Mesothelioma

Deaths from mesothelioma continue to increase in Great Britain. Deaths occurring now are a legacy of past exposures to asbestos when it was widely used particularly for insulating buildings.

The latest information shows:

• The number of mesothelioma deaths has increased from 153 in 1968 to 2 321 in 2009. Over 80% of deaths were among men. (Mesothelioma register).
• Men who worked in the building industry when asbestos was still being used widely are now among those most at risk of mesothelioma.
• Most deaths among women are likely to be due to a range of non-occupational asbestos exposures.
• The worst case predictions for males are that annual deaths will increase to a peak of about 2 100 in about the year 2016.
• Female deaths are likely to peak after this but at a much lower level.

Mesothelioma deaths and disablement benefit cases 1982-2010