Madison, Wisconsin epidemiologist Marty S. Kanarek that an epidemic of asbestos mesothelioma is coming from emerging marketss. Long banned in Wisconsin and the rest of the U.S., asbestos is known to be the primary cause for the cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is typically a rare form of cancer in the lungs lining and abdomin that often arises 30-40 years after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos was a fire-resistant mineral used in the U.S. for brake linings, insulation, and various other building materials. Many U.S. Navy veterans have contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure aboard ships. Asbestos exposure has killed more than 130,000 in the United States in the last 20 years or so. Asbestos is still mined in countries, like Canada, which interestingly will not allow asbestos to be used in its homeland, but is more than happy to export the hazardous product to emerging markets. Dr. Kanarek has seen dozens of studies of mesothelioma cases including those involving miners, brake workers, cement pipe factory workers and others. He concludes that throughout the world chrysotile asbestos is associated with mesothelioma.