Mesothelioma Report: Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance

Read the highlights of the CDC’s Work-Related Lung Disease Surveillance Report. This section focuses on mesothelioma, a fatal form of lung cancer stemming from exposure to asbestos.

• There were nearly 2,500 malignant mesothelioma deaths among U.S. residents age 15 and over in 1999.
• Mesothelioma was designated as the underlying cause of death in nearly 95% of all malignant mesothelioma deaths in 1999. ? Nearly 20% of mesothelioma decedents were female.
• For 1999, more than one-third of mesothelioma decedents were residents of just five states (California, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio).
• For 1999, seven counties (two in Virginia, and one each in Ohio, Maine, New Jersey, Mississippi, and Michigan) had age-adjusted malignant mesothelioma mortality rates that exceeded the national rate by more than 5-fold.
• Based on a large subset of the national data for which decedents’ usual occupation and industry information was available, the construction industry accounted for nearly 15% of decedents with malignant mesothelioma in 1999.
• In addition to the construction industry, other industries associated with significantly increased mesothelioma mortality in 1999 include: ship and boat building and repairing; industrial and miscellaneous chemicals; petroleum refining; and electric light and power.
• Occupations associated with significantly elevated mesothelioma mortality in 1999 include: plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters; mechanical engineers; electricians; and elementary school teachers.

Courtesy of the CDC.

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