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Burden of Asbestos Exposure in the U.S.
An analysis of the burden of occupational exposure to asbestos in the U.S. found that asbestos-related workplace mortality increased between 1990 to 2019. The research, published online in the journal BMC Public Health, is based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 dataset. The GBD study is led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, an independent research center at the University of Washington. GBD examines mortality and disability from diseases, injuries, and risk factors around the world. Select information from the BMC Public Health analysis appears below.
From “Assessing Trends and Burden of Occupational Exposure to Asbestos in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1990 to 2019”:
“Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer emerged as the leading causes of death attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos, with a notable increase in number of deaths observed over the past five years. … The increasing trend in number of deaths for these diseases underscores the persistent health risks associated with asbestos exposure and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and preventive measures."
SOURCES
BMC Public Health: “Assessing Trends and Burden of Occupational Exposure to Asbestos in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1990 to 2019” (May 2024).
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation: Global Burden of Disease (GBD).
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