National Office
CSTE
2872 Woodcock Blvd
Suite 303
Atlanta, GA 30341
770-458-3811
770-458-8516
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Indicator 12: Incidence of Malignant Mesothelioma |
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| • Annual number and rate of persons 15 years and older newly diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma |
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| Data Source: Numbers of mesothelioma cases: State cancer registries. U.S. rate: National Cancer Institute SEER data. Population statistics used to calculate rates: U.S. Census Bureau |
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare but highly fatal cancer of the thin membranes surrounding the chest cavity (pleura) or abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Much less frequently, this tumor affects other anatomical sites (e.g., pericardium). The only well-established risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. Prior asbestos exposure, primarily from exposure in the workplace, has been reported in 62 to 85 percent of all mesothelioma cases.1
Mesothelioma is a disease of long latency, typically with 20-40 years between exposure and onset of disease. The incidence of mesothelioma in the United States has risen steadily since the 1960s, reflecting high levels of asbestos use and occupational exposure to asbestos during World War II through the 1970s. In the 1970s, new Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations limited workplace exposures and the Environmental Protection Agency began regulating asbestos uses. It has been projected that the mesothelioma incidence rate in the U.S. would begin to decline in 2004.2
Approximately 1.3 million workers continue to be exposed directly or indirectly to asbestos in many industries and activities.3 Environmental exposure to asbestos is also a continuing concern. Asbestos-containing materials are found in hundreds of thousands of schools and public buildings throughout the country, and asbestos continues to be used in many manufactured products.
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| Data |
| • 2000 click here to view table |
| • 2001 click here to view table |
| • 2002 click here to view table |
| • 2003 click here to view table |
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1 Albin, M, Magnani, C, Krstev, S, Rapiti, E, and Shefer, I. Asbestos and cancer: An overview of current trends in Europe. Environ Health Perspect. 1999; 107(2): 289-298.
2 Price, B and Ware, A. Mesothelioma trends in the United States: an update based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data for 1973 through 2003. Am J Epidemiol. 2004;159(2): 107-112.
3 U.S. Department of Labor. Program Highlights; Fact Sheet No. OSHA 92-06, 2004
Available at: www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/training/oshasbes.htm
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