GITNUXREPORT 2026

Asbestos Deaths Statistics

Asbestos remains a deadly global health crisis, causing over a hundred thousand preventable deaths each year.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Mesothelioma caused 3,036 deaths in the US from 1999-2015 average annual

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Globally, mesothelioma has a 95% asbestos attribution, with 30,000 deaths/year worldwide

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Asbestosis deaths in the US: 1,348 in 2018 per NIOSH

Statistic 4

Lung cancer from asbestos: 5,000-6,000 US deaths annually

Statistic 5

Ovarian cancer linked to asbestos: 300 US deaths/year estimated

Statistic 6

Laryngeal cancer asbestos-related: 400 deaths/year in high-exposure groups US

Statistic 7

Pleural plaques lead to 10% progression to mesothelioma deaths: 5,000 global/year

Statistic 8

Asbestos-related COPD deaths: 2,000 annually in former miners US

Statistic 9

Peritoneal mesothelioma: 20% of all mesothelioma deaths, 500 US/year

Statistic 10

Asbestosis mortality rate US: 0.4 per 100,000 in 2019

Statistic 11

Mesothelioma median survival post-diagnosis: 12 months, leading to 90% mortality within 5 years US

Statistic 12

Asbestos lung cancer risk doubles with 25 fiber-years exposure, causing 4,000 US deaths

Statistic 13

Global asbestosis deaths: 15,000/year

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US male mesothelioma deaths: 2,200/year vs 300 female

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Throat cancer from asbestos: 200 US deaths/year

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Stomach cancer asbestos-linked: 300 deaths/year US estimates

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Colorectal cancer risk from asbestos: 500 deaths/year in exposed workers US

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Renal cancer asbestos-associated: 150 US deaths annually

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Global lung cancer asbestos fraction: 3-5%, 80,000 deaths/year

Statistic 20

US asbestosis hospitalizations precede 20% of deaths, 1,000 cases/year

Statistic 21

Mesothelioma in Australia: 700 deaths/year, 80% asbestos-related

Statistic 22

UK mesothelioma deaths: 2,300/year all asbestos-caused

Statistic 23

Globally, asbestos exposure causes over 107,000 deaths annually from diseases including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis

Statistic 24

In 2016, an estimated 125,000 people died worldwide from asbestos-related diseases according to WHO data

Statistic 25

The World Health Organization reports that asbestos kills approximately 255,000 people each year globally when including all related cancers and diseases

Statistic 26

Between 1990 and 2019, global deaths from asbestos-related mesothelioma increased by 9%, reaching around 40,000 annually

Statistic 27

Asbestos-related lung cancer deaths worldwide are estimated at over 85,000 per year by the ILO

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Globally, 90% of mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure, resulting in about 38,000 deaths yearly

Statistic 29

The WHO estimates 1.3 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually due to asbestos deaths globally

Statistic 30

In low- and middle-income countries, asbestos deaths exceed 200,000 per year due to ongoing use

Statistic 31

Global burden of asbestos-related diseases accounts for 0.5% of all cancer deaths worldwide annually

Statistic 32

Approximately 3 million people worldwide are currently living with asbestos-related diseases leading to future deaths

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Asbestos contributes to 5-7% of global lung cancer deaths, equating to over 70,000 fatalities yearly

Statistic 34

Worldwide, shipbreaking activities cause 1,000-2,000 asbestos-related deaths annually among workers

Statistic 35

The cumulative global deaths from asbestos since 1980 exceed 20 million, per epidemiological models

Statistic 36

In 2022, WHO updated estimates to 130,000 annual asbestos deaths globally including non-occupational exposure

Statistic 37

Global asbestos-attributable deaths rose 10% from 2000 to 2020 due to latency effects

Statistic 38

Over 50 countries still use asbestos, contributing to 150,000 deaths yearly in those regions

Statistic 39

IARC classifies asbestos as causing 100% of mesotheliomas globally, with 40,000+ deaths/year

Statistic 40

Global economic cost of asbestos deaths exceeds $100 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity

Statistic 41

Asbestos-related deaths represent 1 in 10 occupational cancer fatalities worldwide

Statistic 42

From 1990-2017, asbestos caused 2.5 million global deaths from lung cancer alone

Statistic 43

WHO projects 250,000 annual asbestos deaths by 2050 if bans not universal

Statistic 44

Globally, women account for 5% of asbestos deaths despite lower exposure, around 5,000 yearly

Statistic 45

Children exposed para-occupationally contribute to 10,000 future asbestos deaths globally

