* Mesothelioma Incidence

    The development of mesothelioma is primarily attributable to asbestos exposure. Because of this definitive link to the disease, it's easy to identify target groups that experience a higher than normal incidence of mesothelioma. The disease is readily identified with certain industries, including shipbuilding, automotive, power plants, chemical plants, and construction, to name a few.

Mesothelioma Risk

    Asbestos was placed in thousands of products throughout the first three quarters of the 20th century. Many of these products were used in the construction industry. Because it was touted as the "miracle mineral" and was lauded for its fire-resistance, asbestos could be found wherever heat was an issue. The mineral was also praised for its durability and insulating properties.

    While a number of industries used asbestos in their products, some made more widespread use of it than others, placing workers in those fields at great risk for developing mesothelioma. Workers that are typically susceptible to developing mesothelioma cancer include:

• Shipbuilders
• Construction workers
• Insulators
• Auto mechanics
• Power plant workers
• Chemical plant workers
• Plumbers and pipefitters
• Steamfitters
• Electricians

    Most research maintains that the highest incidence of the disease occurs among shipyard workers, especially those employed during World War II. The second highest number of cases is among U.S. Navy veterans, followed by various tradesmen in the construction industry. Other occupations that indicate high incidences include pipefitters/welders, boiler workers, maintenance workers, machinists, and electricians.

    Non-occupational incidences of mesothelioma show up due to what is known as "secondary exposure." These are individuals who develop the disease due to exposure of asbestos fibers brought home on the clothes and skin of family members working with the substance. Mesothelioma incidence among family members of asbestos workers is becoming more and more prevalent and is finally being recognized as a main concern.

Hot Spots for Mesothelioma

    Mesothelioma incidence is higher in different parts of the country due to the industries prevalent in those particular areas. These "hot spots" have already seen many people pass away from mesothelioma, and other locations are struggling with all sorts of asbestos-related ailments.

    The most prominent hot spot in the United States is Libby, Montana. Home to an asbestos-tainted vermiculite mine that was owned and operated by W.R. Grace and Co. for over 40 years, more than 200 people in Libby have already passed away from mesothelioma. To make matter worse, hundreds more are presently sickened with mesothelioma symptoms.

    Researchers have also identified the shipyards of Hampton Roads (Virginia) as a mesothelioma hot spot. The incidence of mesothelioma among Hampton Roads shipyard workers is five times the national average according to one study by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Southeastern Virginia, in general, has a huge shipbuilding tradition and since 1978 has been considered one of the ten regions in the U.S. where mesothelioma is likely to occur. Mesothelioma incidence has also been high in other seaboard areas where shipyards were active. These areas include Seattle, San Francisco-Oakland, Texas, Louisiana, and in parts of Hawaii.

    High incidence of mesothelioma has recently been discovered in northeastern Minnesota's Iron Range, where workers who toil in the state's taconite mines have been diagnosed with the disease. A recent Minnesota Department of Health press release stated that 52 workers have developed the disease in the last 10 years and more than 130 since 1988.

    New York City is also destined to become a mesothelioma hot spot. One first responder to the World Trade Center disaster has already passed away from the disease. Because of the large number of asbestos toxins released during the collapse of the Twin Towers, it is believed that asbestos-caused mesothelioma could become a huge concern among New York City paramedics, police, firefighters, and even ordinary citizens who live in the WTC area.

Source : http://www.asbestos.com