Asbestos Risks and Mesothelioma: New Report Highlights Decline in Deaths

Key Findings from the Report

According to the report, there were 2,257 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain in 2022, a decrease from 2,290 in 2021 and a significant drop from the average of 2,529 deaths per year during the period from 2012 to 2020. This decline is particularly noteworthy given the historical rise in mesothelioma cases following decades of industrial asbestos use.

The report highlights a notable reduction in male deaths, with 1,838 recorded in 2022 compared to 1,883 in 2021. Female deaths, however, have remained relatively stable, with 419 reported in 2022, a slight increase from 407 in 2021. These trends are consistent with long-term projections that suggested male deaths would gradually decrease throughout the 2020s, while female deaths would remain consistent at 400-500 annually before beginning to decline.

Impact of Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma, a cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, has a strong association with asbestos exposure. The disease is almost always fatal, often within 12 months of symptom onset. The report reiterates that the majority of mesothelioma cases in men are linked to past occupational asbestos exposures in industries such as shipbuilding and construction, where asbestos use was widespread from the 1950s to the 1980s.

The report also addresses the differences in exposure between men and women. While men were more likely to be directly exposed to asbestos in the workplace, women’s exposure was often indirect, occurring in domestic settings or through secondary contact with asbestos-contaminated materials.

Regional and Occupational Variations

The report provides a detailed analysis of mesothelioma mortality by region and occupation. It shows that mesothelioma death rates have historically been highest in regions with a strong industrial heritage, such as Wales and parts of England. However, these rates have started to level off or slightly decrease in recent years.

Occupationally, the report reaffirms that men who worked in construction-related jobs, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, are among those most at risk. In contrast, female deaths are more difficult to attribute directly to occupational exposure, though certain jobs, such as teaching and administrative roles, show slightly higher rates, possibly due to environmental exposure in buildings containing asbestos.

Looking Ahead: Future Projections

The HSE’s report includes projections for future mesothelioma mortality, predicting a continued gradual decline in deaths. This decline is attributed to the reduced use of asbestos since the 1980s and the subsequent decrease in asbestos exposure among the general population.

The report also discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mesothelioma statistics, noting that the pandemic may have caused some fluctuations in death figures due to delays in diagnosis and death certification.