Global Report Confirms Mesothelioma Results in Increase in “Years of Lost Life”

The Institute of Industrial Ecological Science at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health in Japan recently published the results of their comprehensive study on the global impact of mesothelioma. Researchers calculated that malignant mesothelioma has resulted in the loss of more than 2.1 million years of human life between 1994 and 2010.   The APYLL (average potential years of lost life) was 17 for those individuals who died from mesothelioma and 13 for those individuals who died from asbestosis.

Although the average age of death for those suffering from asbestos-related diseases has been reported as fairly high (around 70 years), these victims are still losing a considerable number of years based on their life expectancy.  APYLL data reveals a high likelihood of under-reporting and misdiagnosis of these diseases, which may indicate an even greater number of years lost.

The study, published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, reported 142,000 deaths resulting from mesothelioma and asbestosis over the seventeen-year period.  While this number is significantly lower than the approximately 107,000 deaths annually that the World Health Organization attributes to these diseases, it should be noted that the Institute’s study did not include data from China, India or Russia, where extensive asbestos use continues. While asbestos use in the United States, Europe and Australia has declined, many developing countries throughout Africa, Southeast Asia and Western Europe have seen increased use of this toxic mineral.

Increased regulation, advances in medical treatment and growing awareness has not slowed the rate of mesothelioma-related deaths fast enough.  Global organizations continue to lobby for a worldwide ban of asbestos in an attempt to reduce the number of mesothelioma deaths. In the meantime, however, there appears to be no end in sight to the increasing number of victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown and Sandler: Mesothelioma Attorneys in Philadelphia Helping Families Affected by Asbestos-Related Diseases

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering.  The experienced Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler fight to ensure that victims of asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania and New Jersey receive the maximum recovery for their losses. Submit a free online inquiry or call us today at 800-369-0899 to schedule a free appointment with one of experienced asbestos litigators.