spring newsletter - adss · sunnybank hills you are invited to attend the brisbane south social...

Asbestos Related Disease Support Society QLD Inc.16 Campbell Street, Bowen Hills QLD 4006

PO Box 280, Spring Hill QLD 4004Phone: 1800 776 412 [email protected] www.asbestos-disease.com.au

November 2013

Spring Newsletter

Support Group’s End of Year Christmas Function

CHERMSIDE

Brisbane North Social Support Group Christmas break up meeting for 2013 is being held on Wednesday 6 November.

You are invited to join our group at the Chermside Library at 375 Hamilton Road (Corner Kittyhawk Drive) Chermside from 9.30am till 11.30am. As this will be the last meeting for 2013, I encourage you all to attend. The theme of the day will be all things Christmas. Christmas decorations, Christmas food and Christmas cheer. If you would like to join in on the festivity, please bring along a plate of Christmas treats to share.

Please RSVP to either Lyn Parks 3886 3112 or Kerrie Williams at the ARDSSQ office 1800 776 412 by Monday 4 November, 2013

SUNNYBANK HILLS

You are invited to attend the Brisbane South Social Support Group Christmas lunch on Thursday 14 November, 2013 at the Calamvale Hotel, corner of Compton and Beaudesert Roads Calamvale. Lunch will be held in the Circuit Bar where you can purchase a roast meal for a very reasonable coat $8.45 (Other meal options are also available). Arrive 11.30am for a 12pm lunch.

We will also be having a Secret Santa sack. If you wish to participate, please bring along a small gift to the value of $5 per person and upon arrival you will be given a number and during the course of the lunch you will be able to receive a surprise secret Santa gift.

Please RSVP to Kay or Kerrie at the ARDSSQ office on 1800 776 412 by Tuesday 12 November, 2013

Office hours over the Christmas break

Please note that the office will be closed from Monday 16 December 2013 till Monday 13 January 2014.

Any members needing assistance or knowing anyone needing assistance between the above dates, in an emergency please call the mobile 0408 758 963 and a non-emergency call 1800 776 412 and leave a brief message.

Christmas will soon be upon us, The Management Committee of ARDSSQ would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very safe and an enjoyable Christmas.

If you require any further information regarding our social support groups, please do not hesitate to contact the Society on 1800 776 412.

2 | Spring Newsletter November 2013

In this issue...Presidents Report 4

Common Locations of Materials Containing Asbestos in a House Built in the 1970S 5

Common Locations Of Materials Containing Asbestos in a House With a Concrete or Clay (Terracotta) Tiled Roof 6

Asbestos Exposure During Home Renovation 10

Master Builders Releases Updated Asbestos Management, Control and Removal Policy 11

Industry Collaboration Delivers Better Asbestos Training and Inductions 12

Asbestos Tracking Software Lets NT Schools Breathe Easier 13

Analgesics Part A 14

Analgesics Part B 15

Asbestos Related Lung Disease 16

High Dose Radiotherapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma 17

Secretary’s Report 18

Congratulations, Well Done 20

Thank You One and All 21

November 2013 Spring Newsletter | 3

YOU WOULD NOT LET A PLUMBER REWIRE YOUR HOUSE!

SO WHY ALLOW ANYONE OTHER THEN A QUALIFIED LICENCED ASBESTOS REMOVALIST REMOVE YOUR ASBESTOS?

Welcome to the Spring Edition of the Society’s Newsletter

During the months of March and September this year the Society manned an information stand at the Courier Mail and Sunday Mail Home Shows, this coupled with an information stand at the Safe Work Month Big Breakfast with Mal Meninga held in King George Square Brisbane on the 4th October, as well as manning an information stand at the Greenbank RSL Health Seminar as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Week 15th October 2013.

This gave the Society, the opportunity, to take the asbestos awareness message to the broader community, with an emphasis on do-it-yourself home renovators. For the untrained person, taking on such a task without knowledge of precautions, could mean not only putting your own life at risk through asbestos exposure, but also your family and those around you.

If you are thinking: Renovation, Maintenance or Demolition?

Check first - is your structure built pre-1990?

Before you start:-• Have a professional inspection of the

building for location, type and condition of any asbestos

• Seek information on how best to manage and /or remove any asbestos safely

• WE can help you• To protect you and your family we

recommend you use a licensed, qualified professional to remove and dispose of asbestos containing materials no matter how small.

The Society’s own records highlight a significant increase in both exposure to asbestos and diagnosis of asbestos related disease. The most disturbing fact of these statistics is that exposure to asbestos can be avoided by following the correct safety procedures, whether it is DIY renovation or any person working with asbestos whether they are a licenced trade person or an asbestos removalist.

All Exposure to Asbestos Should be Avoided.

To assist you in obtaining further information I have included the following contacts.

• Arrange a Professional Inspection• Sample Testing• Find a Licenced Qualified Professional

to remove and dispose of any asbestos containing materials no matter how small.

Visit the Asbestos Industry Association website www.asbestosindustry.asn.au telephone 3870 5561

• How do I identify a licenced qualified professional?

Visit the Workplace Health & Safety Queensland Website “which businesses are licenced to remove asbestos in Queensland”


http://www.asbestosindustry.asn.au

Website: http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workeplace/subjects/asbestos/licence-holders/index.htm

• To make sure any asbestos removal has been carried out correctly.