Statistic 46

Asbestos deaths in construction sector alone: 30,000 globally per year

Statistic 47

Global mesothelioma incidence linked to asbestos: 30,000 new cases/year leading to deaths

Statistic 48

Cumulative asbestos deaths 1950-2000 estimated at 10 million worldwide

Statistic 49

Asbestos causes 20% of deaths in certain high-exposure industries globally

Statistic 50

In 2019, asbestos-related DALYs globally were 1.5 million

Statistic 51

Global asbestos death rate per million: 14, primarily from occupational exposure

Statistic 52

Over 200,000 asbestos deaths prevented globally by bans since 1990

Statistic 53

US peak asbestos deaths 1970s: 10,000/year occupational, now 3,000

Statistic 54

Australia asbestos ban 2003 prevented 20,000 future deaths projected to 2050

Statistic 55

UK mesothelioma peak 2018: 2,343 deaths, declining 2%/year

Statistic 56

US mesothelioma deaths peaked 2007 at 2,600, now stable at 2,500/year

Statistic 57

Global asbestos use peaked 1980 at 5M tons, leading to deaths peaking 2030

Statistic 58

Latency period average 40 years causes rising deaths post-bans, 50,000/year by 2040 global

Statistic 59

France deaths declined 20% since 2000 post-ban, from 4,000 to 3,200/year

Statistic 60

WHO projects 5 million cumulative deaths 2000-2050 from past exposure

Statistic 61

US asbestosis deaths halved since 2000, from 2,500 to 1,200/year

Statistic 62

Italy mesothelioma rising until 2025 projected peak 2,500 deaths/year

Statistic 63

Global bans in 60+ countries prevented 1 million deaths since 1990

Statistic 64

Canada deaths projected to peak 2025 at 500/year then decline

Statistic 65

Japan asbestos deaths to continue 1,000/year until 2040

Statistic 66

Brazil without ban: deaths to double to 30,000 by 2050

Statistic 67

Russia legacy exposure: 30,000 deaths projected 2020-2040

Statistic 68

Sweden early ban 1976: deaths down 50% since 1990

Statistic 69

US cumulative asbestos deaths 1990-2020: 200,000+

Statistic 70

Global mesothelioma incidence to peak 2025 then decline in banned nations

Statistic 71

Australia cumulative 4,000 mesothelioma deaths 1997-2017

Statistic 72

UK projected 65,000 mesothelioma deaths 1980-2050

Statistic 73

In the United States, asbestos-related diseases caused 12,975 deaths in 2019 according to CDC data

Statistic 74

Australia recorded 639 mesothelioma deaths in 2021, mostly from past asbestos exposure

Statistic 75

UK asbestos deaths totaled 2,500 in 2020 from lung cancer and mesothelioma combined

Statistic 76

Canada reported 472 asbestos-related deaths in 2018, primarily mesothelioma

Statistic 77

Brazil estimates 15,000 annual asbestos deaths despite ongoing use

Statistic 78

Russia has approximately 20,000 asbestos-related deaths yearly due to high historical exposure

Statistic 79

Italy saw 1,999 mesothelioma deaths in 2019 linked to asbestos

Statistic 80

France banned asbestos in 1997 but still has 3,500 deaths/year from legacy exposure

Statistic 81

Japan reports 1,200 mesothelioma deaths annually from asbestos

Statistic 82

South Africa estimates 1,000+ asbestos deaths yearly in mining communities

Statistic 83

Belgium recorded 400 asbestos deaths in 2020, down from peaks

Statistic 84

The Netherlands has 800 annual asbestos-related lung cancer deaths

Statistic 85

Germany reports 4,000 asbestos deaths per year including asbestosis

Statistic 86

India faces 100,000+ potential asbestos deaths annually from current use

Statistic 87

China, the largest asbestos user, estimates 500,000 future deaths from past exposure

Statistic 88

Turkey banned asbestos in 2010 but has 2,000 deaths/year from prior use

Statistic 89

Sweden saw a peak of 400 asbestos deaths in 2015, now declining

Statistic 90

New Zealand reports 100 mesothelioma deaths yearly from asbestos

Statistic 91

Mexico estimates 5,000 asbestos deaths annually amid ongoing mining

Statistic 92

Spain has 1,500 asbestos-related deaths per year post-ban

Statistic 93

Norway recorded 150 mesothelioma deaths in 2020 from asbestos

Statistic 94

Finland reports 200 annual asbestos lung cancer deaths

Statistic 95

Poland estimates 3,000 asbestos deaths yearly from shipyards and mines

Statistic 96

US mesothelioma deaths: 2,549 in 2020 per CDC

Statistic 97

UK asbestosis deaths: 500 in 2021

Statistic 98

Australia asbestosis deaths: 200 in 2021

Statistic 99

Construction workers US: 40% of asbestos lung cancer deaths, 2,000/year

Statistic 100

Shipyard workers historically: 10% lifetime risk of mesothelioma death US

Statistic 101

US miners exposed to asbestos: 5,000 deaths since 1980 from asbestosis

Statistic 102

Auto mechanics US: 1,000 lung cancer deaths/year from brakes asbestos

Statistic 103

Insulators US: 50% mortality from asbestos diseases by age 70

Statistic 104

Global construction: 25% of occupational cancer deaths from asbestos, 20,000/year

