Malignant mesothelioma is strongly associated with
asbestos exposure. This paper describes demographic,
geographic, and occupational distributions of mesothelioma
mortality in the United States, 1999–2001. The
data (n = 7,524) were obtained from the National
Center for Health Statistics multiple-cause-of-death
records. Mortality rates (per million per year) were ageadjusted
to the 2000 U.S. standard population, and
proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated
by occupation and industry, and adjusted for age, sex,
and race. The overall age-adjusted mortality rate was
11.52, with males (22.34) showing a sixfold higher rate
than females (3.94). Geographic distribution of mesothelioma
mortality is predominantly coastal. Occupations
with significantly elevated PMRs included
plumbers/pipefitters and mechanical engineers.
Industries with significantly elevated PMRs included
ship and boat building and repairing, and industrial
and miscellaneous chemicals. These surveillance findings
can be useful in generating hypotheses and developing
strategies to prevent mesothelioma.