Where There Is Asbestos, There Is Mesothelioma: Filling in the Data Blanks
2011
Asbestos and Mesothelioma: Understanding the Data Gaps
Sample size: 89
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Rebecca Clay Haynes
Hypothesis
What is the extent of unreported mesothelioma cases in relation to asbestos use?
Conclusion
The study estimates that for every four to five known cases of mesothelioma, at least one case goes unreported globally.
Supporting Evidence
- Cumulative asbestos use in 89 countries totaled more than 65 million metric tons from 1920 to 1970.
- Of the 56 countries reporting mesothelioma data, there were more than 174,000 estimated cases and 92,000 reported deaths from 1994 to 2008.
- The authors estimate an additional 39,000 mesothelioma cases in 33 countries not reporting the disease.
Takeaway
When people use asbestos, many cases of a serious disease called mesothelioma go unreported. This study helps us understand how many cases might be missing.
Methodology
The authors compared cumulative asbestos use with reported mesothelioma cases and estimated unreported cases based on this relationship.
Limitations
The study does not account for the increase in asbestos use since 1970.
Participant Demographics
Countries with data on both mesothelioma and asbestos use.
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