Airplane crash-lands into Hudson River; all aboard reported safe

This article and pictures were obtained from CNN.COM

This is a miracle… No one died… All passengers have been picked up by boats… Thank God… NEW YORK (CNN) — A US Airways plane with more than 150 people aboard went down in the Hudson River on Thursday after taking off from LaGuardia Airport, and everyone aboard apparently got off the plane alive, officials said.

Flight 1549, headed to Charlotte, North Carolina, may have experienced a bird strike, according to FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown.

Passenger Alberto Pinero said that within a couple minutes after takeoff, “you just heard a loud bang and the plane shook a bit.”

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Passengers could smell smoke, and “the plane just started turning. … We knew something was going on, ’cause look, we were turning back,” he said. Watch passenger say he heard a loud bang »

“Somehow, the plane stayed afloat and we were all able to get on a raft,” Pinero said. “It’s just incredible now that everyone’s still alive.”

The plane had 148 passengers, Brown said, and either five or six crew members on board when it took off at 3:26 p.m. It was airborne for less than three minutes, she said. Watch footage of plane in water »

Everyone on board is believed to have exited the Airbus A320, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The Coast Guard rescued 35 people, according to Coast Guard Cmdr. Ron LeBrec.

Roosevelt Hospital said it had received four passengers who were being treated for hypothermia, but had no further injures. Other hospitals were on alert.

The temperature in New York was 20 degrees about the time of the crash off Manhattan’s west side.

Witnesses reported seeing the plane hit a flock of birds, Brown said. See map of crash site »

A source familiar with the situation told CNN the pilot reported a double bird strike, but it was unclear whether that meant birds in both of the engines or two birds in one engine.

The pilot initially said he needed to go back, and air traffic controllers started to give him clearance to do so, but the pilot said he wanted to head to Teterboro, New Jersey, because it was closer. That was the last transmission from the pilot, the source said.

Pinero said the plane’s captain came on the speaker and said, ” ‘Brace for impact.’ “

“That’s when we knew we were going down and into the water,” Pinero said. Pinero said rescue boats arrived immediately.

“I think a lot of people started praying and just collecting themselves,” passenger Fred Barretta said. “It was quite stunning.” Watch passenger describe landing »

Barretta said he was expecting the plane to flip over and break apart, but it did not. “It was a great landing.”

Live video showed the plane bobbing in the water and moving with the current surrounded by boats, including a ferry that dropped life jackets into the water.

Pictures from the scene showed passengers filing off the plane on safety chutes.

Witness Ben Vonklemperrer said he saw the plane go down.

“I’m in an office building on the 25th floor,” he said. “A short time ago, I saw what looked to be a small commercial plane flying south making a gradual landing. I saw it hit the water. It made a big splash. … If someone’s going to land a plane in the water, this seemed the best possible way to do it. The way they hit it was very gradual. A very slow contact with the water.”

Jerry Wallis, who said he was a private pilot, said he watched the plane go into the water.

“I’ve got to tell you, the people flying that airplane deserve all the recognition and commendation they can get,” Wallis said.

The National Transportation Safety Board was sending a team to the site, according to an agency spokesman.

Since 1975, five large jetliners have had major accidents in which bird strikes played a role, according to the Web site of Bird Strike Committee USA, a volunteer group dedicated to reducing the frequency and severity of the strikes.

More than 56,000 bird strikes were reported to the FAA from 1998 to 2004 according to the group’s Web site.

An Airbus A320 has 150 seats — 12 in first class and 138 in economy, according to the Airbus Web site.

People who believe they may have had relatives on the flight may call US Airways at 1-800-679-8215 within the United States, the airline said.

“Solar City” proves allure of sun’s energy in Japan

This article was obtained from REUTURS…

By Mayumi Negishi

OTA, Japan (Reuters) – Solar panels glisten across Ota City’s tiny Pal Town neighbourhood, nestled among strawberry fields in one of Japan’s sunniest spots, a testament to the allure of renewable energy in this resource-poor country.

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Three-quarters of Pal Town’s homes are covered by solar panels, which are distributed for free and have become one of the main draw-cards for residents keen to minimise their power bills.

