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ADAO Cites Global Health Study Statistic Showing Asbestos-related Deaths Increased to 194,000 Annually


Illustration of mesothelioma research

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) has cited a Lancet Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) showing occupational asbestos exposure statistics at 194,000 deaths per year in a recent press release. This an 80% increase from the World Health Organization (WHO) statistic of 107,000 and accounts for almost two-thirds of all deaths related to carcinogens in the workplace.

The ADAO “combines education, advocacy, and community to prevent exposure and ensure justice for asbestos victims.” The study was called “The Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study of 2013” completed by the Lancet medial journal.

Shockingly, in 2013, occupational asbestos exposure was the cause of 194,000 deaths. “As affirmed by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2013 Study, published in Lancet on September 11, 2015, the fallout from occupational asbestos exposure is continuing its alarming rise,” said the former U.S. Assistant Surgeon General and ADAO Science Advisory Board Co-Chair, Dr. Richard A. Lemen.

“With the study’s estimated loss of life at 194,000 each year, this represents a rise of more than 80% since the last World Health Organization’s estimate of 107,000. In fact, all asbestos diseases are more preventable simply by eliminating exposures to asbestos,” he added.

Some 30 million pounds of asbestos are still used each year in the U.S. Lemen said, “As long as asbestos use continues, this mounting toll from asbestos induced deaths will grow. Only society can stop this pandemic and societies in over 50 of the world’s countries have taken this action. Now is the time for all the world to follow.”

“The new figures from Lancet regarding the number of lives lost as a result of asbestos in the workplace has catapulted by nearly 90,000 from the 107,000 number traditionally used,” said ADAO President and Co-founder, Linda Reinstein.

“What’s equally alarming is that this number doesn’t include the loss of life related to take-home asbestos exposure of when a worker carries deadly fibers on their hair, skin, and clothes, which has poisoned their spouses and children; do-it-yourself projects; disasters such as 9/11; and even the innocent exposure of children and consumers through products still in use today.”

“Asbestos remains legal and lethal in the U.S., yet imports continue. The human cost of inaction is deplorable and expensive in dollars and lives. It is reprehensible that Congress has condoned the use of asbestos and allowed the asbestos man-made disaster to continue,” Reinstein continued.

“The fatally Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 has failed to protect the health and safety of Americans. The time is now to pass TSCA reform legislation that ensures the Environmental Protection Agency can expeditiously ban asbestos. Enough is enough,” she added.

The ADAO is encouraging concerned citizens to “Raise Your Voice” to #ENDMeso and send a letter to Congress asking them to stand up for Americans by banning asbestos.