Mortality Among Workers Receiving Compensation For Asbestosis In Ontario - (1981)

Understanding the Impact of Asbestos Exposure: Legal Insights from a Landmark Study

Abstract The study "Mortality Among Workers Receiving Compensation for Asbestosis in Ontario," authored by Finkelstein, Kusiak, and Suranyi and published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 1981, provides critical insights into the health consequences of occupational asbestos exposure. This research analyzed the mortality rates of 172 workers in Ontario who were awarded compensation for asbestosis between 1942 and mid-1979. By comparing their causes of death to those of the general male population in Ontario, the study revealed significantly higher mortality rates from respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and mesothelioma among the workers. Survival rates were notably lower, with only 69% of the expected rate at five years and 53% at ten years after receiving compensation. The findings emphasize the devastating health impacts of asbestos exposure and the need for improved workplace safety measures.

Legal Relevance This study serves as a cornerstone for asbestos-related legal claims, offering robust evidence to support cases involving occupational exposure. Key legal implications include:

1. Establishing Causation: The study demonstrates a clear link between asbestos exposure and increased mortality from respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. This evidence is critical for proving that asbestos exposure directly caused the claimant's illness.

2. Historical Negligence: The research highlights that most workers were exposed to asbestos over 20 years prior, during a period of inadequate workplace hygiene. This supports claims of employer negligence for failing to implement safety measures despite the known risks of asbestos.

3. Countering Defense Arguments: The study addresses the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases, which is essential for refuting defense claims that question the timing of exposure and disease onset. Additionally, the findings on mesothelioma and lung cancer provide evidence to counter arguments attributing these diseases solely to smoking.

4. Quantifying Risk: The significantly reduced survival rates among workers with asbestosis underscore the severe health consequences of asbestos exposure, strengthening claims for compensation.

This study provides a scientific foundation for legal teams to argue for justice and compensation on behalf of individuals affected by asbestos-related diseases.

Occupation Groups at Risk The study identifies several occupational groups at high risk of asbestos exposure, offering valuable insights for individuals seeking legal recourse. These groups include:

• Shipbuilding Workers: Workers in shipyards, particularly during World War II, faced extensive asbestos exposure due to its use in insulation and fireproofing materials.
• Construction Workers: Construction workers frequently encountered asbestos in materials such as insulation, cement, and roofing products, putting them at significant risk.
• Factory Workers: Employees in asbestos-cement factories and other industrial settings were exposed to high levels of asbestos dust, often without adequate protective measures.
• Lumber and Wood Industry Workers: Exposure to wood dust, combined with incidental asbestos exposure in sawmills, increased the risk of respiratory diseases and cancer.
• Insulation Workers: Those handling asbestos-containing insulation materials were directly exposed to hazardous fibers, leading to severe health consequences.

These occupations represent a significant portion of asbestos-related legal claims, as workers in these industries were often unaware of the dangers and lacked proper protective equipment.

Current Medical Understanding The findings of this study align with current medical knowledge regarding asbestos-related health risks. Asbestos is a well-established carcinogen, linked to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Modern research continues to emphasize the synergistic effect of asbestos exposure and smoking, which further amplifies the risk of lung cancer. While workplace safety regulations have improved since the time of the study, the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases means that individuals exposed decades ago are still being diagnosed today. This underscores the ongoing relevance of the study's findings in both medical and legal contexts.

Citation Finkelstein, M., Kusiak, R., & Suranyi, G. (1981). Mortality among workers receiving compensation for asbestosis in Ontario. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 125(3), 259-262. PMID: 6456056; PMCID: PMC1862106.

National Library of Medicine Link For further details, the full study can be accessed on the National Library of Medicine’s website: Mortality Among Workers Receiving Compensation for Asbestosis in Ontario.

Contact Us Today If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or pleural plaques, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced legal team specializes in asbestos litigation and is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable. We understand the devastating impact of these diseases and are here to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. Time is critical in asbestos-related cases, so don’t wait—reach out now to take the first step toward justice.