The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed death certificates from 1999-2005 for persons aged 25 years and older and reported that 18,068 deaths were related to malignant mesothelioma (a type of cancer argued to be attributable to asbestos) with the greatest number of deaths, 311, occurring in those aged 75 and over. NIOSH further reported that the number of deaths in the United States attributable to mesothelioma increased from 2,482 deaths in 1999 to 2,704 deaths in 2005. The latency period between first asbestos exposure and the manifestation of mesothelioma is often 20-40 years.
The report also indicates that industries with the highest mesothelioma death rates in 1999 were: ship and boat building and repairing, industrial and miscellaneous chemicals, petroleum refining, electric light and power, and construction. The following occupations had the highest mesothelioma death rates in 1999: plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, mechanical engineers, electricians and elementary school teachers. (Coding information for industry and occupation is not available after 1999). West Virginia and Pennsylvania were among the states with high death rates.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began regulating asbestos exposure in 1971. However, 1973 has been reported to be the peak year for asbestos use in the United States. In 1989, the EPA banned certain types of asbestos in the United States. However, certain asbestos fibers are permitted to be imported and used in the United States. The CDC previously reported that 20% of air samples collected in the construction industry in 2003 exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit for asbestos.
Misty Heitz
Chase Tower - Sixth Floor
229 West Main Street
Clarksburg, WV 26301
P.O. Box 2190
Clarksburg, WV 26302-2190
Phone (304) 624-8000
Fax (304) 624-8167
misty.heitz@steptoe-johnson.com
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