New research from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Action Fund shows the number of asbestos related deaths are significantly higher than previously reported. The group studied death records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify all who died primarily or in part to asbestosis or mesothelioma, which are the two deadly diseases linked to asbestos exposure. Researchers concluded that asbestos exposure is responsible for 12,000 to 15,000 deaths in the United States each year.

As significant as these numbers are, the EWG claims their estimates may still be too low as the CDC only records the primary cause of death. Asbestosis is considered the primary cause of death in up to 50 percent of asbestos victims while the remaining deaths are recorded as a contributing cause.

Furthermore, EWG states that other deaths claiming respiratory diseases or pneumonia as the primarily cause of death may actually have been caused by asbestos exposure. The EWG Action Fund also considers the link of asbestos exposure to lung, larynx, ovarian, colorectal and stomach cancer, therefore the organization believes the actual death rate could be even higher.

Studies have shown the dangers of asbestos exposure for years but since mesothelioma and asbestosis take decades to develop, the EWG found that over the past 14 years there has been no decline in asbestos-related deaths regardless of the recent limited use of cheap product. 

Asbestos Lung Cancer Risks

The most common diagnosis of prolonged asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining that is linked almost exclusively to the material. The quick spreading asbestos lung cancer originates when asbestos fibers build up inside the lungs and abdomen. Over time, the tiny, jagged asbestos fibers cause cancerous development in cells. The cancerous cells then begin to divide, spreading tumors throughout the body. While it can take decades to develop, asbestos lung cancer can spread from the lungs to other organs, including the heart, in just a few short months.

Asbestos lung cancer is almost always in an advanced stage of development when its diagnosed. Some of the asbestos mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Abdominal swelling
• Retaining fluids

Those at a high risk for developing asbestos lung cancer are professionals who worked with asbestos for a continuous basis. This includes the following professions:

• Paper mill workers
• Construction workers
• Insulation installers
• Auto mechanics
• Shipyards workers
• Textile workers
• Sheet metal workers
• Roofers
• Tilers

Recent reports show families of these professionals are also at risk for developing asbestos lung cancer via “secondary exposure.” Workers who come home with asbestos fibers clinging to their clothes, hair and tools inadvertently expose their loved ones to the dangerous material.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits

Despite the life-threatening health concerns, asbestos is still legal and used in the United States. The EWG Action Fund reported that at least eight million pounds of raw asbestos and asbestos-containing material has been imported since 2006. Many asbestos cancer lawsuits claim workers were not warned by their employers of the serious risks associated with prolonged exposure to asbestos.

More than 600,000 plaintiffs have filed asbestos cancer lawsuits in the United States so far. Families and individuals allege employers and building material manufacturers failed to warn, and some plaintiffs claim companies intentionally exposed workers to asbestos without explaining the risks involved.

Contact an mesothelioma attorney if you are interested in joining a asbestos mesothelioma class action lawsuit.