Cleveland Wrongful Death Law Blog

Recently, a town in Quebec voted to change its name because its current name is a word no one in Ohio or anywhere else in the world wants to be associated with any longer. Starting in December, Asbestos, Quebec will be renamed Val-des-Sources, which means valley of the springs. The new name certainly has a more calming feel to it.

The town was named Asbestos due to its proximity to Jeffrey Mine, which used to be the world's largest asbestos mine. That used to be something the townspeople were proud of, but with the asbestos bans that started in the 1970s, it's a part of the town's history that many would rather forget. The town's mayor claims no one wants to receive mail with the name Asbestos on it, as it is now considered something to fear rather than a valuable mineral.

A safe learning environment should always be a priority, but many Ohio students attend schools that pose serious health risks. Amid crumbling infrastructure are problems with drinking water, lead paint and even asbestos. This means that there is an entire generation of students who could go on to develop serious health problems like mesothelioma or asbestosis.

In many Ohio office buildings, schools, churches and even homes, there are hidden dangers lurking that could place people at risk for serious illness and injury. Asbestos is a compilation of microscopic materials that are often contained in building products, such as spray insulation, cabinetry, ceiling tiles and more. There is no known amount of safe exposure to asbestos, but there are certain issues that are thought greatly increase one's risk for injury, one of which is friability. 

Friability refers to whether an item can be easily crumbled. A good analogy is a ball of dried soil that can be easily crumbled in the hand. The easier an asbestos product can be crumbled, the more likely its microscopic fibers will fill the air, placing any person in the vicinity at risk of ingestion or inhalation. 

For those in Ohio and across the country who struggle with diabetes, maintaining a healthy glucose level is essential. High glucose levels can lead to serious complications, and many with diabetes rely on medications to help them regulate those levels and remain healthy. Unfortunately, according to a drug recall recently published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, even those drugs may place people at risk.

A commonly used medication for lowering glucose levels in diabetic patients is now the subject of a recall. Marksans Pharma Limited, the manufacturer of metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, has recalled the medication because it apparently contains high levels of cancer-causing contaminants. Marksans Pharma Limited manufactures the drugs in India and distributes them in the United States and elsewhere. However, Marksans products are not the only ones that contain the contaminants.