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Mesothelioma in US States
Arizona Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Risks
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry shows that in Tuscon, Arizona, there is a large asbestos industry. Phoenix, Arizona is home to one of the largest training facilities for asbestos management and abatement; so it is no surprise that asbestos-related diseases have deeply affected the people of this state.
What are the Risk Factors of Mesothelioma in Arizona?
Arizona cases of mesothelioma have continued to be reported with increasing numbers each year. A history of asbestos exposure at work accounts for 70 to 80 percent of all asbestos cases in Arizona. However, mesothelioma has been also reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos have to wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure to this deadly material.
Where are Asbestos Typically Found?
Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Asbestos that have been damaged or disturbed can release airborne dust particles which can be inhaled or swallowed, especially during the manufacturing process, which in turn damages the mesotelial lining of the lungs and causing serious health problems in the future.
Asbestos Related Death Rate in Arizona
It has been reported that between 1979 and 1999, over 500 Arizona residents died from asbestos-related disease and 60 percent were victims of malignant mesothelioma. The highest death rate was in densely populated Maricopa County, and La Paz County had the lowest fatality due to asbestosis.
Who is at Increased Risk for Developing Mesothelioma in Arizona?
Anyone who has worked at Solomon's Mines located in Arizona, is at a high risk for asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases. In Scottsdale, Yuma and Tuscan alone, there are three copper smelting operations and seven major power generating plants that were known to use asbestos. Although most of these industries have taken steps to clean up the asbestos in their plants, the workers from 1990 were not protected and may have been exposed to asbestos. One study shows that workers who have been exposed to asbestos over a long period of time and on a regular basis, will also have an increases risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
Arizona Asbestos Law
Under Title 36, Article 2, Section 36 to 134 states that asbestos and asbestos-related diseases are covered. Under Title 23, the law states that employers shall provide employment, which is free from recognized hazards and that all employees must comply with safety and health standards.
