- California
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Texas
A recent study shows that California has the highest number of fatalities from mesothelioma in the United States. California had over 1,500 deaths from the disease in the past year and some say the high number is a result of the ship yards and steel mills that are located all over the state. These shipyards and mills tend to be outdated which is why asbestos can still be found on most of the equipment and machinery. A person only has to be exposed to asbestos for 1-3 months before it can take its fatal affects.
The second highest state was Florida with over 1,000 victims lost to mesothelioma. Florida also contains a large number of ship yards where many of its residents work. Pennsylvania came in third place as many old mills are still in operation there and could lead to the exposure of asbestos to its employees. At a little under 900 fatalities New York was fourth on the list, also considered the spot where the American asbestos industry originated. The fifth spot was Texas and they were considered high on the list because of their involvement with the oil industry which is a hot spot for asbestos.