Ask for a Clearance Inspection Certificate issued by a licenced asbestos assessor.

Even Seemingly Trivial Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Disease.

To be diagnosed with an asbestos related disease or being a carer of a loved one with an asbestos disease you are not only trying to cope with the disease itself but also the unpredictable complications associated with the asbestos disease which at times, all too often, can be life threatening.

You find yourself being constantly challenged in every way imaginable - physically, psychologically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

There are days when you find yourself barely able to hold yourself together.

Asbestos related diseases are non-discriminatory, cruel and unforgiving.

For the few dollars you think you may save by taking short cuts you not only run a high risk of exposing yourself to asbestos but also your family and friends by the work not being carried out correctly. You need to think again as you could find yourself or loved ones paying a terrible price.

Helen Colbert PRESIDENT

Statistics January 2012 to September 2012

January 2013 to September 2013

5057

2833

2821

8 10

114121

98

233

75

109100

61

0

50

100

150

200

250

2012 2013

Mesothelioma

Pleural Plaque

Asbestosis

Lung Cancer

Total Diagnosed

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Exposure Registered

Condolences

THERE IS NO SAFE LEVEL OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE


http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workeplace/subjects/asbestos/licence-holders/index.htm



Common locations of materials containing asbestos in a houseExample of a house built in the 1970s

Walls and ceilings‘Versilux’ sheets used internally in the walls and ceilings (manufactured with either bevelled edged, square edge or recessed for flush jointing)

‘Hardiflex’ ceiling sheets to the verandahlog cabin profiled wall panels used vertically or horizontally

BathroomsWalls and ceiling in ‘Versilux’ sheets with a recessed edge, plastered over and then tiled over or with Tilux sheeting over the bath tub and shower recess

GutteringNon-asbestos guttering may contain asbestos residue from ‘Super Six’ roofs

Some guttering was also manufactured from asbestos cement

Dining and kitchenAsbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring and/or vinyl floor tiles

‘Super Six’ corrugated roof sheeting and ridge capping

Asbestos cement vent pipe and cap

Soffit sheeting

‘Hardiplank’ wall cladding. Buildings clad in ‘Hardies’ chamfer board and log cabin

Textile packing in between the cast iron Y junction pipe and asbestos cement vent pipe

Pieces of asbestos cement packing under the ant capping

‘Hardiplank’ woven fencing

Hot water system with a lined thermostat housing or element housing and lagged hot water pipes

DT surround (disconnector trap)

Vinyl floor tiles

‘Zelimite’ backing to the switchboard

Compressed sheeting to the rear landing

‘Shadowline’ vertical panels also used. Highline and coverline in a vertical profiled panel

Asbestos cement downpipe

‘Super Six’ fence panels and fence capping

Moulded telecommunications pit or electrical pit

Asbestos: a guide for minor renovationFor more information visit the Queensland Government website or phone 13QGOV www.qld.gov.au/asbestos 13 74 68


Common locations of materials containing asbestos in a houseExample of a house built in the 1970s

Walls and ceilings‘Versilux’ sheets used internally in the walls and ceilings (manufactured with either bevelled edged, square edge or recessed for flush jointing)

‘Hardiflex’ ceiling sheets to the verandahlog cabin profiled wall panels used vertically or horizontally

BathroomsWalls and ceiling in ‘Versilux’ sheets with a recessed edge, plastered over and then tiled over or with Tilux sheeting over the bath tub and shower recess

GutteringNon-asbestos guttering may contain asbestos residue from ‘Super Six’ roofs

Some guttering was also manufactured from asbestos cement

Dining and kitchenAsbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring and/or vinyl floor tiles

‘Super Six’ corrugated roof sheeting and ridge capping


Soffit sheeting

‘Hardiplank’ wall cladding. Buildings clad in ‘Hardies’ chamfer board and log cabin

Textile packing in between the cast iron Y junction pipe and asbestos cement vent pipe

Pieces of asbestos cement packing under the ant capping

‘Hardiplank’ woven fencing

Hot water system with a lined thermostat housing or element housing and lagged hot water pipes


Vinyl floor tiles

‘Zelimite’ backing to the switchboard

Compressed sheeting to the rear landing

‘Shadowline’ vertical panels also used. Highline and coverline in a vertical profiled panel


‘Super Six’ fence panels and fence capping

Moulded telecommunications pit or electrical pit

Asbestos: a guide for minor renovationFor more information visit the Queensland Government website or phone 13QGOV www.qld.gov.au/asbestos 13 74 68


Asbestos: a guide for minor renovation

Hardiflex soffit or eaves

‘Super Six’ corrugated roof

Handiplank woven fencing

‘Hardiflex’ wall sheeting

Asbestos cement coverstripes

‘Versilux’ ceiling sheets or textured ‘Tilux’ sheeting

Lagged hot water pipes


Moulded telecommunications pit

Wood heater (rope in door and sheeting under the brick hearth).

Compressed sheeting to the landing on the verandah (tiled over).‘Vermiculite’ or monocoat coating to the underneath side of the concrete or bondeck slab


Wet areas (bathroom, toilet, laundry), walls and ceiling sheeted with ‘Versilux’ sheeting with recessed edge, plastered over and tiled over, or fitted with ‘TIlux’ over bath and shower recess

Textile seal in the metal flute joints

Asbestos cement flute pipe and hat section from the ceiling through to the roof


‘Versilux’ wall and ceiling sheets with either recessed edge, bevelled edge or square edge covered over with timber moulding

‘Hardiflex’ used as a waterproof membrane (tanking)


‘Zelimite’ backing to the switchboard, internal lining and possibly textile material in the fuse holders.

