Over the years, countries such as Canada, Russia and Italy that produce the majority of the world’s chrysotile asbestos have made claims that this type of asbestos is safer than other forms because it gives off fewer fibers.
Our mesothelioma attorneys have found no such evidence for this claim. In fact, regulatory boards such as the Environmental Protection Agency have emphatically stated that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, including chrysotile.
A study published in a recent issue of Occupational and Environmental Medicine supports our position. Researchers studied the disease and mortality rates of workers employed in four North Carolina asbestos plants between 1950 and 1973. The team noted, among other data:
- A 47% increase in overall mortality compared to the general population
- A 41% increase in mortality for all combined cancers
- A 95% increase in lung cancer
- Standardized mortality rates (SMRs) for pleural cancer, mesothelioma and pneumoconiosis were elevated.
The article concludes, “This study provides further evidence that exposure to chrysotile asbestos in textile manufacturing is associated with increased risk of lung cancer, asbestosis cancer of the pleura and mesothelioma.”
Learn more about asbestos exposure and its association with mesothelioma.
If you believe you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos, discover when to contact a mesothelioma attorney.
