The risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Abstract

The risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma Although the use of asbestos-containing building materials was banned in the UK in 1999, this carcinogenic mineral continues to be a serious health threat. Daniel J. Murphy from the University of Glasgow tells us more. The UK currently endures the highest incidence of Mesothelioma worldwide: 45 annual fatalities/million population; 1/212 male lifetime risk (1), making asbestos the leading cause of occupation-related mortality in the UK. (2) Although the use of asbestos-containing building materials was banned in the UK in 1999, an estimated 1.5 million UK buildings are thought to contain up to six million tons of asbestos – including 94% of hospitals, 80% of schools and 74% of university buildings. (3)