Mesothelioma In Delaware - Facts, Figures And Lawyers
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) at least 244 people have died because of asbestos in Delaware since 1979. Of this figure the number of deaths by mesothelioma is not confirmed due to inaccurate data available. However, what must be kept in mind at all times is that mesothelioma is a disease that should not be taken lightly. This is because its end result is death as there is no cure.
The main cause of this rare yet fatal cancer is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos mines, construction, shipbuilding industries, asbestos producing plants, factories, insulation and demolition during the 1940's, 50's, 60's and 70's have the greatest risk for developing mesothelioma as prior to 1980, these workers did not wear any protective gear when working with asbestos or asbestos based products.
And though the widespread use of asbestos in the US ended in the 70's thanks to stricter workplace regulations, the damage to many people was however already done
Besides being at risk for mesothelioma from direct exposure to asbestos, people who have been indirectly exposed also have a risk for developing this disease. This is because asbestos particles can be carried home on hair, clothing and shoes and can be then inhaled by a family member or a loved one. You can even get mesothelioma if your office or your regularly frequented places are located next to an asbestos filled environment.
Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma, while mesothelioma that impacts the lining of the abdomen is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Another important thing to note is that while cigarette smoking does not cause mesothelioma, along with asbestos exposure it greatly increases a person's risk for this dreaded cancer.
Mesothelioma in Delaware
Below are the figures for the number of deaths, mortality rates (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Delaware State in the year 1999, in residents age 15 and over.
State : delaware
No of deaths: 12
Ranks : 41
Crude Mortality -Rate : 19.96 -Rank : 2
Age-Adjusted Mortality -Rate : 19.71 -Rank : 3
VYLL to life Expectancy -Total : 157 -Rank : 41 -VYLL/death : 13.1 Rank : 36
Though the above statistics show that Delaware does not have a high mesothelioma death rate, this does not mean that Delawareans are safe. The reason for this is that between 1948 and 1993, more than 314 tons of vermiculite went from Libby, Montana to location in Delmar, Delaware. The plants which processed the vermiculite produced massive amounts of asbestos-contaminated dust, a high workplace asbestos exposure, and significant airborne asbestos particles in the neighborhoods near by.