New research suggests that asbestos kills between 12,000 and 15,000 Americans each year. This number is significantly higher than what was previously estimated, and many researchers believe that the American death numbers are actually much higher.

Prior to releasing these numbers, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) performed a study using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention database. The EWG found data suggesting that from 1993 to 2013, between 189,000 and 221,000 Americans died from asbestos related diseases. Asbestos related diseases include asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, and several other forms of cancer.

The EWG believes these numbers are conservative and that many other Americans have died from the toxic mineral. This belief is supported by the former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General, Dr. Richard Lemen, who works with the Environmental Working Group.

In a press release, Dr. Lemen explained that the study performed by the EWG only looked at mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis related deaths, but asbestos exposure can cause several other forms of cancer including cancers of the larynx, pharynx, stomach, colon, ovaries, and rectum. Because of these other related cancers, the EWG believes the number of asbestos related death numbers are likely much higher than those reported in their study.

According to the study, between 1999 and 2013 39,870 Americans died from mesothelioma cancer. During that same period 20,317 Americans died from asbestosis and 159,480 Americans died from asbestos lung cancer.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a toxic fibrous mineral that was extremely prevalent in U.S. building and construction materials during the 1970s. Asbestos is no longer mined in the United States, but is still imported in its raw form. It is also found in a wide array of products imported into the country. Unfortunately, even though asbestos mining is no longer performed in the United States, asbestos related deaths have not decreased since 1999. In fact, some studies suggest the number of asbestos related deaths have increased.

This increase is often attributed to the late onset of many asbestos related diseases. Some asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma, can take as many as 15 to 50 years from the time of initial exposure to when symptoms develop. Due to the latent onset, asbestos related deaths will likely remain high in the years to come. Some asbestos researchers estimate that over the next 30 years, nearly 300,000 Americans will die from asbestos.

What is Asbestos Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. The causes of lung cancer can vary and the cancer is often the result of multiple contributing factors. Many asbestos lung cancer cases are associated with tobacco use or exposure. Many defendants fighting asbestos lung cancer lawsuits argue that the victim’s cancer was caused by the victim’s smoking rather than asbestos exposure, but many plaintiffs’ attorneys have brought successful lawsuits for asbestos lung cancer victims.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Lawsuits

Victims of asbestos exposure may be able to recover significant compensation by bringing asbestos lawsuits against the companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. Product liability attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs to bring these lawsuits. Whether or not a lawsuit should be initiated is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis with the advice of a legal professional.