Mesothelioma is a ‘Global Epidemic’ According to New Studies

A report performed by Italian researchers indicates that mesothelioma is not declining. In fact, it’s reaching epidemic proportions and is expected to keep growing.

According to the report published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, two researchers,  Claudio and Tommaso Bianchi of Mofalcone, Italy’s Center for the Study of Environmental Cancer, studied the data of cancer registries worldwide, as well as data received from mesothelioma researchers.

Results showed an increasing trend in mesothelioma across numerous countries in England, in New Zealand, and in Australia. Some of the highest reported cases of mesothelioma are in Malta, Belgium, and The Netherlands.

The countries with the lowest incidence of mesothelioma are Central Europe and Japan. In some countries, there was no data, and therefore, the researchers were unable to determine the exact number of mesothelioma patients.

Of course, the countries with the highest rates of mesothelioma are also the countries that once used asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) the most. After World War II, the United Kingdom built houses with cement-filled with asbestos.

In addition, not only was Australia once the largest asbestos exporter in the world, but it also contains a myriad of asbestos mines. Consequently, both the United Kingdom and Australia are leading in the most mesothelioma cases per capita.

Mesothelioma Growth Continues

The researchers stated that not only is mesothelioma failing to decline, but that several countries continue to ignore the warning signs and risks of asbestos exposure.

“[The] mesothelioma epidemic does not show signs of attenuation,” the report states. “The lack of data for a large majority of the world does not allow that the consciousness of the risks related to asbestos exposure is reached.”

Although the hazards have been published worldwide, officials are still not educating the public enough on the dangers of asbestos and are still not taking the proper steps to protect workers and others who may be around asbestos.

Once someone ingests the tiny, odorless fibers that come from asbestos, they run the risk of developing extremely dangerous diseases, which include not only mesothelioma, but also asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Since people inhale asbestos fibers without even realizing it, they generally do not seek medical help in time. In fact, it’s not until mesothelioma has lied dormant for decades that the first symptoms of the disease show up. When the symptoms show, they mimic common respiratory ailments, which results in many people still not seeking medical treatment.

The U.S. Still Has the Most Mesothelioma Cases

Fortunately, the United States has declined a little in mesothelioma cases. However, over 2,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses each year. Similar to the United Kingdom, many older American homes contain asbestos, especially in attics, which were once heavily insulated with asbestos manufactured at the W.R. Grace & Co. manufacturing facilities in Libby, Montana.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible for substantial compensation. With over $30 billion currently in asbestos trust funds, now is the time to take the first step in determining what you may qualify for.

We invite you to contact our experienced and knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyers today and let us help you fight for the compensation you may qualify for.