Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Due to Asbestos Exposure in New York

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Prevalence in New York

Mesothelioma is a serious but rare cancer that is predominantly caused by asbestos exposure and continues to affect residents throughout New York. Between 2017 and 2021, the state recorded an age-adjusted incidence rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people, resulting in 865 newly diagnosed cases.

Although less common than other cancers, mesothelioma remains a major health concern for individuals with prolonged asbestos exposure, particularly those who worked in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.

Lung cancer, another disease strongly linked to asbestos exposure, is significantly more prevalent in New York. During the same period, the state reported 69,610 new lung cancer cases, with an age-adjusted incidence rate of 53.5 per 100,000 people.

In addition, 14,150 people were diagnosed with lung cancer, and 6,330 of those individuals lost their lives in 2023. These numbers highlight the ongoing health burden posed by asbestos-related diseases across the state.

The high number of asbestos-related cancer cases in New York underscores the importance of awareness, early detection, and preventive measures.

Contributing Factors

New York's extensive industrial history has played a major role in widespread asbestos exposure. The state has at least 23 known asbestos deposits and mines, with some of the highest mesothelioma death rates found in Western New York, particularly in the Buffalo region.

This area was once home to numerous factories, power plants, and shipyards where asbestos-containing materials were commonly used. Workers in these environments were often exposed to airborne asbestos fibers for years.

Although New York's Atlantic coastline is shorter than that of neighboring states, it still hosts shipyards along the Great Lakes. These facilities exposed workers to the same asbestos risks seen in larger coastal shipyards.

Residents of older homes and individuals living near construction or renovation sites may also have been exposed to asbestos used in insulation, roofing, and other building materials. Over time, such exposure can lead to serious illnesses including pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and lung cancer.