Highest Rate of Mesothelioma in U.S. found in Maine

The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, a part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, recently released data that shows the state of Maine as having the highest death rate from mesothelioma in the country. The data, collected between 1999 and 2005, found around 18,000 people died annually from asbestos related cancer. The ratio works out to about 14 deaths per million people each year.

However, in Maine, the average is much higher at around 27 deaths from asbestos related cancer per million people each year. Other states that have higher than average death rates from mesothelioma include Wyoming with 22 deaths per million people and West Virginia with 21 deaths per million people. Pennsylvania and New Jersey also had higher than average with 21 and 20 deaths per million respectively.

Mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer, is caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Once popularly used for its high insulation qualities, asbestos is now strictly regulated and many countries ban its use. Today, contact with airborne asbestos fibers typically occurs during asbestos abatement procedures. To protect those working with or around the carcinogen special equipment and protective clothing must be worn.

Source: http://www.bloggernews.net/121022