Statistic 105

UK plumbers: 15% excess asbestos death risk, 500 deaths/year

Statistic 106

US Navy veterans: 3,000 mesothelioma deaths since 1980

Statistic 107

Demolition workers Europe: 2,000 asbestos deaths/year from friable asbestos

Statistic 108

Firefighters 9/11: 343 deaths projected from asbestos by 2070 US

Statistic 109

Roofers US: 10% asbestosis rate leading to 300 deaths/year

Statistic 110

Factory workers textiles: 1,500 global asbestos deaths/year

Statistic 111

Electricians US: 800 lung cancer deaths from asbestos insulation

Statistic 112

Welders shipbuilding: 20% excess mortality from mesothelioma, 400 deaths/year global

Statistic 113

Maintenance workers US factories: 2,000 asbestos deaths since 2000

Statistic 114

Painters exposed to asbestos: 500 deaths/year US from joint compounds

Statistic 115

Bricklayers UK: 10% asbestos-related deaths, 200/year

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Miners South Africa: 50% lifetime risk, 800 deaths/year

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US railroad workers: 1,000 deaths from asbestos gaskets

Statistic 118

Teachers para-occupational: 100 US deaths/year from school asbestos

Statistic 119

Global manufacturing: 15,000 asbestos deaths/year occupational

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The world is still paying for past asbestos sins, with the material claiming over 107,000 lives globally each year.

Key Takeaways

Globally, asbestos exposure causes over 107,000 deaths annually from diseases including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis
In 2016, an estimated 125,000 people died worldwide from asbestos-related diseases according to WHO data
The World Health Organization reports that asbestos kills approximately 255,000 people each year globally when including all related cancers and diseases
In the United States, asbestos-related diseases caused 12,975 deaths in 2019 according to CDC data
Australia recorded 639 mesothelioma deaths in 2021, mostly from past asbestos exposure
UK asbestos deaths totaled 2,500 in 2020 from lung cancer and mesothelioma combined
Mesothelioma caused 3,036 deaths in the US from 1999-2015 average annual
Globally, mesothelioma has a 95% asbestos attribution, with 30,000 deaths/year worldwide
Asbestosis deaths in the US: 1,348 in 2018 per NIOSH
Construction workers US: 40% of asbestos lung cancer deaths, 2,000/year
Shipyard workers historically: 10% lifetime risk of mesothelioma death US
US miners exposed to asbestos: 5,000 deaths since 1980 from asbestosis
US peak asbestos deaths 1970s: 10,000/year occupational, now 3,000
Australia asbestos ban 2003 prevented 20,000 future deaths projected to 2050
UK mesothelioma peak 2018: 2,343 deaths, declining 2%/year

Asbestos remains a deadly global health crisis, causing over a hundred thousand preventable deaths each year.

Disease-Specific Mortality

Mesothelioma caused 3,036 deaths in the US from 1999-2015 average annual
Globally, mesothelioma has a 95% asbestos attribution, with 30,000 deaths/year worldwide
Asbestosis deaths in the US: 1,348 in 2018 per NIOSH
Lung cancer from asbestos: 5,000-6,000 US deaths annually
Ovarian cancer linked to asbestos: 300 US deaths/year estimated
Laryngeal cancer asbestos-related: 400 deaths/year in high-exposure groups US
Pleural plaques lead to 10% progression to mesothelioma deaths: 5,000 global/year
Asbestos-related COPD deaths: 2,000 annually in former miners US
Peritoneal mesothelioma: 20% of all mesothelioma deaths, 500 US/year
Asbestosis mortality rate US: 0.4 per 100,000 in 2019
Mesothelioma median survival post-diagnosis: 12 months, leading to 90% mortality within 5 years US
Asbestos lung cancer risk doubles with 25 fiber-years exposure, causing 4,000 US deaths
Global asbestosis deaths: 15,000/year
US male mesothelioma deaths: 2,200/year vs 300 female
Throat cancer from asbestos: 200 US deaths/year
Stomach cancer asbestos-linked: 300 deaths/year US estimates
Colorectal cancer risk from asbestos: 500 deaths/year in exposed workers US
Renal cancer asbestos-associated: 150 US deaths annually
Global lung cancer asbestos fraction: 3-5%, 80,000 deaths/year
US asbestosis hospitalizations precede 20% of deaths, 1,000 cases/year
Mesothelioma in Australia: 700 deaths/year, 80% asbestos-related
UK mesothelioma deaths: 2,300/year all asbestos-caused