 

“We moved here because of the panels — it was something we wanted, but not something we could afford on our own,” said resident Mika Hiroshima, who moved to Ota with her husband and two small children in early 2005. “It just doesn’t pay.”

 

Located 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Tokyo, the 41 hectare (10 acre) Pal Town, dubbed “Solar City,” received free solar panels from 2002 through a 9.7 billion yen state-backed study on how to ensure a steady supply and avoid blackouts. Lots of small solar power generators are connected to the power grid.

 

But that power is unreliable in cloudy Japan. At high noon in sunny weather, a 4-kilowatt rooftop power generator produces more than enough power to run a typical household. But in cloudy weather, the power generated is less than half.

 

Officials also say that without a comprehensive strategy involving both corporations and local government, expanding the solar grid to other parts of the country would be difficult.

 

“People want solar power,” said Kazuo Nagashima, an Ota City assistant section manager. Virtually all 550 families that now have solar panels in Pal Town say they want to keep them after the tests end in March 2010. “But local governments can do very little on their own.”

 

ON-OFF ENERGY POLICY

 

Solar energy policies have been on-again, off-again in Japan. Despite committing decades to research in solar power, it has failed to develop a strong market at home, adopting, scrapping and then reviving again subsidies for home-use solar generators.

 

Analysts also fear that the development of advanced production lines and equipment would eventually mean that anyone will be able to match Japanese technology.

 

“Japan is making the same mistakes it made in chips and LCDs,” said Yoshihisa Toyosaki, President at J-Star Global Inc, an IT consultancy in Japan. “I doubt if Japan will be represented in the top ten solar power firms in five years.”

 

Japan’s heavily indebted government plans to revive subsidies scrapped in a 2006 round of budget cuts.

 

Japan has earmarked 9 billion yen ($92 million) for solar panels for households in this year to March 2009. Its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is seeking 24 billion yen ($246 million) for subsidies in the year starting April 2009, and estimates that about 100,000 homes would install solar panels next year, with the subsidy.

 

Japanese firms such as Sharp Corp, Kyocera Corp and Sanyo Electric Co, once made over 50 percent of the world’s solar cells, but they lost market share in 2007 to Germany’s Q-Cells and China’s Suntech, as they misread a surge in global demand and failed to procure enough silicon.

 

“No new solar entrant is going to be able to beat Japanese firms’ technology — developed over 30 years — but unless Japan does more to bolster its domestic solar market, Japan might lose out,” said an official at a Japanese solar panel making equipment supplier who asked not to be named.

Make extra money in your free time (By Wendy Atterberry)

This article was obtained from CNN.COM

(The Frisky) — Despite the tough economic times, you can’t just expect to stop lusting after those Frye riding boots you’ve had your eye on forever, or that your longtime trusted hair stylist is going to suddenly start cutting her prices.

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From hobbies to bake sales to your own Web site, there are ways to make extra money in your spare time.

The fact is no matter how frugally you learn to live, there are still going to be some things you’ll want to splurge on, and that’s okay. I mean, this is a recession, after all, not a potato famine. You don’t have to give up all your luxuries or switch to low-cost everything; you just have to get savvier about making extra money for those treats you enjoy.

But I’m not talking about getting a second job or really working that much harder; a true recessionista knows how to make extra cash for little luxuries while leaving plenty of free time to enjoy them, too. After the jump, seven ways to make more money without taking a second job…

1. Become a focus group participant: An old co-worker turned me on to focus groups about 8 years ago and after I made 75 bucks giving my opinion on a series of coffee ads, I immediately went home, opened the phone book (remember those?), and called dozens of market research companies to get my name added to their databases for future groups.

Over the years I’ve made thousands of dollars telling people what I think about ads, product concepts, packaging, services, and the taste of food and beverages. Once, I even made $200 tasting vodka for an hour. Talk about easy money! Check the “Etc.” section of Craigslist for current focus groups in your area, or do an online search for market research recruiting companies and then can call and have your name added to their databases.

2. Use your blog: If you have a blog — and who doesn’t these days? — you’re sitting on valuable real estate. Depending on the size of your readership, you could make anywhere from enough money to buy a magazine and a latte to enough to support your entire family (á la Dooce).

