Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is by far the leading cause of malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). In 1999, 2,485 deaths were recorded with malignant mesothelioma listed as an underlying or contributing cause. Of these, 1,773 deaths were classified as unspecified (Figure 2–168). The highest malignant mesothelioma mortality rates occurred in Alaska and Maine. Men accounted for 80.3% of the deaths from malignant mesothelioma, and white U.S. residents accounted for 94.8% of these deaths (Figure 2–170). Industrial and miscellaneous chemicals had the highest proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) for malignant mesothelioma among the industries. Occupations with the PMRs were plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters; electricians; and elementary school teachers (Figure 2–171).
Magnitude and Trend
How many and what type of malignant mesothelioma deaths occurred in 1999?
 | Figure 2-168 Number of U.S. residents aged 15 or older with malignant mesothelioma listed as an underlying or contributing cause on the death certificate by type of mesothelioma, 1999. Of the 2,485 malignant mesothelioma deaths in 1999, the highest proportion was classified as an unspecified type. In nearly 95% of all deaths, malignant mesothelioma was listed as the underlying cause. (Note: The total number of deaths by subtype exceeds the number for all sites because more than one subtype was listed for some decedents.) (Source: NIOSH [2002e].) |
Rates among States
How did mortality rates for malignant mesothelioma differ by State in 1999?
 | Figure 2-169 Age-adjusted mortality rates for malignant mesothelioma in U.S. residents aged 15 or older by State, 1999. The highest malignant mesothelioma mortality rates occurred in Alaska and Maine in 1999. The rates for each of these States were more than twice the national rate of 11.7 per million. States in the next highest rate group were widely dispersed, with a concentration on the eastern seaboard and in the West. The rates in these States were nearly 1.5 to 2 times the U.S. rate. (Source: NIOSH [2002e].) |
Sex and Race
How was malignant mesothelioma mortality distributed by sex of worker and race in 1999?
 | Figure 2-170 Distribution and number of malignant mesothelioma deaths in U.S. residents aged 15 and older by sex and race, 1999. More than 80% of malignant mesothelioma deaths occurred in men in 1999. White residents accounted for 94.8% of malignant mesothelioma deaths. (Source: NIOSH [2002e].) |
Occupation and Industry
Which industries and occupations were most frequently associated with malignant mesothelioma mortality in 1999?
 | Figure 2-171 PMRs and 95% confidence intervals for malignant mesothelioma in U.S. residents aged 15 or older by industry and occupation, 1999. Industrial and miscellaneous chemicals, electric light and power, and construction industries were associated with the highest significant malignant mesothelioma PMRs. Plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, and electricians (which are occupations associated with the construction industry) were highly associated with malignant mesothelioma mortality. Elementary school teachers also had a significant malignant mesothelioma PMR. (Note: This figure presents the highest significant PMRs based on 10 or more deaths.) (Source: NIOSH [2002e].) |
