Data recently released from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has revealed that close to 700 Australians died from the asbestos related cancer, Mesothelioma in 2018 with an additional 662 new diagnoses of mesothelioma also confirmed during the same year.
Institute spokesman Justin Harvey said hundreds of people throughout Australia are diagnosed with the disease each year, despite the manufacture of asbestos containing materials (ACM) being banned in the nation since the mid 1980s and the export of asbestos being prohibited for over 15 years.
"Due to its aggressive nature, most cases of mesothelioma have a poor prognosis," Mr Harvey said.
The number of deaths last year from mesothelioma currently sits at 699, but the figure may rise as there may be further fatalities which the Australian Mesothelioma Registry, which has monitored cases of the aggressive and fatal form of cancer since 2010, has yet to be notified of.
A large amount of asbestos remains in Australian buildings, as it was used in construction due to its durability and resistance to fire and chemicals.
These statistics highlight the importance of ensuring that any disturbance of ACM is avoided to prevent release of asbestos fibre which can lead to asbestos fibre exposures associated with Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases .