Mesothelioma Worldwide Death Toll
According to a 2004 report from the Washington DC-based Environmental Working Group Action Fund, which specializes in analyzing federal mortality records, asbestos-related deaths have become something of an epidemic that could claim more than 150,000 lives in the United States alone.
The study found that more than 43,000 Americans have died due to mesothelioma, asbestosis, or other lung cancers related to asbestos exposure since 1979. Furthermore, the study found that because death totals for the illness were estimated until 1999, there could be as many as 60,000 dead because of mesothelioma cancer. The data also found that 4,273 asbestos-related deaths had occurred in California alone.
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Additionally, with an estimated +1 million people across the country still working in facilities that contain asbestos, the study approximated that 30 million pounds of the fibers were still being used throughout the country every year. It concluded that a minimum of 100,000 people would likely succumb to a disease that was caused by the fibers by 2014, and that the number of mesothelioma and asbestosis were both still on the rise nationally.
"Think of how asbestos was used for years in thousands of products," said Dr. Michael Lax, an asbestos expert and director of the occupational health clinic at University Hospital in Syracuse, New York. "The numbers of people exposed is in the tens of millions. The potential for illness is tremendous."
While likely not factored into any mortality records as early as 2004, the impact of the 9/11 attacks will also likely lead to an increase in mesothelioma cases in and around New York City. Because so many workers and citizens inhaled fibers from the World Trade Center – which was built while asbestos was still used – following its destruction, the prolonged exposure has some worried that there may be a bump up in the number of cases as more years go by.
Malignant mesothelioma patients who are able to link their illness to exposure that was caused by a former employer may be able to pursue a legal settlement in which they receive monetary compensation. In order to find out if you or a loved one may be eligible for a settlement, contact a mesothelioma lawyer for a legal consultation to learn your rights.