National News Asbestos-related deaths may hit 85,000

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Deaths caused by Asbestos-related mesothelioma and lung cancer could reach 85,000, according to sources at the Environment Ministry on Oct. 11.

The ministry calculated this figure as part of efforts to determine how much money is needed for a new bill aimed at providing relief for victims of health problems associated with asbestos.

The ministry estimates that up to around 50,000 people would die from mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer believed to be caused by asbestos exposure, and about 35,000 would die from lung cancer.

Some people have expressed concern that the effects of the extensive use of asbestos in the past could grow, with one researcher estimating that about 103,000 people would die from asbestos-related illnesses in the coming 40 years.

According to statistics released by the health ministry, the number of people who died from mesothelioma reached a record 953 in 2004, up from 500 in 1995.

Until the early 1990s, around 300,000 tons of asbestos were imported annually for use in construction materials and other applications in Japan. (Kyodo)

最大で8万5千人が石綿被害に

アスベスト（石綿）による被害で、最大8万5千人の死亡者が出るとの環境省の推計が10日明らかになった。

Shukan ST: Oct. 21, 2005

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