Three-day CARD events draws hundreds

Fun activities for kids and hands-on

examples for adults relating to asbestos-related diseases were

displayed at the CARD Research Rally on Thursday.

Children and adults strolled through a

theme-oriented series of booths designed to mimic the human body

and its response to asbestos fibers — beginning with the nose and

ending with the intestines.

Science — mixed with popcorn, cotton

candy, hot dogs, temporary tattoos and enthusiasm from all the

volunteers — was an informative approach on a very basic-community

level. However, the message was clear and concise, ultimately

deeming the evening a success with more than 300 attendees.

Transitioning from fun to facts,

asbestos-related research and information were provided on a

scholarly level Friday and Saturday at the Memorial Center.

Scientists, doctors and many experts attended the two-day

symposium. The presenters demonstrated an understanding of the work

being done, and the knowledge for the research ahead.

“Researchers felt connected to the

community of Libby,” Tannis Hernandez, Licensed Clinical Social

Worker at CARD, said. “They feel they can be partners with us in

research studies.”

Presenters came to the rally prepared,

following a realistic approach to the symposium by beginning with

the mineral asbestos. As the symposium continued the topics became

interconnected — by evolving the topic of asbestos. Researchers

first discussed the ways asbestos enters and infiltrates the

body.

Doctors presented the long-term effects

of asbestos and how it relates to possible autoimmune diseases. By

combining the specialties from CARD and the symposium presenters,

there was a general consensus.

“A lot of further research needs to be

conducted for autoimmune diseases,” Hernandez said. “The research

is still in the preliminary stages.”

As the symposium agenda progressed

throughout the event, the issues of asbestos and the effects

physiologically were addressed.

“Understanding the ‘Bio-Bank’ — the

blood and tissue on a cellular level is the next step in new

treatments,” Hernandez said. “We need to find ways to manipulate it

at that level.”

Nevertheless, experts during the

symposium brought more than data for the physical effects of

asbestos. The mental and emotional difficulties plaguing families

affected by asbestos-related diseases have exposed the need for

“other disaster” studies and psychosocial therapy. Asbestosis has

been termed a Toxic Social Process During a Slow-Motion

Technological Disaster.

The public attended the symposium

intermittently, with an attendance at times of more than 80

persons.

The think-tank of experts convened to

examine the areas needing more research, possible changes and ways

for their efforts to benefit the study of asbestos-related

disease.

“We will continue to work together,”

Hernandez said. “Comparative studies with Libby asbestos products

and other fibers will be conducted.”