Global Trends in Pleural Mesothelioma Mortality and Asbestos Use
Author Information
Author(s): Nishikawa Kunihito, Takahashi Ken, Karjalainen Antti, Wen Chi-Pang, Furuya Sugio, Hoshuyama Tsutomu, Todoroki Miwako, Kiyomoto Yoshifumi, Wilson Donald, Higashi Toshiaki, Ohtaki Megu, Pan Guowei, Wagner Gregory
Primary Institution: Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu City, Japan
Hypothesis
This study aims to assess the relationship between recent mortality from pleural mesothelioma, historical trends in asbestos use, and the adoption of bans across different countries.
Conclusion
The disparities in global mesothelioma trends are likely related to differences in asbestos use trends among countries.
Supporting Evidence
- Countries adopting asbestos bans reduced use rates about twice as fast as those not adopting bans.
- Period mortality rates increased significantly in five countries and marginally in two countries.
- Countries with higher historical asbestos use showed higher recent mortality rates from pleural mesothelioma.
Takeaway
Some countries have stopped using asbestos, which helps reduce deaths from a type of cancer called mesothelioma, while others still use it and see more deaths.
Methodology
The study analyzed pleural mesothelioma mortality rates from 31 countries using age-adjusted mortality rates from 1996 to 2005 and assessed historical asbestos use and national bans.
Potential Biases
Increasing trends in countries with low mortality levels could be due to improved disease recognition rather than actual increases in incidence.
Limitations
The study relied on national data that may lack comparability and was limited to 31 countries, potentially excluding developing countries with poor data quality.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on male populations across 31 countries.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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