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According to a report prepared by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), more than 244 people have died because of Mesothelioma in Delaware. This figure may not be accurate due to lack of people who came forward for proper treatment. However, one thing which is necessary to know is that this is a disease which should be treated very seriously. Lack of treatment or ignorance can result in death with in a year of diagnosis.
Mesothelioma is a deadly disease which is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Those who worked in asbestos mines, construction, shipbuilding industries, asbestos factories and plants, insulation and demolition programs from 1940’s to 1970’s are likely to get this disease. Those workers did not wear any protective gear or masks and inhaled asbestos fiber and particles which lead to Mesothelioma.
All this ended in 1970’s when the government realized this disease as being deadly and took measure to enforce workplace standards to save people from this menace. However, by this time, hundreds and thousands of people were already afflicted with it.
Mesothelioma can develop even if there has been no direct exposure to asbestos. Family members and loved ones of the people who worked in asbestos related industry were found to be suffering from Mesothelioma too as asbestos particles can be transferred with clothes, shoes and hair of the affected people. By indirectly inhaling the asbestos particles or living in asbestos filled environment, you can get Mesothelioma.
When asbestos affects the lining of the lungs, it’s called pleural Mesothelioma but when it affects the lining of the stomach, it’s called peritoneal Mesothelioma. One important thing to know is that while smoking does not cause Mesothelioma, it increases your chance of getting it.
Mesothelioma in Delaware
Below are the figures for the number of deaths, mortality rate (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Delaware State in the year 1999, among residents aged 15 years and older.
State |
|
Crude Mortality |
Rate |
Rank |
|
Age-Adjusted Mortality |
Rate |
Rank |
|
VYLL to life Expectancy |
Total |
Rank |
VYLL/death |
Rank |
|
Delaware |
12 |
41 |
19.96 |
2 |
19.71 |
3 |
157 |
41 |
13.1 |
36 |
As the statistics show, Delaware does not have a high death count resulting from Mesothelioma. However, this does not free the people here form all caution and vigilance.
It’s because more than 314 tons of vermiculite was shipped from Libby, Montana to places in Delmar, Delaware during 1948 and 1993. Massive amounts of dust was inhaled by people living nearby when vermiculite processing plants processed huge amounts of asbestos contaminated dust leading to asbestos exposure. Indirect exposure to family members is also possible when asbestos particles are carried home on workers’ clothing, shoes, gear and hair. Seeking medical help promptly is very important if asbestos exposure is suspected as treatment at an early stage may be significantly easier.
Contact a Mesothelioma attorney if you are suffering from this deadly disease and you contracted it because of unsafe working environment. We have listed Mesothelioma attorneys in each state on this site to help you find suitable legal help. |
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