Mesothelioma Deaths by Occupation

Even today, years after the link between asbestos and mesothelioma has been firmly established, many jobs require workers to work with or near asbestos. While some employers may be unaware of asbestos in the workplace, this is not true of all employers. In cases where the presence of asbestos is known, employers are required to protect and/or warn their employees. Failure to do so is often a result of unscrupulous business practices. Unfortunately, hundreds of people die every year from mesothelioma developed as a result of asbestos exposure at work. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Please click here to learn more about recovering your losses through a mesothelioma lawsuit. 

Hazardous Occupations

The Center for Health Statistics has compiled a list of some of the most common occupations of people who have died of mesothelioma. The percentage indicates the portion of total mesothelioma deaths per occupation in 1999:

· Managers and administrators – 7.6
· Housewife/Homemaker – 6.8
· Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters – 3.3
· Janitors and cleaners – 3.1
· Supervisors and proprietors, sales occupations – 3.0
· Carpenters – 3.0
· Elementary school teachers – 2.4
· Farmers (non-horticulture) – 2.2
· Electricians – 2.2
· Supervisors, production occupations 2.2
· Truck drivers – 2.2
· Occupations not reported – 5.2
· All other occupations – 56.8

Some of these occupations, such as elementary school teachers, have high mesothelioma death rates not because they work with asbestos directly, but because they spend a lot of time in old buildings that may contain deteriorating asbestos.

Homemakers are more likely to contract asbestos through non-occupational asbestos exposure. Numerous reports have been made of women who have died after years of washing the clothes of their husbands or other family members exposed to asbestos in the workplace. The theory is that asbestos fibers are brought home on a person’s clothes, skin and hair, causing others to be exposed to the dangerous substance.

Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with or died from mesothelioma, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your pain, suffering, medical expenses and more. Please contact us today for a FREE consultation with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.