Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Due to Asbestos Exposure in Georgia (GA)

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Prevalence in Georgia

Mesothelioma is primarily caused by prolonged asbestos exposure. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause them to become lodged in the mesothelial layers, the thin lining covering internal organs. From 2017 to 2021, the age-adjusted rate of mesothelioma in Georgia was 0.5 per 100,000 people, with 291 new cases reported.

The risk of lung cancer due to asbestos exposure is significant. In 2023, an estimated 7,610 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer were reported in Georgia, along with approximately 4,060 deaths.

Between 2017 and 2021, the age-adjusted lung cancer rate in Georgia was 56.8 per 100,000 people, totaling 34,363 new cases. The projected 2024 rate is 57.1, slightly higher than the national average of 53.6. Georgia ranks 30th in the nation for lung cancer incidence, though rates have improved by 16% over the past five years.

Asbestos-related diseases often develop decades after exposure, making early prevention and awareness critically important for workers and families in Georgia.

Contributing Factors

Georgia has naturally occurring asbestos deposits, with 52 identified sites. The state was once home to 17 asbestos mines, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Georgia Department of Public Health identifies asbestos sources such as insulation, textured coatings, soundproofing, and fireproofing materials found in homes, offices, and public buildings. Several industries have significantly impacted worker and family health.

Paper manufacturing has been a major source of exposure, as asbestos was commonly used in pulp and paper mills. Power generation plants, military bases, and coastal shipyards have also contributed to increased exposure risks. Asbestos remains present in older buildings and may be released during demolition, repair, or remodeling activities.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause them to lodge in lung tissue, potentially leading to lung cancer over time. This risk is substantially higher for smokers and tobacco users.