‘Versilux’ ceiling sheets

Guttering sometimes manufactured from asbestos

Hot water system with a lined thermostat housing or element housing

Example of a house with a concrete or clay (terracotta) tiled roof

For more information visit the Queensland Government website or phone 13QGOV www.qld.gov.au/asbestos 13 74 68

Common locations of materials containing asbestos in a house


Asbestos Exposure During Home Renovation

Over the last several years the Society has noticed a significant increase in notifications that it receives from persons who are exposed to asbestos during home renovation work or in the workplace itself.

Dealing with workplace exposure this is unfortunately still continuing. Many workers in the building and associated industries are undertaking work in older buildings. It is not that long ago that asbestos was finally removed from fibro sheeting – about 1983 and indeed its generally suggested that in any house built pre-1990 there is a possibility of asbestos being present. In the past several months the Society has registered the exposure of several hundred workers exposed to asbestos on various Queensland building sites.

In terms of asbestos exposure during home renovations this is a growing issue. Television shows dealing with home renovation are evidence of the popularity of home renovations, particularly among younger persons who often know little about the products that contained asbestos and the periods of time during which asbestos was used. Many people express surprise when they hear that asbestos wasn’t removed from fibro until 1983 thinking it was much earlier.

The Society has received many notifications over the last several years from persons exposed to asbestos during home renovation and from living nearby to such renovation work taking place. This is of course not confined to Queensland and a recent study has been undertaken by doctors in New South Wales which has been published in the Medical

Journal of Australia – 16 September 2013. The study is entitled “Asbestos Exposure During Home Renovation in New South Wales” and it is the first study on this issue that the Society is aware of.

One point that the study makes is that domestic exposure to asbestos is likely to be underestimated as many persons exposed in these situations wouldn’t even know it.

The study found that there is significant potential exposure to asbestos during DIY home renovation in New South Wales. Basic precautions are often not used in these DIY renovations.

The Society entirely agrees with the conclusion of the authors’ that “this entirely preventable exposure needs to be addressed”. The only known way of preventing asbestos disease is to prevent exposure and this is something the Society has been working on increasingly over the last several years. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

Copies of the study are available by calling the Society office on 1800 776 412.

Thady Blundell SOCIETY LEGAL ADVISER


Master Builders Releases Updated Asbestos Management, Control and Removal Policy

WRITTEN BY: WILHELM HARNISCH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, 13 SEP 2013

Master Builders Australia has released its updated National Asbestos Management Control and Removal Policy in response to the prioritised removal program of asbestos from all commercial and government buildings outlined in the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management 2013-2018.

Master Builders Chief Executive Wilhelm Harnisch said the updated policy, “Highlights Master Builders’ concerns about the accelerated asbestos removal program and the safety risks it will create.”

“The risks posed by asbestos depend on the nature and condition of the materials and the potential for exposure. Experts have determined that left undisturbed, bonded asbestos material in good condition does not pose a risk to health,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.

“Approximately one in three commercial and government buildings built prior to 1990 contain asbestos, much of it in good condition and undisturbed. By unnecessarily requiring it be removed by 2030 it will create risks to workers involved in its removal, transport and disposal of asbestos,” he said.

“The accelerated plan has not been thought through. There are not enough appropriate asbestos disposal sites in Australia and some will not accept commercial quantities, in some cases forcing it be transported interstate. In that situation the danger to the safety of workers and the public is even greater,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.

There are also not enough people with the specific accredited training to be licensed asbestos removal practitioners, making it extremely difficult to safely meet the deadline,

“Where asbestos material has been disturbed or damaged Master Builders does recommend removal by a licenced removalist only and proper disposal at an appropriately designated site,” Wilhelm Harnisch said.


Industry Collaboration Delivers Better Asbestos Training and Inductions

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has worked with registered training organisations to ensure consistent delivery of VET courses required for asbestos removal and assessor licences. This approach allows RTOs to enhance the content of the courses, and WHSQ to ensure participants will be able to meet their legal obligations once qualified.

During this process, the Construction Training Centre (CTC) established a purpose built training centre in Salisbury for the delivery of asbestos safety training. The centre allows RTOs to reduce the setup costs to deliver the courses, which then reduces the course cost for participants and encourages uptake of the courses.

WHSQ will continue to work with RTOs to refine the delivery of asbestos removal and assessor course, and will list those that have been endorsed on the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website.

To better target younger workers and apprentices, WHSQ has also established an industry reference group with representatives from RTOs and vocational education training providers. This group is tasked with fostering an asbestos safety culture from an early age within the building, construction, plumbing, electrical, and other industries.

For further information

The WHSQ website contains information and resources for use during inductions, including safe work procedures and common uses and locations of asbestos containing materials.

The website also includes a list of businesses that can remove licensed quantities of asbestos in Queensland and a list of businesses that can assess asbestos in Queensland.

Visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 915 for more information.

Have you had the right type of training?

Are you sure the building material is not asbestos?

