LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim September 26, 2009, as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells
are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the
internal organs in the body; most people who develop this disease have
worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles; and
WHEREAS, Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past
20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer with only about
2,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year; the disease
occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but
it can appear in either men or women at any age; and
WHEREAS, A major risk factor for mesothelioma is working with asbestos
and a history of exposure at work is reported in about 70 to 80 percent
of all cases; however, it has been reported in some individuals without
any known contact; and
WHEREAS, Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late
1800s and its use increased significantly during World War II; since the
early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos
dust; and
WHEREAS, The risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known
right away; however, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was
later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines
and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and
construction industries, and other tradespeople; and
WHEREAS, Today, the United States Occupational Safety and Health
Administration sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in
the workplace and people who work with asbestos wear personal protective
equipment to lower their risk of exposure; and
WHEREAS, The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier
exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time; however, some individuals
with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma and not all work-
ers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases; and
WHEREAS, In addition, there is some evidence that family members and
others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing
mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases; and
WHEREAS, Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years
after exposure to asbestos; and
WHEREAS, Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symp-
toms are similar to those of a number of other conditions, and begins
with a complete review of the medical history, including exposure to
asbestos, and can be confirmed with a biopsy; and
WHEREAS, Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the
cancer, the stage of the disease and the age and general health of the
patient; standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy
and chemotherapy, which can sometimes be combined; and
WHEREAS, Raising awareness about mesothelioma will play a key role in
prevention, treatment, and educating others and will result in better
health for all individuals in the State of New York and throughout the
nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim September 26, 2009,
as Mesothelioma Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York.