Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of cancer. In response to this, 58 countries have banned the substance in all of its forms. Despite this, some countries are still seeing an increased incidence rate of this aggressive cancer.
Mesothelioma incidence rates in the U.S. have remained steady at around 14 per million.
A recent study conducted in Iceland found that mesothelioma diagnoses are continuing to rise, even after its strict asbestos ban that went into effect more than 30 years ago. According to Iceland’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centre for Health Security and Communicable Disease Control, nearly all of these cases are related to the construction boom that occurred just before the banning of asbestos in 1983. Because the latency period of mesothelioma can be 20 to 50 years, seeing an increase in cases now makes sense. It will be another 20 years before Iceland and other countries who took steps to reduce asbestos exposure in the 70s and 80s will be able to fully determine the impact of their decisions.
While there has been significant pressure on the United States, our country has yet to fully ban asbestos in building materials, gaskets, and many consumer products. Nonetheless, mesothelioma incidence rates in the U.S. have remained steady at around 14 per million. If you are among those diagnosed with mesothelioma, attorney Joseph Williams can help.
With nearly two decades of experience handling mesothelioma cases, Attorney Williams knows how to help victims find proper treatment and get fair compensation. Please contact us online or call 855-575-MESO (6376) to schedule a free consultation and learn more.