There are lots of different ways to make money on a blog, from virtual tip jars to product reviews, but the most popular is through running ads. In the past, I’ve recruited sponsors directly for a niche blog I used to write, but I currently use an advertising program on my personal blog that basically takes care of everything so all I have to do is post regularly and collect my check at the end of the month. Free money for writing about my cats and boyfriend and favorite TV shows! What could be easier? There are a host of ad programs open to anyone, so do your research to find one that’s right for you.

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3. Sell the stuff you no longer want: When I moved to New York from Chicago a year ago to be with my long-distance boyfriend, I used the opportunity to unload all the crap I no longer wanted or needed. I sold furniture, home goods, clothes, accessories, and my car (no need for one in Manhattan!). In addition to hosting a yard sale where I made about 200 bucks for candles, pots and pans and old Halloween costumes, I used the hell out of Craigslist and eBay, both before my move and after I arrived when I realized I still needed to unload quite a bit to fit into my boyfriend’s one-bedroom apartment.

I honestly don’t miss anything I got rid of (and can’t remember what most of it even was), and the money from the sales paid a big chunk of my moving costs. Now that I’m settled in, I like to go through my belongings each season, selling a few items and making room and money for new stuff, like dresses and cute shoes.

4. Make money from your hobbies: From hawking your crafts on Etsy, and selling produce from your garden, to playing piano once a week at a local restaurant, or reading tarot cards at a party, there are innumerable ways to make cash doing the activities you love. The key here is to convince yourself you have a product or skill someone else wants and then search out those people or companies who can pay you for them.

5. Host a bake sale: Remember when we were kids and our parents used to make cookies and brownies and stuff for school bake sales to raise money for a new flagpole or air conditioning in the gym? Well, why not do the same thing now that we’re grown-ups and need to raise money for our vacations to Barcelona? I say get a few friends together, bake up a storm, and then sell your goods at a local market, a festival, or even online at a place like Etsy. If you love baking, this is another great way to make money from a hobby…without inhaling all the extra calories eating the goods yourself!

6. Shop and sell: What recessionista doesn’t like shopping, right? So instead of giving it up or cutting back, start making money off your great eye and awesome buying skills. Whether you live in an area with fantastic sample sales, or a town with the best thrift and antique stores, chances are you’re able to score stuff your recessionista sisters in other parts of the country can’t. So make your next shopping spree a moneymaking one and sell your finds for a profit on eBay, or open a vintage shop on Etsy (can you tell I’m a fan of the site?).

7. Pet sit: If you know people with pets, volunteer to watch them — for a small fee, of course — the next time they leave town for a few days. Sure, they could kennel them or hire a professional, but most people feel better when they leave their beloved pets (not to mention their house keys) in the hands of someone they know and trust. And, hey, if they have cable and throw in a bottle of wine for your trouble, you’ll score a bit of a vacation yourself…and make money for a pedicure, to boot.

Home Improvement (Going Green)

Energy has been a main concern of our global leaders. We use up a lot of non-recyclable fuel to heat up our own homes. Of course, heating up our homes is a need. When the weather is cold, we all need heat to stay warm and comfortable. The problem is not with the heating. The problem is the use of non-recyclable fuels to power our heating. Here is an example.

Many homes are powered by heating systems that use oil or gas either directly or indirectly. Those that use oil or gas indirectly are systems that use electricity. And where does the electricity come from? That’s right, they come from power stations that are powered by oil.

As oil is a non-renewable resource, using of oil in huge quantities have been a growing concern among many nations. The question is, what happens when the oil runs out? Then what are we going to use to power our heating systems? As oil becomes more and more scarce, and demand continues to increase, there is only one way that the price will head – upwards. Then again, what happens if we can no longer afford to use oil to heat up our homes?

These are lingering questions at the back of everyone’s mind, one that has no simple solution. However, some people have already started to come up with innovative ideas to overcome these challenges.

Conceptually, the heating problem is a simple one. You need three components in the entire system. One, you need to have a way to convert a renewable energy source into electricity. Two, you need something to store the electricity in. And three, you need a system to convert the electricity into heat energy, which is then transferred throughout the house.

The last part is the easy part. It’s the first two components that most people can’t overcome.

