Mesothelioma Epidemiology and Compensation Systems
topic
Global mesothelioma mortality exceeds 40,000 deaths annually with peak incidence predicted in developing countries in 2030 to 2050 reflecting delayed epidemics from historical chrysotile use; compensation systems including the UK Mesothelioma Scheme, US asbestos trust funds from bankrupt companies, and national workers compensation systems provide financial redress to asbestos disease victims where corporate liability has been established through litigation or legislation.
Role
Quantifies the ongoing human cost of historical asbestos use that motivates continued international efforts toward complete asbestos elimination, supports policy arguments for prioritising developing country asbestos ban implementation to prevent future epidemic peaks, and provides the actuarial data used in asbestos liability fund management and remaining corporate asbestos liability estimation.