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Hermann to turn blue for mesothelioma

NEW ULM – The Hermann Monument will be turning blue on Sept. 26 as part the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

A number of locations across the country have already agreed to help us raise awareness by lighting their landmarks blue on that day.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that most often affects the lining of the lung, but can also affect the lining of the abdomen or other organs. The prognosis is poor with a median life-expectancy between 12-15 months. At five years after diagnosis fewer than 10% of patients survive.

Workers like pipefitters, insulators, Navy personnel, construction workers, autoworkers, and shipbuilders are at most risk, although anyone exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. However, the time between exposure to asbestos and development of disease can take decades, meaning that most people who develop mesothelioma today were likely exposed years ago.

Use of asbestos has not yet been banned in the United States, and because of heavy use of the material in the 20th century, asbestos is still present in millions of homes and workplaces.

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