October 26th, 2007

Before the state Representative of New Mexico passed away from lung cancer, he indicated that he thought he had contracted the disease from working with asbestos at a state laboratory. Since his death, a petition has been formed to compensate workers that utilized dangerous materials.

Ray Ruiz stated, shortly before he died of lung cancer, that he believed he had contracted his illness from working with asbestos at a state lab. When he passed away, his widow wanted to do something for other people suffering the same plight. Since her deceased husband was the state representative of New Mexico, she knew she was in a position to make a difference. Since his death, Ruiz’s widow has formed a petition that would compensate workers exposed to hazardous materials while working for the state or national government in New Mexico.

The petition would compensate victims that not only have mesothelioma, a form of deadly lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, but would also cover people exposed to radiation and cancer’s related to other hazardous materials. Mesothelioma is one of the most known illnesses related to asbestos exposure. The cancer results from asbestos fibers becoming stuck in the lungs, where it keeps the tissue from absorbing oxygen. The petition will be heard before a state panel in June.