Disease-Specific Mortality Interpretation

The grim arithmetic of asbestos reveals a global pandemic, where a single deadly fiber weaves a tapestry of suffering across continents and decades, claiming tens of thousands of lives annually through a cruel portfolio of cancers and diseases long after exposure has ended.

Global Statistics

Globally, asbestos exposure causes over 107,000 deaths annually from diseases including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis
In 2016, an estimated 125,000 people died worldwide from asbestos-related diseases according to WHO data
The World Health Organization reports that asbestos kills approximately 255,000 people each year globally when including all related cancers and diseases
Between 1990 and 2019, global deaths from asbestos-related mesothelioma increased by 9%, reaching around 40,000 annually
Asbestos-related lung cancer deaths worldwide are estimated at over 85,000 per year by the ILO
Globally, 90% of mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure, resulting in about 38,000 deaths yearly
The WHO estimates 1.3 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost annually due to asbestos deaths globally
In low- and middle-income countries, asbestos deaths exceed 200,000 per year due to ongoing use
Global burden of asbestos-related diseases accounts for 0.5% of all cancer deaths worldwide annually
Approximately 3 million people worldwide are currently living with asbestos-related diseases leading to future deaths
Asbestos contributes to 5-7% of global lung cancer deaths, equating to over 70,000 fatalities yearly
Worldwide, shipbreaking activities cause 1,000-2,000 asbestos-related deaths annually among workers
The cumulative global deaths from asbestos since 1980 exceed 20 million, per epidemiological models
In 2022, WHO updated estimates to 130,000 annual asbestos deaths globally including non-occupational exposure
Global asbestos-attributable deaths rose 10% from 2000 to 2020 due to latency effects
Over 50 countries still use asbestos, contributing to 150,000 deaths yearly in those regions
IARC classifies asbestos as causing 100% of mesotheliomas globally, with 40,000+ deaths/year
Global economic cost of asbestos deaths exceeds $100 billion annually in healthcare and lost productivity
Asbestos-related deaths represent 1 in 10 occupational cancer fatalities worldwide
From 1990-2017, asbestos caused 2.5 million global deaths from lung cancer alone
WHO projects 250,000 annual asbestos deaths by 2050 if bans not universal
Globally, women account for 5% of asbestos deaths despite lower exposure, around 5,000 yearly
Children exposed para-occupationally contribute to 10,000 future asbestos deaths globally
Asbestos deaths in construction sector alone: 30,000 globally per year
Global mesothelioma incidence linked to asbestos: 30,000 new cases/year leading to deaths
Cumulative asbestos deaths 1950-2000 estimated at 10 million worldwide
Asbestos causes 20% of deaths in certain high-exposure industries globally
In 2019, asbestos-related DALYs globally were 1.5 million
Global asbestos death rate per million: 14, primarily from occupational exposure
Over 200,000 asbestos deaths prevented globally by bans since 1990

Global Statistics Interpretation

The sheer magnitude of asbestos fatalities, from the quarter-million souls lost annually to the chilling projection of even more by 2050, paints a devastating portrait of a fully preventable crisis hiding in plain sight.

Historical and Projected Trends

US peak asbestos deaths 1970s: 10,000/year occupational, now 3,000
Australia asbestos ban 2003 prevented 20,000 future deaths projected to 2050
UK mesothelioma peak 2018: 2,343 deaths, declining 2%/year
US mesothelioma deaths peaked 2007 at 2,600, now stable at 2,500/year
Global asbestos use peaked 1980 at 5M tons, leading to deaths peaking 2030
Latency period average 40 years causes rising deaths post-bans, 50,000/year by 2040 global
France deaths declined 20% since 2000 post-ban, from 4,000 to 3,200/year
WHO projects 5 million cumulative deaths 2000-2050 from past exposure
US asbestosis deaths halved since 2000, from 2,500 to 1,200/year
Italy mesothelioma rising until 2025 projected peak 2,500 deaths/year
Global bans in 60+ countries prevented 1 million deaths since 1990
Canada deaths projected to peak 2025 at 500/year then decline
Japan asbestos deaths to continue 1,000/year until 2040
Brazil without ban: deaths to double to 30,000 by 2050
Russia legacy exposure: 30,000 deaths projected 2020-2040
Sweden early ban 1976: deaths down 50% since 1990
US cumulative asbestos deaths 1990-2020: 200,000+
Global mesothelioma incidence to peak 2025 then decline in banned nations
Australia cumulative 4,000 mesothelioma deaths 1997-2017
UK projected 65,000 mesothelioma deaths 1980-2050

Historical and Projected Trends Interpretation

The tragic irony of asbestos is that while bans are proving effective at curbing future death curves, the staggering latency period means the full weight of past exposure ensures victims will continue to pay for history's industrial negligence for decades to come.

