Asbestos Update

“Substantial” economic burden from lung cancer and mesothelioma

There is a “substantial” economic burden from lung cancer and mesothelioma associated with occupational and para-occupational asbestos exposure, according to a Canadian study. The study aimed to estimate the lifetime cost of newly diagnosed lung cancer and mesothelioma cases associated with occupational and para-occupational asbestos exposure for calendar year 2011 “based on the societal perspective”. The key cost components considered are healthcare costs, productivity and output costs, and quality of life costs.