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Florida is one of the states which have the highest mortality rates for Mesothelioma. According to the federal data, there were about more than 4,800 deaths resulting from asbestos exposure only in Florida during the years 1979 and 2001. This figure is a frightening one and makes one question the extent of asbestos exposure in Florida.
One of the reasons for this high mortality rate is the late recognition of Mesothelioma as a cause of death. Mesothelioma was officially marked by government as a legitimate disease in 1999. By this time, hundreds and thousands had died or were suffering from Mesothelioma. It can also be said that to an extent, this mortality rate can be inaccurate.
Being a very dangerous disease, Mesothelioma can kill a person within 16 to 18 months after its first symptoms appear. These symptoms appear after a long latency period ranging from 20-50 years leading to breathing problems, stomach aches or pains. By the time symptoms are observed, it is too late to take proper action. Lung and stomach lining are the most vulnerable areas where this cancer attacks.
Asbestos is the main culprit which causes Mesothelioma. People who work in asbestos factories, mines and mills, auto companies and heating and construction as well as shipbuilding industry are more likely to get Mesothelioma as these places make use of asbestos. However, people can also get this cancer by inhaling it from the clothing, shoes and hair of the affected people or people working in the asbestos industry.
Mesothelioma cases cropped up in large numbers in late 1980’s. This was due to commercial use of asbestos till this period. In World War II, asbestos use was increased in America to build war ships. It was after 20-30 years that symptoms of Mesothelioma started appearing.
Mesothelioma in Florida
Below are the figures for the number of deaths, mortality rate (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Florida 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 |
|
Florida |
163 |
2 |
13.44 |
19 |
10.16 |
33 |
2,134 |
2 |
13.1 |
36 |
Florida is one of the states with high number of Mesothelioma deaths. It is because over 1,188 shipments or 109,948 tons of vermiculite was brought from Libby, Montana to 5 locations in Florida. These places were Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton and St. Petersburg which received vermiculite from 1948 to 1993. Due to construction work, large amounts of asbestos dust and particles were released which caused this cancer among people living nearby.
Verlite Company/Schmelzer Sales site in Tampa is at the top on the government’s list for containing highest amount of asbestos material. This marks the action which government took to ensure a healthy and safety environment under the ATSDR and EPA and regulated workplace conditions.
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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