Mesothelioma Statistics
Although it has been over 30 years since asbestos has been
used, the impact is still severely felt today. Along with millions of
workers that have suffered from asbestos exposure that led to malignant mesothelioma,
there are still several ways in which people can be exposed to
asbestos. For example, asbestos-containing materials are currently found
in many older homes, factories, and products. As a result, federal laws
were created for employees and/or contractors who work around asbestos.
Of course, the facts and statistics of asbestos exposure are what formed these laws in the first place.
If you or a loved one suffer from an asbestos-related disease, keep in mind that you may qualify for substantial compensation. Right now, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. Use our free Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma attorney in your area.
- The largest use of asbestos occurred between 1930 through the 1970s. Old homes, factories, and plants built during this time may possibly contain asbestos.
- United States veterans, specifically those who served in the Navy during World War II, have the largest occurrence of asbestos-related diseases.
- The U.S. Office of Compliance predicts that at least 10,000 people will die this year from asbestos-related diseases.
- Even though asbestos is no longer used in the United States, it is still mined in several other countries. However, there is no safe amount of asbestos.
- According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), 4% of all lung cancer diseases in the United States are directly from asbestos exposure.
- When asbestos-related cancer is diagnosed, it’s typically in an advanced stage because mesothelioma symptoms typically do not surface until 15 to 35 years later after exposure.
- In 1964, mesothelioma was directly linked to asbestos exposure. It was determined that asbestos exposure is the exclusive cause of mesothelioma.
- Most mesothelioma victims are diagnosed at around 62 years of age, decades after being first exposed to asbestos.
- Although studies are still inconclusive, there are strong suggestions that asbestos can cause cancer in the esophagus, kidneys, and other body parts.
- Developing lung cancer triples for those who smoke and were exposed long-term to asbestos.
- There is currently no cure for mesothelioma. However, doctors strive to provide individualized medical plans and the latest mesothelioma treatment options for victims so that they can live longer and in the most healthy way possible.
- Ovarian cancer has been directly related to asbestos. Women who used talcum powder containing asbestos are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
- According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, asbestos exposure causes laryngeal cancer.
- There are a total of four confirmed cancers that are caused by exposure to asbestos: asbestos-related lung cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and laryngeal cancer.
- Although anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, victims are typically older males who have worked in facilities in which they were exposed daily.
- Mesothelioma, the common asbestos-related disease, consists of four stages: Stage I,II, III, and IV. The latter stages are more severe and prognosis at this point is usually grim.
- Although the use of asbestos during employment was banned decades ago, many current employees are still exposed. For example, workers may have the task of removing insulation that has asbestos in it while other workers may need to repair building parts that contain asbestos. Fortunately, there are both state and federal laws that now protect those who work around asbestos.
- Today, employees must not be exposed to more than 0.1 fibers of asbestos per cubic centimeter over a typical 8-hour shift. Employers must not rotate employees in order to stay within the limits of exposure.
- Employers must monitor workers daily who are at risk for even minute exposure to asbestos.
- Employers must also provide medical examinations every 30 days for employees who work around asbestos.
- Protective clothing and hygiene facilities must be available to any employee who works around asbestos.
- Smoking does not cause mesothelioma despite large rumors. However, studies suggest that smoking may increase the risk of certain types of lung cancers when in combination with asbestos exposure.
- Per the American Society of Clinical Oncology, radiation may cause mesothelioma. Although rare, some patients who received radiation for lymphoma ended up developing mesothelioma.
- Childhood mesothelioma is rare, but occasionally happens. Children can be exposed while in school buildings built with asbestos, but it usually happens through second-hand contact via a parent or family member who worked around asbestos.
- Currently, a mesothelioma vaccine is being researched in the Netherlands. However, the vaccine works best for those who were exposed to asbestos but have yet to develop mesothelioma.
- Mesothelioma rates are predicted to continue to rise within the next decade.
