An asbestos report released earlier this month by the Centers for Disease Control Disease Control and Prevention has concluded that death rates from asbestos-related malignant mesothelioma are increasing, especially in the younger population, but scientists are not sure why.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, chest and abdomen that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has a long history of being used in construction applications, in the military, in the automotive industry and more.

While the use of asbestos products has been banned for a number of years, there is not a total and complete ban, so the material is still allowed in some applications. Many buildings built before 1970 likely contain asbestos.

In general, being in buildings that have asbestos isn’t necessarily a health hazard. It is only when the asbestos is disturbed and becomes airborne that it begins to pose health risks. Asbestos is inhaled, it can lodge itself into the lungs and cause lung cancer or mesothelioma, or, less commonly, cancers of other organs.

Mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years after exposure to develop, as the cancer is typically slow-growing and the symptoms may not specifically point to the disease. However, once diagnosed, patients typically only have about one year to live after the time of diagnosis, as the prognosis is quite poor

CDC Asbestos Report Highlights

In the 16-year span between 1990 and 2015, the number of tasks caused by malignant mesothelioma increased from 2,479 to 2,597. While the researchers of the CDC asbestos report noted that individuals age 85 and older saw the biggest increase, younger individuals in the 25 to 44 age bracket also saw an increase.

Jack Mazurek, lead author of the CDC asbestos report, stated “Although deaths among persons aged less than 35 years are of concern, we do not have information to understand the potential causes,” CNN reported.

The asbestos report states, “Although most deaths from malignant mesothelioma in the United States are the result of exposures to asbestos 20–40 years prior, new cases might result from occupational exposure to asbestos fibers during maintenance activities, demolition and remediation of existing asbestos in structures, installations, and buildings if controls are insufficient to protect workers.”

One possible reason for the increase in mesothelioma increases in the younger population have to do with secondary exposure.

The asbestos report states, “Moreover, family members of workers engaged in activities placing them at risk for asbestos exposures also have the potential for exposure to asbestos.” Asbestos fibers can stay in an individual’s close or in the body or hair, and then can transfer to the family and home.

The asbestos report concluded, “Despite regulatory actions and the decline in use of asbestos, the annual number of malignant mesothelioma deaths remains substantial.” The report continued, “The continuing occurrence of malignant mesothelioma deaths underscores the need for maintaining asbestos exposure prevention efforts and for ongoing surveillance to monitor temporal trends.”

Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, you may be able to seek legal compensation. An experienced asbestos attorney can help explain your legal options in a free consultation if you qualify.