Asbestos was a popular building material since the 1950’s, and was used in all sorts of unexpected places until the late 1990’s. Asbestos is harmless if left undisturbed but if you have to remove it, it is essential you seek help from a licenced, qualified, professional business.


http://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

Asbestos Tracking Software Lets NT Schools Breathe Easier

A newly launched software system is letting public schools quickly update their asbestos registerA new centralised information management system is being deployed to help maintain asbestos registries, as an audit is conducted of government-run Northern Territory schools.

Seventy-three out 75 public schools in the territory have buildings that are known to contain asbestos.

“As we all know, [builders] were supposed to stop using asbestos in the mid ‘80s, but they kept using the product until they ran out or had pressure put on them to stop using it,” said Kevin Anderson, a project manager for Building Services at the NT’s Department of Infrastructure.

Buildings that were completed before 31 December, 2003, may contain asbestos, Anderson said. Mostly of the asbestos is non-fibrous, though some buildings contain the more dangerous friable or fibrous asbestos. Inhalation of asbestos can have deadly consequences, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Details of asbestos and any asbestos-removal work at schools are maintained in a hardcopy register that contractors carrying out building or maintenance works need to familiarise themselves with before any construction or refurbishment takes place.

Queensland-headquartered engineering and environmental consulting firm OCTIEF won a $763,000 territory government tender in January to carry out a full asbestos audit in public schools and put an electronic register system in place and maintain it for 12 months.

To maintain the centralised register, a newly released software system – OCTFOLIO – is being used.

“It’s bringing the old, cumbersome hard copy asbestos register up to today’s standard in regards to making an electronic copy so we can update it easily, and keep track of the asbestos removal,” Anderson said.

Although the system allows for centralised tracking of known asbestos in schools, hardcopy registers must still be maintained for inducting builders before works are undertaken. Additionally, Anderson said that an alert system lets schools know when their register is due for auditing.

“Every year you’re supposed to do an audit on your registers, then every five years it’s got to be audited by people who are trained to be able to identify asbestos,” he said.

Schools will be able to update their registers quickly and then produce a hardcopy based on the central database, Anderson said. “So contractors coming in [to the school] when they sign in, they are actually indicating that they’ve viewed the asbestos register and they’re pretty confident it’s up to speed and up to date.”

“When you remove the asbestos-containing material, and there are many, many forms of it, you can now update the register straight away. That’s the main thing – with the old, manual system it was just too hard for people to keep it up to date.”


Analgesics Part A

ARTICLE BY ASSOCIATE PROFFESSORMAURICE HEINERCONSULTANT THORACIC PHYSICIANCONSULTANT SLEEP PHYSICIANTHE WESLEY MEDICAL CENTRE

Analgesics (pain killers) are an important component of medicine’s ability to reduce suffering.

Multiple analgesics are available and vary from Aspirin (the old favourite) to morphine and its synthetic derivatives.

However all analgesics are not equal. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are often confused and sometimes not used appropriately. Prednisone is an excellent anti- inflammatory drug but has no direct analgesic effect. It produces results by reducing inflammation and hence “the process causing pain”. Other anti-inflammatory drugs have been developed to produce a similar effect. Side-effects that can be present with long-term Prednisone use.

Aspirin has an excellent analgesic and an excellent anti-inflammatory action. Paracetamol (Panadol) has an excellent analgesic effect but is not as good an anti- inflammatory drug as Aspirin.

Multiple new anti-inflammatory drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories have been produced. However these drugs are not and should not replace analgesics when pain is the only symptom to be relieved.

Multiple analgesics are available (a second article will later be published). They range from simple aspirin to opiates and their derivatives. Various mixtures of these different types of drugs have also been developed to treat complicated and compound pain.

Oral, intravenous, intramuscular, rectal and more recently transcutaneous administration have been developed.

The use of anti-inflammatory drugs for pain is commonly practiced with nociceptive pain (pain due to damaged tissue), “sprains, strains and broken bones”. This pain usually settles as the injury heals. Care must be used with the use of these drugs as side-effects such as gastric bleeding, liver damage, heart failure and fluid retention can occur.

On occasion drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants can be used to aid the effect of other analgesics that are being used. When using analgesics ask your doctor how the drug works, what is the usual dosage and the maximum dosage you can use. Take analgesics to prevent chronic pain. Take the tablets on time to prevent pain rather than to treat pain and do not stop the drug or alter the dose unless you have discussed this with your doctor. The proper use of analgesics involves an understanding of the drug that you are using, what is its action, how often should it be taken and how may it interact with other drugs that you may be using for other conditions. Always remember that if you are on any anticoagulant drugs such as Warfarin, various analgesics and in particular the anti-inflammatory drugs may compound the effect and may result in bleeding. Always tell your pharmacist what other drugs you are taking when a prescription is presented.

In the second article it will follow the different types of analgesics and their usage will be discussed.

This article is a reprint of the Analgesics article that was previously published in our Winter Newsletter.


Analgesics Part B

A recent article described the difference between analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents. This short dissertation will discuss analgesia.

All members of society experience pain at some time. Twenty per cent of the population have chronic or persistent pain. By definition chronic pain is described as pain on most days over a three-month period.

The causes are many. Pain can be divided into acute pain and chronic pain. The former lasts from seconds to weeks. Acute pain is often relieved spontaneously without treatment. Back pain is an example where acute pain may resolve over a two to three weeks period without any specific painkiller or analgesic being given.

