Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Due to Asbestos Exposure in Arizona

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Prevalence in Arizona

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that develops in the thin layers of tissue covering internal organs and is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. From 2017 to 2021, Arizona recorded an age-adjusted mesothelioma rate of 0.7 cases per 100,000 people, with 325 new cases reported during that period.

Lung cancer is another serious disease linked to asbestos exposure. Between 2017 and 2021, Arizona experienced an age-adjusted lung cancer rate of 42.3 per 100,000 people, resulting in 20,068 newly diagnosed cases.

In 2023, an estimated 4,450 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer were reported in Arizona, with approximately 2,290 deaths attributed to the disease. In 2024, the rate of new cases was 42.6, which is notably lower than the national average of 53.6. Arizona ranked seventh nationwide for lung cancer incidence, while the rate of new cases declined by 19 percent over the past five years.

Prolonged asbestos exposure has had lasting health consequences for workers and families across Arizona, with effects that may not appear until decades after exposure.

Contributing Factors

Asbestos exposure in Arizona has been a significant public health concern due to the mineral's widespread use throughout the twentieth century. Industries such as construction, manufacturing, mining, and power generation frequently relied on asbestos for its heat resistance and durability.

Arizona was home to major asbestos mining operations and copper smelting facilities where exposure risks were especially high. Workers including miners, factory employees, and power plant personnel were often exposed to airborne asbestos fibers, which could also be carried home on work clothing. Companies such as W.R. Grace and Coastal Mobile Refinery were among those linked to asbestos exposure in the state.

Beyond occupational exposure, secondary and environmental exposure has also posed risks, particularly in homes and schools. Smoking significantly increases the likelihood of developing lung cancer when combined with asbestos exposure, making early medical consultation essential for those who may have been exposed.