Keytruda’s New FDA Approval for Mesothelioma: A Breakthrough in Treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently expanded the use of Keytruda (pembrolizumab), an immunotherapy drug, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Approved on September 17, 2024, the combination of Keytruda with pemetrexed and platinum-based chemotherapy offers new hope to mesothelioma patients, who…

Read More

Westinghouse Electric and Asbestos: A Legacy of Controversy and Litigation

Few names in industrial history are as significant as Westinghouse Electric Company. Established in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1886 by George Westinghouse, the company quickly became a powerhouse in the field of electrical technology. From pioneering the use of alternating current, to its pivotal role in the development of nuclear energy, Westinghouse has left an indelible…

Read More

Understanding the Ongoing Threat of Asbestos Exposure in the Workplace

Asbestos is a well-documented health hazard regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Despite a significant reduction in its use, asbestos remains dangerous and is in many residential and commercial environments, posing serious health risks. When asbestos-containing materials deteriorate or are disturbed, they can release…

Read More

EPA Addresses Legacy Asbestos Risks

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken significant steps in addressing the risks associated with legacy uses of asbestos. In a newly released draft risk evaluation, the EPA identifies disturbing and handling asbestos in legacy applications as presenting an “unreasonable risk” to human health. This draft represents the second phase of the EPA’s risk assessment…

Read More

The EPA’s Landmark Ban on Chrysotile Asbestos

In a significant milestone for public health and chemical safety, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on March 18, 2024, the finalization of a rule to prohibit ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos in the United States. This decisive action, under the 2016 amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), represents a culmination of…

Read More