Chronic pain is divided into:

1. Nociceptive pain. This pain is caused by a sudden injury such as a sprain, a strain or a fractured bone.

2. Neuropathic pain. This is secondary to nerve injury. Shingles is a typical example.

Chronic pain may result in employment difficulties, family stress, unhelpful beliefs and thoughts, reduced activity and serious depression. The result is excessive suffering and disability. Consequently correct diagnosis of pain and appropriate treatment with realistic treatment goals need to be realised. There are multiple medications to relieve pain. These range from simple analgesics such as aspirin to narcotics and synthetic narcotic formulations. These can be administered orally, rectally, by injection and more recently via skin patch. More recently narcotic agents have been combined with another agent which prevents constipation,

a common side effect in people taking morphine and other narcotic medications.

The advantages of analgesic medications include rapid relief of pain, safe if used as directed and low incidence of side-effects or interaction with other drugs when the simple analgesics are used. The side-effects of all analgesics include gastric irritation, clouding of thought, interaction with other drugs, withdrawal if suddenly ceased, dependency effects and alterations in bowel function.

Dependency can also occur and is often a serious problem to resolve. The use of analgesics for treatment of chronic pain is optimised by following the rules defined below:

1. Take tablets regularly by the clock and not simply when the pain gets worse.

This results in more effective pain control and reduced dependency.

2. A pain diary is helpful. Record the level of comfort after the analgesics are used and before the analgesics are prescribed. A score card utilising a 1-10 range is commonly observed. Level minimal pain, level 10 severe pain.

3. Do not stop taking medication abruptly and discuss this with your doctor before you stop, change or increase analgesia.

4. Lastly, utilising the diary keep a record of your progress and inform your doctor when you are better and believe that the pain relief can be reduced.

This article has not dealt with the treatment of chronic pain but serves as a guideline on how to consider pain and its treatment.


Asbestos Related Lung Disease

DR KEITH HORWOOD,MEDICAL ONCOLOGIST,GREENSLOPES SPECIALIST CENTRE AND PACIFIC PRIVATE AT SOUTHPORT

Research Project: Study of the combination chemotherapy and immunotherapy for mesothelioma patients.

The University of Queensland Centre for Immune and Targeted Therapies based at Greenslopes Hospital has recently started recruiting patients diagnosed with mesothelioma for this exciting research project. There remains no cure for mesothelioma. While chemotherapy has been shown to help many patients with this type of asbestos related cancer, some patients do not benefit and for those that do, the benefit often lasts less than six months from its completion. The aim of this project is to look at the potential benefit of combining a type of immune therapy called a dendritic cell vaccine to standard chemotherapy to see if this might improve or prolong the time that chemotherapy helps mesothelioma patients.

To be eligible for the study, patients must have had a diagnosis of mesothelioma made by biopsy. They may or may not have had chemotherapy previously but must still be medically fit enough to have more chemotherapy. The first step in the process would be check these details and then a biopsy (either by surgery or a core needle biopsy if possible) is required to collect fresh cancer cells so that they can be grown in the laboratory. Then immune system directing cells, called dendritic cells, are collected from the patient’s blood on a special machine by a process called apheresis.

Then a vaccine is created in the laboratory from the patient’s own cancer and blood cells. The vaccine is then given either during or after chemotherapy to investigate which is the most effective and safe way to deliver the two treatments in combination.

Along the way the patient will undergo tests such as CT scans to assess whether the treatment is working and to check how long it is working for the patient.

To date, eight patients have been recruited but many more are needed to test the theory that immune therapy improves the outcome of patients with mesothelioma treated with chemotherapy without any increase in side- effects.

FOR INFORMATION REGARDINGRECRUITMENT, PLEASE CONTACT:DR KEITH HORWOOD 07 3324 0433DR ANDREW NICOL 07 3324 1233

LUNGS WITH ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASE

Lungs with asbestos-related disease

Pleural plaque (thickened and hardened pleura)

Asbestosis (scarred lung tissue)

Mesothelioma (cancer of the pleural coverings)

Plaques on diaphragm

Lung cancer

Normal airways in right lung

Left lung (in cross-

section)

Pleural coverings surround lungs

Diaphragm (partial cross-section)

NORMAL LUNGS


High Dose Radiotherapy in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

DR. ART KAMINSKIRADIATION ONCOLOGISTPREMION, THE WESLEY HOSPITAL(07) 3870 4366

The incidence of mesothelioma in the Australian community is expected to continue rising modestly in the near future. This disease lends itself to significant morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, a number of advances over the past decade have contributed to improved local disease control, symptom management, and, in selected cases, overall survival.

Surgical techniques have continued to evolve, with a limited number of centres in Australia offering definitive surgery for mesothelioma detected at an early stage. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of the seminal publication revealing a survival benefit from the addition of pemetrexed (Alimta) to conventional chemotherapy treatment of mesothelioma. In a similar time frame, a number of Australian and overseas centres have investigated the use of high dose radiotherapy, rather than the traditionally utilised low doses for local pain control.

High dose radiotherapy for mesothelioma has often been combined with other modalities such as surgery or chemotherapy. In 2004, this approach of combining three treatments in quick succession was investigated in Western Australia, which is infamous for having the highest rates of occupationally acquired mesothelioma in the world. Within a few years, the Austin Hospital in Melbourne introduced a similar approach, and has an ongoing and active high dose radiotherapy

programme. Independently, the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, which has a long history of mesothelioma surgery, also introduced high dose radiotherapy for selected patients. Until recently, patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in Queensland would occasionally travel south of the border for high dose radiotherapy. This service is now available for Queenslanders at the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane.

