For immediate release: November 6, 2015

Annual Death Rates from Asbestos in All 5 Counties Higher Than National Average

Washington, D.C. – Roughly 6 out of every 100,000 deaths each year in Rhode Island is caused by asbestos-triggered diseases, according to a new analysis by researchers with Environmental Working Group Action Fund.

The nationwide rate is 4.9 for every 100,000 deaths. Since 1999, the group estimates more than 1,000 residents of the state have died from asbestos. The counties with the highest annual rates in the state include Washington County at 9.8, Kent County at 8.7 and Bristol County at 7.2.

The analysis combines federal records of deaths from mesothelioma and asbestosis, and a formula developed by international cancer researchers with the World Health Organization for estimating lung cancer deaths from asbestos. It’s estimated that up to 15,000 Americans die each year from asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is only caused by asbestos, attacks the lining that surrounds the lungs, stomach and other organs. Those diagnosed with the disease usually die within months.

It is difficult to determine what the main sources of exposure to the deadly fiber are for Rhode Island residents. However, asbestos was most commonly used for decades in the manufacturing industry, including home and shipbuilding.

While the use of asbestos has diminished since the early 1980s after its health risks became apparent, it remains legal and continues to be used in some products and imported into the U.S.

“Many people in Rhode Island, like the rest of the country, likely believe the threat of asbestos exposure is something from the past and no longer presents a risk to Americans, but that’s simply not true,” said EWG Action Fund’s Alex Formuzis. “It’s not only still legal and in use, but many of the homes, buildings and schools built before the early 1980’s almost certainly contain asbestos.”

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure, adding that “[a]sbestos exposures as short in duration as a few days have caused mesothelioma in humans.”

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EWG Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that is a separate sister organization of the Environmental Working Group. The mission of EWG Action Fund is to protect health and the environment by educating the public and lobbying on a wide range of environmental issues. Donations to EWG Action Fund are not tax-deductible.