This week the local NBC station in Kansas City ran a segment about mesothelioma and the risk of being exposed to asbestos called “Hidden Hazard Missed By Contractors.” The story focused on the dangers of removing a popcorn ceiling in an older home. Many of those ceilings contain tiny asbestos fibers that can become airborne during the removal process. It is well documented that inhaling these microscopic asbestos fibers can eventually lead to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Suffice to say that reporter Jenn Strathman did a nice job explaining what, we know all too well, is a very complex and serious topic.
When Ms. Strathman reached out to Simmons Hanly Conroy as a resource on the subjet, we were happy to oblige. Media exposure about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the human face of mesothelioma is critical to building awareness. Quite frankly, it does not happen often enough. The story of mesothelioma victim Wendell Mason, featured in the newscast, illustrates the pain and heartache that come with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Hats off to NBC for running the piece and plugging the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, both quality organizations that deserve recognition and attention.
