The dangers of asbestos

(ngoinhabaoho.blogspot.com) -The dangers of asbestos are not a thing of the past. For many workers, the consequences of prior exposure are only now becoming reality. The Australian Mesothelioma Registry’s (AMR) first annual report shows that new cases of mesothelioma continue to develop throughout the country, despite the decline in asbestos use and distribution.

Australia has one of the highest incidence rates of malignant mesothelioma in the world,” according to the report. “The exact mechanism of mesothelioma development is only partly understood, however, it has been linked to occupational and increasingly nonoccupational exposure to asbestos.”

The AMR annual report contains statistics and analysis concerning mesothelioma cases reported in 2010 and 2011. The registry, which is funded by Safe Work Australia and Comcare, has been evaluating new cases of the disease since July 1, 2010.

A separate report released by Safe Work Australia in August 2012 shows that there has been some fluctuation in new cases over the last decade. While there was a decline between the 2003 peak of 652 new cases compared to 591 in 2006, there was resurgence in 2007 with 668 new cases.

The registry recorded 842 new cases of mesothelioma between July 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 in their annual report. Not all new cases are reported to the registry, so the actual number of new cases during the stated period may exceed this number.

“The job type with the highest exposure likelihood was construction and building trades, followed by electrical and related trades,” according to the AMR report. “The most common circumstance of non‐occupational exposure was home renovation‐related activities followed by car maintenance.”

The report also shows a significant difference in the number of cases based on gender and age. Of the 842 new cases reported in the 18 month period encompassing 2010 and 2011, only 19 percent of the patients were female. Nearly half of the 842 patients were between the ages of 65 and 84.

“There is currently no cure for mesothelioma and the progression of the disease is rapid,” according to the report. “Average life expectancy from diagnosis to death is nine months, and even with aggressive treatment, few people survive two years.”

As a nation that once put asbestos to extensive use, the spectre of mesothelioma will likely remain for some time to come. Asbestos removal is high on the “to do” list for occupational safety organisations and unions alike, but there is still a risk of exposure as older buildings are maintained or torn down.

“Australia has the highest rate of mesothelioma deaths in the world and experts predict this will worsen in the future, with the rise of home renovations,” ACTU Assistant Secretary Michael Borowick said in a September statement.