National Statistics

In the United States, asbestos-related diseases caused 12,975 deaths in 2019 according to CDC data
Australia recorded 639 mesothelioma deaths in 2021, mostly from past asbestos exposure
UK asbestos deaths totaled 2,500 in 2020 from lung cancer and mesothelioma combined
Canada reported 472 asbestos-related deaths in 2018, primarily mesothelioma
Brazil estimates 15,000 annual asbestos deaths despite ongoing use
Russia has approximately 20,000 asbestos-related deaths yearly due to high historical exposure
Italy saw 1,999 mesothelioma deaths in 2019 linked to asbestos
France banned asbestos in 1997 but still has 3,500 deaths/year from legacy exposure
Japan reports 1,200 mesothelioma deaths annually from asbestos
South Africa estimates 1,000+ asbestos deaths yearly in mining communities
Belgium recorded 400 asbestos deaths in 2020, down from peaks
The Netherlands has 800 annual asbestos-related lung cancer deaths
Germany reports 4,000 asbestos deaths per year including asbestosis
India faces 100,000+ potential asbestos deaths annually from current use
China, the largest asbestos user, estimates 500,000 future deaths from past exposure
Turkey banned asbestos in 2010 but has 2,000 deaths/year from prior use
Sweden saw a peak of 400 asbestos deaths in 2015, now declining
New Zealand reports 100 mesothelioma deaths yearly from asbestos
Mexico estimates 5,000 asbestos deaths annually amid ongoing mining
Spain has 1,500 asbestos-related deaths per year post-ban
Norway recorded 150 mesothelioma deaths in 2020 from asbestos
Finland reports 200 annual asbestos lung cancer deaths
Poland estimates 3,000 asbestos deaths yearly from shipyards and mines
US mesothelioma deaths: 2,549 in 2020 per CDC
UK asbestosis deaths: 500 in 2021
Australia asbestosis deaths: 200 in 2021

National Statistics Interpretation

This global map of persistent tragedy reveals that while asbestos bans have predictably slowed the hemorrhaging, they regrettably can’t resurrect the dead, proving the cruel math of industrial latency where the bill for past profit arrives decades later in body bags.

Occupational Exposure Stats

Construction workers US: 40% of asbestos lung cancer deaths, 2,000/year
Shipyard workers historically: 10% lifetime risk of mesothelioma death US
US miners exposed to asbestos: 5,000 deaths since 1980 from asbestosis
Auto mechanics US: 1,000 lung cancer deaths/year from brakes asbestos
Insulators US: 50% mortality from asbestos diseases by age 70
Global construction: 25% of occupational cancer deaths from asbestos, 20,000/year
UK plumbers: 15% excess asbestos death risk, 500 deaths/year
US Navy veterans: 3,000 mesothelioma deaths since 1980
Demolition workers Europe: 2,000 asbestos deaths/year from friable asbestos
Firefighters 9/11: 343 deaths projected from asbestos by 2070 US
Roofers US: 10% asbestosis rate leading to 300 deaths/year
Factory workers textiles: 1,500 global asbestos deaths/year
Electricians US: 800 lung cancer deaths from asbestos insulation
Welders shipbuilding: 20% excess mortality from mesothelioma, 400 deaths/year global
Maintenance workers US factories: 2,000 asbestos deaths since 2000
Painters exposed to asbestos: 500 deaths/year US from joint compounds
Bricklayers UK: 10% asbestos-related deaths, 200/year
Miners South Africa: 50% lifetime risk, 800 deaths/year
US railroad workers: 1,000 deaths from asbestos gaskets
Teachers para-occupational: 100 US deaths/year from school asbestos
Global manufacturing: 15,000 asbestos deaths/year occupational

Occupational Exposure Stats Interpretation

This grim data reveals asbestos not as a silent killer, but as a chatty, blue-collar grim reaper who clocked in for decades in our shipyards, schools, and skyscrapers, leaving a legacy of occupational slaughter in its dust.

Sources & References

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