New data compiled by the Institute for Health Metric Evaluation (IHME) states that 40,764 deaths occurred in 2019 alone following occupational asbestos exposure. If this figure is correct, it means one American dies from an asbestos-related illness every 12 minutes. These new findings replace previous findings by the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH). In 2018, ICOH conducted research that showed 39,275 people die from asbestos-related diseases annually. The new data from the IHME shows an increase of approximately 1,500 deaths.
The IHME is believed to be the first organization to comprehensively compile statistics of deaths from asbestos-caused complications such as;
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Larynx cancer
- Ovarian cancer, and
- Chronic asbestosis
The IHME compiled data through the help of death certificates that indicate asbestos exposure as a contributing factor to an individual's death. According to the IHME, the breakdown of the number of annual deaths per disease is as follows.
- Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer – 35,642
- Mesothelioma – 3,091
- Ovarian cancer – 931
- Asbestosis – 690
It is crucial to note that the data from IHME refers specifically to deaths that occurred due to occupational asbestos exposure. The reason for worker deaths being the focus of IHME's research could be the fact that even though everyone can be exposed to asbestos, workers are the ones that are more exposed to asbestos. According to WHO, around 125 million workers are exposed to asbestos at the workplace. Unfortunately, some professionals come with a higher risk of exposure than others. Examples of professions that come with a high risk of asbestos exposure are the military and construction professions. Other occupations that come with an asbestos exposure risk include;
- Carpentry
- Fire fighting
- Pipe fitting
- Roofing
- Shipbuilding
In the 1980s, statistics claimed that between 12,000 to 15,000 people die yearly from asbestos-related diseases. However, over the years, the figures have changed. As the years go by, more and more people are dying because of asbestos-related diseases. The United States of America seems to be facing a public health crisis when it comes to asbestos and asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
Almost all cases of malignant mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, after asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show. Additionally, as much as there are treatment options available for people with malignant mesothelioma, the disease has a high mortality rate due to the fact that it is often discovered when tumors have spread through the body.
Despite knowing the risks associated with asbestos exposure, many continue to put the lives of others at risk by using asbestos in different products and not issuing warnings. Sadly, that means more deaths and countless lawsuits. Fortunately, attorneys are available to help victims of negligence.
Arizona Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.
