The commercial and industrial use of asbestos was banned in 1989 by the US government. However, even after being aware of the dangers associated with this deadly carcinogen and the rising number of deaths, asbestos is being used in numerous industries and there are plenty of occupations that put workers at risk of mesothelioma.
As apparent from the mesothelioma death statistics by occupation, it is saddening to know that many of the employers are still using asbestos. While some of the employers are unaware of the dangers of asbestos, it cannot be said for all. Most of the employers who know about the dangers of asbestos are not so careful and deliberately put their employees at risk.
Due to this immoral practice, many people die after contracting mesothelioma as a result of their respective occupations. According to the Center for Health Statistics, a division of the United States National Cancer Institute, a large number of people who die from mesothelioma contract it at workplace where they are exposed to asbestos or handle it.
Hazardous Occupations that Cause Asbestos Exposure
The Center for Health Statistics has compiled a list of occupations where people are exposed to asbestos leading to mesothelioma. The percentages indicated here specify the total mesothelioma deaths per occupation.
| Occupations that Include usage of Asbestos |
Deaths in % |
| Managers and administrators |
7.6 |
| Housewife/Homemaker |
6.8 + |
| Plumbers, pipe fitters, and steamfitters |
3.3 |
| Janitors and cleaners |
3.1 |
| Supervisors and proprietors, sales occupations |
3.0 |
| Carpenters |
3.0 |
| Elementary and secondary school teachers |
2.4 + |
| Farmers (non-horticulture) |
2.2 |
| Electricians |
2.2 |
| Supervisors, production occupations |
2.2 |
| Truck drivers |
2.2 |
| Occupations not reported |
5.2 |
| All other occupations |
56.8 |
It is very surprising to know that even occupations like home workers, homemakers and school teachers are also listed here and show a high death rate. However, it is important to know that mesothelioma is a threat to these occupations too as many of the home workers, homemakers and school teachers work at old buildings where asbestos is used or near places where asbestos is handled. Keeping in mind the statistics, it can be assumed that asbestos is used or handled at such numerous locations.
Homemakers are more likely to contract mesothelioma through non-occupational exposure or indirect exposure to asbestos. It includes women who wash and dust the clothing and shoes of their husbands, brothers and sons working in the asbestos industry. As asbestos fibers are very small and can travel distances; they cause mesothelioma in anybody inhaling them.
Farmers were also found to have a high rate of mesothelioma deaths. Farming seems a harmless occupation; however, farmers working near asbestos mines or plants are vulnerable to develop mesothelioma.
Failure to use protective gear and observe safety measures has resulted in a large number of mesothelioma cases. Not only this, but the nearby places where asbestos was handled were affected by this deadly carcinogen and caused mesothelioma among people who had nothing to do with asbestos and were harmless occupants. Due to these reasons, mesothelioma statistics are soaring with each passing year. To control these statistics and save precious lives from mesothelioma, it is important to ban asbestos and stop its occupational and commercial use.
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