For the first component, you can use solar panels or wind turbines to tap into natural sources of energy – the sun and the wind. Such energy sources are infinite and can go on forever and ever. Also, they are a free energy source. That means if you have a system that taps into these energy sources, you can save a lot on utilities bills.

To trap solar energy, you will need a few solar panels. How many you need depends on the amount of energy you want to tap. The same goes for wind turbines. The energy is then converted into electricity, and stored in batteries. Now you can use the electricity to help you heat up the home.

The entire system sounds really costly to setup because of the mention of solar panels and batteries. Also, some people think that the setting up is complicated, so they don’t even try. But there is help readily available for those who bother to look and try things out. You can always invest in a DIY guide on how to create power from the sun and the wind.

If you set up the system yourself, you save on installation costs. Once the system is up and running, you now have an environmentally friendly house that saves you money month after month.

Evaluating ‘Green Power’ Programs

More than 600,000 homes and businesses around the country have signed up to get their power from renewable energy sources like wind or wood chips.

Such voluntary “green power” programs are offered by around 25 percent of electric utilities (examples include Austin Energy and Puget Sound Energy, and the Department of Energy lists other top programs). Participation rates are generally low — 2 percent on average, largely because wind power is more expensive than buying coal or, in some cases, natural gas.

Analysis of these programs — why people sign up for them and how they are administered — is provided in a recent issue of “Public Utilities Fortnightly,” in a somewhat technical article (PDF) by Lori Bird and Karlynn Cory, both of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Blair Swezey of Applied Materials, a semiconductor company.

Among the highlights:

* For homeowners, the decisions on whether to buy green power is “emotional,” but for companies, it is generally a business decision.

* Green power may be more expensive for now, but for businesses it offers a key advantage: the ability to predict the price of electricity. The price of natural gas, a key fuel for making electricity, has bounded up and down in recent years. But the wind is free, so utilities are able to provide customers with fixed-rate power.

 

* The costs of the “green power” programs are typically determined by the cost of the power source (wind, geothermal, etc); administration expenses like office staff; and other services needed to connect renewable energy into the grid (see this example from Texas, which is paying extra for power to back up the wind, in case it stops blowing). On the other hand, less coal or gas will be needed as more renewables displace them — a negative cost.

* There is debate as to whether “green power” customers should have to pay environmental surcharges — that is, riders added on to electric bills to pay for, say, cleaning the air at a dirty coal plant. Colorado’s regulators have said that green-power customers should not have to pay along with everybody else. Minnesota’s regulators, meanwhile, have said they should.

Domenici To Support Financial Rescue Plan With Key Tax Extensions Added for Renewable Energy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and former chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, announced his intention to support the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act when it is considered by the Senate tonight.

 

In addition to provisions aimed at limiting further damage to the U.S. economy, the legislation contains vital tax extensions for the renewable energy industry that were passed by the Senate last week.  These include a one year extension of the production tax credit (PTC) for wind energy and refined coal and a two year extension of the PTC for other energy sources.  It also extends the 30 percent investment tax credit for solar energy for eight years.

 

“I will vote for this plan because it is what our nation needs now.  We must take action to restore confidence not just in the U.S. financial markets, but on every Main Street and in every home.  I am certain the Senate will pass this financial rescue plan, which includes strong taxpayer protections, stronger regulatory oversight and reduction in executive compensation.   This bill can’t cure all America’s economic problems, but if we don’t act things will get much worse.  We cannot risk the consequences of doing nothing.  It’s just that simple,” Domenici said.

 

“I also support this package because it contains vital tax extensions for renewable energy sources which are set to expire at the end of this year.  Promising technologies like wind, solar, biomass and geothermal will play an important part in our energy future—if we continue to support them.  Just a week ago, the Senate passed these same extensions by a wide margin—but once again, the House has not acted.   I applaud the decision by Senate leaders to include these tax provisions, as well as mental health parity and the AMT patch, in the rescue package,” he continued. 

 

In addition to extending the PTC and solar tax credits, the legislation will increase tax credits for fuel cells and provide a new tax credit for geothermal heat pumps.  The bill also removes the credit cap for solar electric investments and authorizes $800 million for new clean renewable energy bonds to finance facilities that generate electricity from clean sources.

