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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Malignant mesothelioma mortality--United States, 1999-2005
Abstract:
Malignant mesothelioma is a fatal cancer primarily associated with exposure to asbestos. The latency period between first exposure to asbestos and clinical disease usually is 20--40 years. Although asbestos is no longer mined in the United States, the mineral is still imported, and a substantial amount of asbestos remaining in buildings eventually will be removed, either during remediation or demolition. Currently, an estimated 1.3 million construction and general industry workers potentially are being exposed to asbestos. To characterize mortality attributed to mesothelioma, CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed annual multiple-cause-of-death records for 1999--2005, the most recent years for which complete data are available. For those years, a total of 18,068 deaths of persons with malignant mesothelioma were reported, increasing from 2,482 deaths in 1999 to 2,704 in 2005, but the annual death rate was stable (14.1 per million in 1999 and 14.0 in 2005). Maintenance, renovation, or demolition activities that might disturb asbestos should be performed with precautions that sufficiently prevent exposures for workers and the public. In addition, physicians should document the occupational history of all suspected and confirmed mesothelioma cases.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma deaths remained stable from 1999-2005, despite increasing cases. Asbestos exposure continues to pose risks to workers during building maintenance, renovation, or demolition.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is a fatal cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure, with a latency period of 20-40 years.
- Despite the US mining ban, asbestos importation and its presence in older buildings pose ongoing risks.
- Approximately 1.3 million workers face potential asbestos exposure in construction and general industries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mortality trends associated with malignant mesothelioma.
- To assess the impact of occupational asbestos exposure on mesothelioma deaths.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of annual multiple-cause-of-death records from 1999-2005.
- Utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Main Results:
- A total of 18,068 deaths from malignant mesothelioma were reported between 1999 and 2005.
- The number of deaths increased from 2,482 in 1999 to 2,704 in 2005.
- The annual death rate remained stable, at 14.1 per million in 1999 and 14.0 per million in 2005.
Conclusions:
- Ongoing asbestos exposure risks necessitate strict precautions during maintenance, renovation, and demolition.
- Physicians should systematically record occupational histories for mesothelioma patients.
- Continued vigilance and preventative measures are crucial to mitigate asbestos-related mesothelioma mortality.
