Asbestos-related disease indicators report released

The third edition of the Asbestos-related Disease Indicators report has been released. The report reveals that in 2011, 606 deaths were caused by mesothelioma and 125 deaths were caused by asbestosis. In most cases mesothelioma and asbestosis deaths are the direct result of work-related exposure to asbestos fibres up to 40 years ago.

This Safe Work Australia report includes new data on the:

• incidence of mesothelioma (2009-2010),
• compensated claims for mesothelioma and asbestosis (2011), and
• deaths attributed to mesothelioma and asbestosis (2011).

This report also includes information on the:

• changes in the nature of exposures to asbestos fibres in Australia since the 1950s,
• occupations at highest risk of exposure,
• number of new cases and incidence rates of mesothelioma in Australia,
• number of hospitalisations attributed to asbestosis, and
• prevention policies aimed at removing or minimising the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres.

The report uses data from state, territory and Commonwealth workers compensation schemes, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Australian Bureau of Statistics and the New South Wales Dust Diseases Board.