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Published on: December 21, 2019
Mesothelioma mortality in Brazil, 1980-2003
Francisco Pedra1, Anamaria Testa Tambellini, Basílio de Bragança Pereira
1Center for the Study of Worker Health and Human Ecology, National School of Public Health, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. fpedra@ensp.fiocruz.br
Abstract:
Although asbestos causes asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, it remains widely used in Brazil, mostly in cement-fiber products. We report the Brazilian mesothelioma mortality trend 1980-2003, using records of the national System of Mortality Information of DATASUS, including all deaths with IX International Disease Classification (ICD9) codes 163.n--pleura cancer during the period 1980-1995; and ICD10 codes c45.n--mesotheliomas and c38.4--pleura cancer for the years 1996-2003. Mesothelioma mortality rates increased over the period studied, from 0.56 to 1.01 deaths per 1,000,000 [corrected] habitants. The total number of mesothelioma deaths nationwide in the period studied was 2,414; the majority (1,415) were in the Southeast region. Mortality was highest among males and people over age 65. Given the history of asbestos exposure in Brazil, our findings support the need for policies that limit or ban the use of this product.
Insights
Mesothelioma mortality in Brazil significantly increased between 1980 and 2003, with most cases in the Southeast region. This trend highlights the ongoing risks associated with asbestos exposure and the need for stricter regulations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Asbestos exposure is a known cause of serious respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma.
- Despite health risks, asbestos remains in use in Brazil, particularly in cement-fiber products.
- Understanding mesothelioma mortality trends is crucial for public health policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the mesothelioma mortality trend in Brazil from 1980 to 2003.
- To identify demographic and regional patterns in mesothelioma deaths.
- To inform policy decisions regarding asbestos use in Brazil.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Brazilian national System of Mortality Information (DATASUS) database.
- Included deaths coded under ICD-9 (163.n) for 1980-1995 and ICD-10 (c45.n, c38.4) for 1996-2003.
- Calculated mortality rates per 1,000,000 inhabitants and analyzed demographic data.
Main Results:
- Mesothelioma mortality rates in Brazil increased from 0.56 to 1.01 per 1,000,000 inhabitants during the study period.
- A total of 2,414 mesothelioma deaths were recorded nationwide, with 1,415 in the Southeast region.
- Mortality was highest among males and individuals over 65 years of age.
Conclusions:
- The rising mesothelioma mortality trend in Brazil indicates a persistent public health concern.
- Findings underscore the link between historical asbestos exposure and increased mesothelioma deaths.
- The study supports the implementation of policies to limit or ban asbestos use in Brazil.