The radiotherapy programme for mesothelioma at the Wesley Hospital has attempted to build on the experience of other centres, both in Australia and overseas. It offers a conservative approach, and generally recommends treatment for patients ineligible for surgery, preferably following chemotherapy, if that modality has been recommended independently. There a number of strict criteria which need to be met in order to qualify for high dose radiotherapy. These include certain tumour characteristics, the patient’s respiratory reserve (breathing function), and general physical condition. All patients are reviewed by a radiation oncologist and discussed at the weekly Wesley Hospital Thoracic Oncology Multi-Disciplinary Meeting. Despite the programme being quite selective, it is still possible for patients to experience significant treatment related effects, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, or heartburn. Interested parties are urged to seek a referral for an appointment in order to undertake a more detailed discussion of what the programme entails.


Secretary’s Report

The Asbestos Related Disease Support Society Qld, held the 6th annual fund raising Charity Race Day, at the Doomben Racecourse, on September 18th 2013, with 1,400 tickets sold, what a tremendous effort on behalf of those selling the tickets.

The weather was perfect for such an occasion, seeing many dressed in their race day fashions, and entering in the Fashions on the Field, others taking part in the legends of league wheel barrow race, as well as the other fun activities throughout the day, it was an occasion enjoyed my many.

The Shirley Joan White OAM Cup Trophy, presented each year at the Society’s Race Day, is in recognition of the Foundation President, the late Mrs Shirley Joan White OAM for her tireless work, for those affected by asbestos related diseases, and their family.

The winner of the Shirley Joan White OAM Cup this year, is the Queensland Council of Unions, who sponsored race 4.

The Cup was proudly presented to Mr John Battams, President and Ms Amanda Richards, Assistant General Secretary, to be held in trust for the next twelve month.

The long term support does not go without appreciation.

On behalf of the management committee, I would like to thank our Race Sponsors.

CFMEU – Mining & Energy Division QLD

United Voice

CBUS

QCU

CFMEU – Construction & General

Division QLD

BLF

Electrical Trades Union QLD/NT

Turner Freeman Lawyers

BERT / CIPQ

I would also like to thank all the Unions, and Construction Companies, who so generously supported this event, with the highest tickets sold to date for a race day, we look forward to your support in 2014.

Where would the race day be? Without the fantastic prizes so generously donated, by both individuals and companies alike, listed below, are the names of the very generous donors.

Alltrades QLD Pty Ltd: Barbeque

Asbestos Industry Association (AIA): Prizes for Fashions on the Field

BCF Keperra: 45L Esky

BMD: Sponsors of the Band

CFMEU ACT Division: 7x4 Galvanised Trailer

Demolishers, Recyclers & Asbestos Contractors Association of QLD (DRACAQ): Prizes for Fashions on the Field

Forest Meiers: 2 x Ryobi Angle Grinder & 2 x Ryobi 18V Cordless Drill

Global Industrial Services: Portable Air Compressor, 15M Air Hose with Fittings & 50 Piece Air Tool Kit


Masters Tingalpa: 66cm Personal Folding Table

Nirvana Rejuvenation Spa & Hair Salon: 3 x $10 Gift Vouchers

Normanby Hotel: 2 x $200 and 2 x $100 Gift Vouchers

Denis Oberg: Overnight 5-Star Gold Coast Getaway for 2

Panda Pearls: Necklace and Earring set

Priest & Co Bricklaying: 8 Wheelbarrows for our Wheelbarrow Race

QR Contracting Pty Ltd: Lawn Mower & Nirvana Rejuvenation Spa Voucher

Sealy of Australia: Queen Size Sealy Mattress

Styles Flooring: Floor Rug

Swifts Sports Club Booval: 12 Bottles of De Bortoli Sacred Hill White Wine and 12 Bottles De Bortoli Sacred Hill Red Wine

TAF Group Administration Pty Ltd: 12 bottles of Stephendale 200 Sav Blanc Wine

Wavell Heights Quality Meats: $140 Gift Voucher for a Xmas Leg Ham

Windsor Management Insurance Brokers: $500 David Jones Gift Card & $500 Myer Gift Card

Anonymous Donations: Delonghi Coffee Machine with Pods, Boxed BBQ Utensil Set, Bottle of Scotch, Bottle of Rum, Carton of Corona and a Bottle of Champagne.

Financial Donations: Australand Holdings, Bechtel Australia, CFMEU Victoria Branch, Steve Griffiths MP & Sunset Projects,

Thank you one and all

Bridge to Brisbane Fun RunThe efforts of an individual family, what an example the McDonald Clan are, in spite of Ron McDonald being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease (Asbestosis) his family did something positive, they decided to unite behind him as a family and compete in the Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run their personal story is on page 20. WELL DONE

Asbestos Awareness WeekMonday 25th November 2013 – Friday 29th November 2013

SymposiumWednesday 27th November 2013 Theme “Treating Asbestos Disease, Striking The Right Balance”

If you have not already received your invitation to the symposium, please advise the office on 1800 776 412 and Kay or Kerrie will arrange for you to receive one.

Ecumenical ServiceThis years Ecumenical Service will be held at the Cathedral of St Stephen, Elizabeth Street, Brisbane 11am on Friday 29th November 2013.The Ecumenical Service is dedicated to the memory of those who have lost their battle to an asbestos related disease.

