The prognosis following certification with asbestosis in the United Kingdom

Men who were first awarded compensation for asbestosis by the Cardiff, London or Swansea Pneumoconiosis Medical Panels in the period 1952 to 1976 have been followed up. Out of a total of 665 men, 283 have died: 36% of the deaths were due to lung cancer, 9% to mesothelioma and 20% to asbestosis. Compared with the death rates for England and Wales, the rate for all deaths was 2.6 times that expected and that for lung cancer 8.5 times that expected. Mortality was related to the rate of compensation awarded but was still high for all of the above three causes for those awarded the lowest rates. The excess death rates were apparent in the first year after certification and were still operating after 10 years in those who survived until then.