May 28, 2025
The number of deaths attributed to asbestos exposure has increased dramatically, rising 20% in the past 35 years and raising significant concerns among public health officials and researchers that companies have not done enough to ensure safe manufacturing practices.
Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring minerals known for their heat resistance and durability, has been extensively used in many industries. However, its carcinogenic properties have led to a surge in asbestos-related diseases and fatalities.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that occurs in rock and soil. It has been used in many materials produced for building and home construction due to its fiber strength and heat resistance. However, asbestos fibers can cause serious lung problems if inhaled. These fibers can build up in the lungs and cause health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Mesothelioma can take 20 to 60 years to develop after asbestos exposure.
About 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. An estimated 40,000 Americans die from asbestos-related health issues each year.
From 1990 to 2019, the overall number of deaths due to asbestos exposure in the United States increased by 20%, according to a BMC Public Health analysis released in May 2024.
Tracheal cancer, bronchial cancer, and lung cancer were the leading causes of death attributed to asbestos exposure, with increasing trends observed over the past five years, the study found.
California reported the highest number of deaths, with 3,151 fatalities, followed by Florida with 2,775.9, Pennsylvania with 2,357.7, Texas with 2,343.5 and Ohio with 2,061.1.
Businesses have known about the dangers of asbestos since the early 20th century but have failed to adequately protect or warn workers and the public. This negligence has led to countless preventable deaths and illnesses, critics say.
Asbestos has been used widely in many industries such as building and construction for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing and sound absorption.
The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads. Asbestos has also been used in ceiling and floor tiles, paints, coatings and adhesives and plastics.
Thousands of workers, particularly in construction, shipbuilding, automotive and firefighting industries, have been exposed to asbestos without proper protection. The public has also been at risk, as asbestos is present in everyday products such as insulation, flooring, and even talc-based cosmetics and baby powder.
Talc found in cosmetics and baby powder products is often contaminated with asbestos. Thousands of women have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma due to this contamination.
Johnson & Johnson is facing more than 34,000 lawsuits, many from women who claim that they used the company’s baby powder and developed ovarian cancer. The company removed the talc-based baby powder from store shelves in the United States and Canada in 2020.
How We Help Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Seek justice with the help of our experienced asbestos attorneys. Our asbestos law firm has represented individuals like you affected by asbestos exposure for over 20 years, aggressively fighting the corporate giants responsible for their dangerous products. If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos or suffered from a disease caused by asbestos, like mesothelioma, we can help.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Private equity firm and co-defendants agree to pay $25M in Medicaid fraud case alleging mental health services provided by unqualified providers.
That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win.