This year marks the 21st anniversary of the first ARDSSQ Ecumenical Service, which has been held annually at the Cathedral of St Stephens Brisbane, for those who suffer from asbestos related disease their family, carer and the wider community.

Light refreshments will be served after the service. Invitations to attend the Ecumenical Service will be forwarded closer to the date. I look forward to seeing you there.

Raymond Colbert

SECRETARY

Secretary’s Report... continued


Congratulations, Well Done!Through the efforts of the McDonald Clan, a total of $2,540.00 was raised for the Society by competing in the recent Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane on Sunday 1 September, 2013.

Thank you McDonald Clan – you are all truly amazing!

A PERSONAL STORY FROM SUE GRIBBLE(DAUGHTER OF RON MCDONALD),

Our Dad, Ron McDonald was diagnosed first with pleural plaque in 2005 & then developed into asbestosis in 2008, after working as a builder for more than 50 years. Our Mum, Val McDonald was also diagnosed with pleural plaque in 2005 possibly from washing Dad’s contaminated work clothes.

Like most families, each year on Father’s Day we all get together to celebrate with our Dad. We had also been keen to get together and raise awareness and much needed funds for the ARDSS Qld - so this year we combined both!

Ron and Val’s three daughters, Robyn, Keryn and Sue – along with their husbands and children, all entered the Bridge to Brisbane and along the way raised over $2,000 for ARDSS Qld.

Ron and Val took a CityCat to Kingsford Smith Drive to cheer the family as they passed (and hand out some lollies to keep the energy up!) The family had organised a mini bus to collect them all at the finish point and Ron & Val surprised them by arriving in the bus. As they drove off to enjoy lunch together, Ron got on the bus microphone to thank everyone for their efforts and declared this, ‘the best Father’s Day ever!’.

Robyn, John, Tom, Mick and Jess Crear Keryn, Paul, Jack, Pat and Sam O’Neill Sue, Luke, Lily and Zac Gribble

Finished! The clan relaxing with Ron and Val for Father’s Day lunch.


Thank You One and All

On behalf of the management committee I would like to say a very big, Thank you one and all..

...to our very loyal hard working volunteers with packing and making ready several thousand information bags for delivery and to hand out at each of the Society’s events, throughout the year.

Also our supporters who gave their time voluntarily who helped with setting up and manning the information stands, transported equipment and information materials to all of these events.

Travis Allen – Allens Industrial ProductsTyson Allen – Allens Industrial ProductsLisa Broadbent – Asbestos Industry AssociationCFMEU – All Staff MembersSuzanne ChambersPatricia Cini Carl ColbertChristopher ColbertDonna ColbertLucinda ColbertElva DumnerBrian EdgarVera EdgarDianne EllisDavid HoganInspectors from QLD HealthInspectors from Workplace Health & SafetyLegends of League: Gavin ‘Jed’ Allen, Trevor ‘Gilly’ Gilmeister, Kerrod Walters and Steve Walters

Ross LindsayTrevor Lyons – Gumdale Demolition/DRACAQBill MitchellJean MitchellJohn MoulderMary MoulderJadwiga PakowskiLorraine ParkerLyn ParksTrish RamsayKay RavbarBev Robertson Michael Shepherd – Asbestos Industry AssociationTom ShulzEileen StaggRod TowertonWendy TowertonTurner Freeman – All Staff MembersMona ValeKerrie Williams

Thank you for your support and friendship. We apologise if we have inadvertently left any person’s name out. We appreciate all that you have done for the Society.

The Names of the volunteers and supporters are listed below.


(Left to right) Andrew Ramsay, CFMEU Workplace Health & Safety Co-ordinator, Michael Ravbar (top), CFMEU State Secretary, Ray Colbert, ARDSSQ Secretary,

Bud Neiland CFMEU Co-ordinator and Helen Colbert ARDSSQ President. ARDSSQ Charity Race Day – 18 September 2013 - Doomben Racecourse

WHSQ Big Breakfast with Mal Meninga at King George Square during Work Safe Month – 4 October, 2013. During Set-Up.

WHSQ Big Breakfast with Mal Meninga at King George Square during Work Safe Month – 4 October, 2013

Volunteers: Ross Lindsay, Rod Towerton, Wendy Towerton and Dianne Ellis

Preparing information bags for the Sunday Mail Home Show in September 2013

The Wheelbarrow race on the race track at Doomben Racecourse 18 September,

2013 Winner

Sunday Mail Home Show 6th, 7th & 8th September, 2013 at the Brisbane

Convention and Exhibition Centre

ARDSSQ President Helen Colbert thanking the sponsors and supporters of

the ARDSSQ Charity Race Day Event.

ARDSSQ Ambassador Trevor Gillmeister teaching the guests how to throw that

perfect pass!Kay Ravbar, ARDSSQ Treasurer and

Dianne Ellis ARDSSQ Volunteer

This is how we protect our workers. How do you protect

yourself and your family?

Mr John Battams, President, and Ms Amanda Richards, Assistant General

Secretary, Queensland Council of Unions, winner of the Shirley Joan White OAM Cup at ARDSSQ 6th annual Charity

Race Day at Doomben Racecourse, 18 September, 2013.

