The study lists the 10 US counties with the highest mesothelioma diagnosis and mortality rates. All 10 states have significantly higher mortality and diagnosis rates than those states and are at least twice the national rate of new cancer diagnoses.

Jefferson Parish has the highest rate of new mesothelioma cancer diagnoses and the second highest death rate from mesothelioma in the United States. In fact, her new cancer diagnosis rate was more than double her in Louisiana and 3.5 times her national average.

New London County has the highest death rate from mesothelioma of any county in the United States, at 2.2 deaths per 100,000 population.

Kitsap County, Washington, is the only West Coast county in the top 10 and has the second-highest new cancer rate, tied with Jackson County, Mississippi.

*Data for counties with fewer than 16 cases (or deaths) were suppressed, so we were unable to identify the counties with the lowest infection rates.

#1. Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

Population: 2,177,527

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 2.6 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 2.1 per 100,000

#2. Jackson County, Mississippi

Population: 720,002

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 2.4 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 2.1 per 100,000

#3. Kitsap County, Washington

Population: 1,331,404

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 2.4 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 2.0 per 100,000

#4. New London County, Connecticut

Population: 1,339,159

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 2.1 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 2.2 per 100,000

#5. Gloucester County, New Jersey

Population: 1,456,501

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 2.3 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 1.7 per 100,000

#6. Butler County, Pennsylvania

Population: 935,900

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 2.2 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 1.5 per 100,000

#7.York County, Maine

Population: 1,022,712

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 1.9 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 1.5 per 100,000

#8. Camden County, New Jersey

Population: 2,534,555

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 1.9 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 1.4 per 100,000

#9. Somerset County, New Jersey

Population: 1,651,105

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 1.8 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 1.5 per 100,000

#Ten.Niagara County, New York

Population: 1,054,720

• Incidence of new mesothelioma cancer: 1.6 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma mortality rate: 1.6 per 100,000

How to mitigate risk

Exposure to asbestos almost always causes mesothelioma. Generally, people are exposed by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers when the material is destroyed.Statistics show that most people never develop mesothelioma, so it’s important to avoid it exposure to asbestos If you can.

Asbestos was widely used before the 1980s, so many older homes and buildings still contain asbestos. If you live in an older home, consider pipe and furnace insulation, siding, popcorn ceiling, attic insulation, flooring. If you need to replace any materials, or are planning any home renovations, do not disturb these materials and consult your local agent or certified asbestos contractor.

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when working around materials containing asbestos and, if possible, be trained in handling asbestos. Workers in some industries are more likely to be affected than others.this too veteran, shipyard worker, construction workers, and even educators and school personnel. If your workplace contains asbestos and you believe it is causing harm, you should tell your employer or your health and safety representative. If you still have concerns, contact your state’s occupational health and safety regulator.

Data and methodology

State and county mesothelioma data reflect 2015-2019 and were provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Cancer Institute.

State and county rankings were determined by a composite ranking of mortality and new cancer incidence, with ties broken by total deaths and total new infections.

this story Produced by Bailey Glasser LLP Reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.