Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Due to Asbestos Exposure in Kentucky (KY)

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Prevalence in Kentucky

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the lining of internal organs. The primary cause of mesothelioma is the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. From 2017 to 2021, Kentucky reported an age-adjusted mesothelioma rate of 0.7 cases per 100,000 people, with 177 new cases diagnosed during this period.

Lung cancer is another serious disease linked to asbestos exposure. In 2023, Kentucky saw an estimated 5,170 new cases of lung and bronchus cancer, with approximately 2,710 deaths reported during the same year.

Between 2017 and 2021, the age-adjusted lung cancer rate in Kentucky was 84.5 per 100,000 people, accounting for 24,754 new cases. In 2024, the state's new lung cancer rate rose slightly to 84.9, significantly higher than the national average of 53.6. Kentucky ranks 50th in the nation for lung cancer incidence, placing it in the bottom tier, although the rate of new cases has improved by 12 percent over the past five years.

Workplace asbestos exposure has played a major role in long-term health risks for workers across multiple industries in Kentucky.

Contributing Factors

Kentucky does not have naturally occurring asbestos deposits. Most asbestos exposure in the state occurred in occupational settings, where asbestos-containing materials were widely used.

Blue asbestos, also known as crocidolite, was commonly used in chemical plants such as Alcoa Aluminum and the Louisville Chemical Plant, exposing workers to particularly high risks. Military installations including Fort Campbell and Fort Knox incorporated asbestos into construction materials, increasing exposure among service members and maintenance personnel. Workers in oil refineries and power plants also faced significant asbestos hazards. Additionally, many older school buildings in Kentucky were constructed with asbestos-containing materials, putting students, teachers, and staff at risk.

Asbestos exposure is a known cause of lung cancer, and the risk increases substantially when combined with smoking.