Kerrie Williams (ARDSSQ) and Michael Sheppard (Asbestos Industry Association) with Queensland Safety Ambassador, Mal Meninga. WHSQ Big Breakfast with Mal Meninga

at King George Square during Work Safe Month – 4 October, 2013.

Featuring from QLD – Gavin ‘Jed’ Allen, Steve Walters, Kerrod Walters and Trevor ‘Gilly’ GillmeisterLegends of League Wheelbarrow Race – Doomben Racecourse 18 September, 2013

Stacey Davidson, Michael Ravbar and Kath Nettleton CFMEU

ARDSSQ Charity Race Day – Wednesday 18 September, 2013


Helen Colbert, President & Trish Ramsay, VolunteerCourier Mail Home Show 2nd – 10th March 2013 RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

Volunteers: Ross Lindsay, Rod Towerton, Wendy Towerton and Dianne EllisPreparing information bags for the Sunday Mail Home Show in September 2013

(Left to right) Amanda Richards, QCU Assistant General Secretary; Robert Heathcote, Trainer of the winning horse of race 4 ‘Punters Pride’, and his Strapper; The owner

of ‘Punters Pride’; and John Battams, QCU President; and Gwen Taylor QCU

Fashions on the Field Event – Best Hat – ARDSSQ Charity Race Day 18 September, 2013 – Doomben Racecourse.

Volunteers: Bev Robertson, Lorraine Parker, Rod Towerton, Wendy Towerton,

Jean Mitchell and Bill MitchellPreparing information bags for the

Courier Mail Home Show in March 2013

ARDSSQ Charity Race Day Ray Colbert, Secretary, Helen Colbert,

President, Eileen Stagg, Volunteer, Trish Ramsay, Volunteer, Bev Robertson,

Volunteer and Andrew Ramsay, CFMEU Workplace Health & Safety Co-ordinator /

ARDSSQ Vice President

Mark Forbes, MC, Drawing the Winning Tickets for The Raffle.

Mr Christopher Nuttall – Winner of the 3rd prize, Pearl Necklace and Earring

set valued at $850.00. Kindly donated by Panda Pearls at Nundah Village

Trevor ‘Gilly’ Gilmeister, ARDSSQ Ambassador and Helen Cavaye CFMEU

Administration Officer

Fun and Games at the ARDSSQ Charity Race Day

Wednesday 18 September, 2013

Entrants in the ‘Fashions on the Field’.

THE CFMEU Ladies – Stacey, Kristy, Cherie, Kath, Danica, Helen, Paula and Leanne

ARDSSQ Charity Race Day Memorabilia Auction

Mark Forbes, MC, Announcing the Winner of First Prize in the Society’s

Major Raffle

ARDSSQ information stand at the Sunday Mail Home Show 6th, 7th & 8th September, 2013 at the Brisbane

Convention and Exhibition Centre

Kerrie Williams, Society support worker and Vice President, Andrew Ramsay

WHSQ Big Breakfast with Mal Meninga at King George Square during Work Safe

Month – 4 October, 2013


Support Those Who Support The Society

Your consideration of these organisations would be greatly appreciated—their assistance is invaluable

Corporate Members

The contact details for all of our corporate sponsors and corporate members are available by ringing

the ARDSSQ office on 1800 776 412

ARDSSQ is an endorsed charity (ABN 29 150 479 514).Membership and donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.

We thank all members for their ongoing support.

Air Liquide Healthcare Pty Ltd AMWU - Your Rights at Work

Australian Institute of Marine & Power Engineers

Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Industries UnionAustralian Services Union

Aust Federated Union of Locomotive Employees

Beaudesert RSL sub-branchBuilders Labourers Federation

CEPU Plumbing Union – Qld BranchCEPU Electrical Division – Qld Branch

Chemmart Loganholme

Communication Workers UnionCPSU (Community & Public Sector Union)

DOTS Allied Health Services Pty LtdHigh Street Underwriting Agency Pty Ltd

Niagara TherapyPFG Financial Services

Queensland Independent Education UnionQueensland Nurses Union of Employees

Safe Work College of Workplace Health & Safety

United VoiceWorkplace Health & Safety Queensland

Corporate Sponsors

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SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE SOCIETY SponCorporate sors

Trident Trades & Labour Hire

Your consideration of these organisations would be greatly appreciated —their assistance is invaluable

Corporate Members

Air Liquide Healthcare Pty Ltd AMWU - Your Rights at Work Australian Institute of Marine & Power Engineers Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Industries Union Australian Services Union Aust Federated Union of Locomotive Employees Beaudesert RSL sub-branch Builders Labourers Federation CEPU Plumbing Union – Qld Branch CEPU Electrical Division – Qld Branch Chemmart Loganholme

Communication Workers Union CPSU (Community & Public Sector Union) DOTS Allied Health Services Pty Ltd High Street Underwriting Agency Pty Ltd Logan Funerals Niagara Therapy PFG Financial Services Queensland Independent Education Union Queensland Nurses Union of Employees Safe Work College of Workplace Health & Safety United Voice Workplace Health & Safety Queensland

The contact details for all of our corporate sponsors and

corporate members are available by ringing

the QARDSS office on 1800 776 412.

QARDSS is an endorsed charity (ABN 29 150 479 514).

Membership and donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible.


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Corporate Members









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Corporate Members









24 | Spring Newsletter July 2013

spring newsletter - adss · sunnybank hills you are invited to attend the brisbane south social...

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