 

The bill also includes a reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act and the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program.

Senate panel considers Chu for energy secretary

WASHINGTON (AP) — Steven Chu, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to be his energy secretary, faces questioning Tuesday before a Senate committee that is expected to endorse his selection.

Chu, the director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, was to outline before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee how he intends to implement Obama’s energy priorities, including greater support of renewable energy. He also was expected to call for greater use of science to find ways to counter climate change.

Obama’s selection of Chu, 60, to head the Energy Department is expected to get favorable reviews from committee members, although some may question the scientist’s limited background in nuclear issues since the department maintains the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile.

A widely respected scientist, Chu has been a strong advocate for more energy-related research, especially work on advanced biofuels and solar energy technologies. He has said that scientific research is key to tackling climate change, which he has argued cannot be ignored.

Chu has had little experience inside the Washington Beltway, although the laboratory he has headed is part of the system of federal research labs. He was chosen as director of the Berkeley lab in 2004 by the University of California, which runs the facility under contract with the Energy Department. During his tenure the lab has moved to the forefront in research into renewable energy and ways to improve energy efficiency.

Chu, a Chinese-American born in St. Louis, shared the Nobel Prize for physics in 1997 for finding a way to cool and trap atoms by using laser light. He is a former chairman of the physics department at Stanford University, and before that was head of the electronics research laboratory at Bell Labs.

He earned undergraduate degrees in mathematics and physics from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California-Berkeley. His hobbies include swimming, bicycling and cooking. He is married to Jean Chu, also a physicist.

If confirmed, Chu will head a department with a $25 billion budget and 14,000 employees and more than 193,000 contract workers. Its responsibilities cover a wide range, including setting appliance efficiency standards, overseeing a variety of energy research, assuring the reliability of the nation’s nuclear warheads and disposing nuclear waste.

It’s TAX TIME are you Ready? Here are some Tips

This is the end of the working year and every person living in United States is ready to do his or hers taxes… A lot of people are waiting for this moment from the time they get their check from Uncle Sam for the Previous Year… Some people are very scared when it come to the tax period / season… WHY?

I have been working, paying taxes, getting returns, paying government back, since 1996…. and over the years I have used accountants, local tax people, residential tax “konw it alls’, etc. by far the best thing I have ever done is bought “TurboTax“ to do my taxes and that have ended all my head aches with accountants that had no clue what the heck they were doing… This year I get another write off I have never had before… KID… Me and my Wife had a kick butt little boy on October 15th, 2008 and we named him Lukas… Now we get to write him Off… Yeeeee Hawwww…

Another good thing you get with TurboTax is “It’s Deductible Online“…  TurboTax ItsDeductible Online provides everything you need
to keep track of your donations — for FREE, Easily Tracks Thousands of Donated Items, as well as mileage, cash, bonds, and mutual funds. Provides Resale Values for Your Non-Cash Donations based on the style and condition of the item. Instantly Imports to TurboTax* at Tax Time and fills out the right tax forms for you.  Add Donations any Time 24/7, 365 days a year, and save the information on our secure servers.  Helps Reduce Your Risk of an Audit with values based on IRS guidelines. Get Fast Answers to Your Donation Questions for Free with TurboTax Live Community.

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You’ll Get the Biggest Refund

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Covers Over 350 Deductions

With so many possible deductions, you may worry a few will slip through the cracks. That won’t happen with TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, or Home & Business. We help you find every deduction you deserve—and even search your return for missed deductions—so you don’t overlook any opportunity to save.

Gets the Full Value for Charitable Donations

ItsDeductible® (built into TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business) gives you retail values for over 1,000 commonly donated items, so you can take the biggest deduction possible. No more worry about accidentally over- or undervaluing a donated item.

Simplifies Deducting Medical Expenses

TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business do all the math and tell you if you qualify to deduct your medical expenses.

Shows You Where You Stand

TurboTax displays your refund (or tax owed) on every screen and updates the amount as you answer questions.

*If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method, we’ll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state purchase price paid. TurboTax Federal Free Edition customers are entitled to payment of $14.95 and a refund of your state purchase price paid. Claims must be submitted within sixty (60) days of your TurboTax filing date and no later than 6/15/09. E-file, Audit Defense, Professional Review, Live Tax Advice, Refund Transfer and technical support fees are excluded. This guarantee cannot be combined with the TurboTax Satisfaction (Easy) Guarantee.

