year battle with mesothelioma. Famous for breaking the story of actor Rock Hudson’s battle with AIDS, Archerd is also well-known for his annual role as “greeter of the stars” outside of the Academy Awards. read more »

Scientists at Oxford University have a new test which they say will allow them to more accurately diagnose patients with mesothelioma. Researchers are hopeful that using the new test will help to partially eliminate the need for invasive procedures and lengthy hospital stays for patients who exhibit symptoms of  mesothelioma. read more »