The national litigation team at Hotze Runkle PLLC firmly believes that keeping our clients informed is essential to developing a strong relationship. By providing as much information as possible to those we serve, we hope to deliver a better experience.
Because of this, we would like to share with you information regarding mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. Statistics regarding mesothelioma can help individuals living with the condition better understand the disease as well help them to make a more informed decision on how to go about treating it.
If you believe that you are suffering from mesothelioma or some other illness as a result of asbestos exposure, do not hesitate to contact the experienced asbestos exposure lawyers at Hotze Runkle PLLC immediately.
Mesothelioma-Related Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the National Health Institute, provide statistics about mesothelioma in the United States according to mortality, age, gender, and even location.
Asbestos in the U.S. Throughout the Years
- 1973: Peak of asbestos importation into the U.S. with over 803,000 tons of asbestos imported.
- 2002: Last U.S. asbestos mines shut down.
- Between 1999 and 2015 there were 54,418 documented cases of mesothelioma.
- From 1999 to 2015, 45,009 mesothelioma deaths were recorded.
- Between 1940 to 1978, 11 million Americans were exposed to asbestos.
- Mesothelioma symptoms typically appear 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
Age-Related Statistics
- Mesothelioma occurs more commonly in older age groups.
- Recent research reveals that 91 percent of all mesothelioma cases occur in individuals 55 years and older.
- 74 years old is the average age individuals are diagnosed in the United States.
- Between 1999 and 2015, the age group with the most reported cases -10,188 – occurred in ages 75-79.
- Between 1999 and 2015, the age group with the least reported cases – 40 in total – occurred in ages 15-19.
Gender-Related Statistics
- Men are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma in comparison to women, with males accounting for 75 percent of all mesothelioma deaths from 1999 to 2016.
- Men are 4.6 times more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- From 1999 to 2015, 35,850 men and 9,159 women died in the United States from mesothelioma
- From 1999 to 2015, 42,808 men were diagnosed while only 12,338 women were diagnosed.
Location-Related Statistics
The state in which you live can also have a significant impact on your risk of asbestos exposure. The following are mesothelioma diagnoses from 1999-2016 by the top five states with the highest population:
- California
- Diagnoses: 5,570
- Deaths: 4,539
- Texas
- Diagnoses: 3,060
- Deaths: 2,347
- Florida
- Diagnoses: 3,960
- Deaths: 2,969
- New York
- Diagnoses: 3,469
- Deaths: 2,476
- Pennsylvania
- Diagnoses: 3,500
- Deaths: 2,930
Occupations with the Greatest Risk of Asbestos Exposure
- Construction
- Firefighting
- Manufacturing
- Chemical refining
- Power generation
- Shipbuilding
- Military service
Survival Rate Statistics
- Mesothelioma patients survive an average of 12 to 21 months.
- For individuals with stage 1 pleural mesothelioma, the two-year survival rate is around 41-46% with a five-year survival rate at approximately 13-16%.
- For individuals with stage 2 pleural mesothelioma, the two-year survival rate is around 38% with a five-year survival rate of around 10%.
- For individuals with stage 3 pleural mesothelioma, the two-year survival rate is around 26-30% with a five-year survival rate of around 5-8%.
- For individuals with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma, the two-year survival rate is around 17% with a five-year survival rate of less than 1%.
Additional Mesothelioma Statistics
- There are 2,400 to 2,800 new mesothelioma cases reported in the U.S. each year as per the CDC.
- 20 million people could possibly develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure.
- About 1 million people around the world are exposed to asbestos each year.
- There are approximately 2,500 mesothelioma related deaths each year, similar to the number of cases discovered each year.
- Mesothelioma is more common in whites and Hispanics/Latinos than in African Americas or Asian Americans.