Your Information is Always Protected

TurboTax makes protecting your personal and financial information a top priority. Whether you choose a TurboTax CD, a TurboTax download, TurboTax Online, or free tax filing with TurboTax Online Free Edition, we’ve got you covered.

 

Only You Can Access Your Return

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TurboTax Online stores your information on a firewall-protected server and can only be accessed using your unique user name and password.

 

Your Information Travels Safely

Your TurboTax session is secure. TurboTax Online shields your personal information from prying eyes while you’re completing your return.

TurboTax uses the same encryption technology used by banks to efile your return. This means that your information is protected from any unauthorized access while it’s electronically sent to the IRS and state agencies.

Donate Your Car… (Get Tax Credits)

Couple years ago I had a junker car that was still running, registered, etc. but was not used by me becuase I had bought a new car. I didn’t know that you can donate your car and then claim it on your taxes at the end of the year… I have done it twice… I had two running cars that I have gotten rid off with out writing them off my taxes… Well here is the deal… I found this website (I live in Maryland) http://www.donateforcharity.com/maryland.html where you can find all kind of answers to your questions about donating a car, motorcycle, boats, etc… Here is some of the article / FAQs…

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Donate a Car in Maryland
Below we have listed the charities that can receive car donations in Maryland. Before you select the charity for your Maryland car donation please read through our Frequently Asked Questions to learn how our program works and why we are the best choice for vehicle donations in Maryland. Once you have selected a charity and are ready to donate your car please use our convenient online car donation form or call us toll-free at (866) 392-4483 to donate over the phone.
(click on the underlined charities to see their website)

  Angelcare Children’s Aid International

  Blazesports America, Inc

  Breast Cancer Fund

  Cure Autism Now

  Diabetic Youth Foundation

  Friends of Homeless Animals

  Glaucoma Research Foundation

  Marine Mammal Center

  Mercy For Animals

  National Eating Disorders Association

  National Marine Life Center

  Operation Enduring Freedom Family Fund

  Surf Aid International

  US Doctors for Africa

  VIDA

  Y Of Central Maryland

  Youth Radio

 

Donated Vehicles are towed to the nearest auction facility, and the net proceeds from the sale of the vehicle are distributed to the nonprofit organization you select. Maryland is served from the following auction facility locations:

Baltimore
Elkridge (Baltimore)
Harrisburg, PA
Waldorf (Washington D.C.)

 
 

Here are just some of the cities vehicle donations can be accepted from:

Aberdeen, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Berlin, Berwyn Heights, Bladensburg, Boonsboro, Bowie, Brentwood, Brunswick, Cambridge, Capitol Heights, Centreville, Chesapeake Beach, Chestertown, Cheverly, Chevy Chase, Chevy Chase Village, College Park, Crisfield, Cumberland, Denton, District Heights, Easton, Elkton, Emmitsburg, Federalsburg, Forest Heights, Frederick, Frostburg, Fruitland, Gaithersburg, Glenarden, Greenbelt, Hagerstown, Hampstead, Havre de Grace, Hyattsville, Indian Head, La Plata, Laurel, Manchester, Middletown, Mount Airy, Mount Rainier, Mountain Lake Park, New Carrollton, North East, Ocean City, Perryville, Pocomoke City, Poolesville, Princess Anne, Riverdale Park, Rock Hall, Rockville, Salisbury, Seat Pleasant, Smithsburg, Snow Hill, Sykesville, Takoma Park, Taneytown, Thurmont, University Park, Walkersville, Westernport, Westminster.

Mesothelioma

Every day I watch TV, News, Shows, etc. I see one big TV add… Mesothelioma… What is it? Why do people get it? How do they get it? How to prevent it? and of course if you have it who to call / contact for help… I found this article on http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma so here is the entire topic…

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Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.
What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.
What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.
How common is mesothelioma?

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.
What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.
Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. 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. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

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. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

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. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.
How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.
Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.
Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI’s cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI’s Cancer.gov Web site, located at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials on the Internet, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ.

People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/publications on the Internet.