Federal report underscores the need to control work-related exposure to asbestos, says Attorney Joe Belluck of NY's Belluck & Fox.

New York, NY, June 7, 2009 -- A newly released federal study indicates that deaths from malignant mesothelioma continue to increase, underscoring the ongoing need to control hazardous work-related exposure to asbestos, says a New York personal injury attorney.

"The tragic legacy of asbestos will be with us for many years to come," said Joseph W. Belluck, a partner at the New York law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP, which handles asbestos-related injury cases. "Even today, people in certain occupations continue to be exposed."

The study, published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, found that 18,068 deaths in the United States were attributable to malignant mesothelioma from 1999 to 2005. The number increased from 2,482 deaths in 1999 to 2,704 in 2005.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and often fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos. Many people receive the diagnosis without realizing that a job they held decades ago could be the cause, said Belluck.

The use of asbestos has declined since the 1970s. But mesothelioma typically develops in people 20 to 40 years after the initial exposure.

The researchers reported that 26 states had mesothelioma death rates higher than the national average of 13.8 deaths per million per year. Six states had annual mesothelioma death rates exceeding 20 deaths per million people. They were Maine, Wyoming, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Washington.

New York had more than 1,000 people die of mesothelioma from 1999-2005.

To learn more about this study and other useful information about mesothelioma, go to http://www.aboutmesothelioma.net.

About Belluck & Fox

Belluck & Fox, LLP is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, medical malpractice, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm has won more than $200 million in compensation for its clients and their families.

Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in the New York Area" and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal's Largest Verdict of the Year.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in New York Magazine's "The Best Lawyers in the New York Area" and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has successfully won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for over $12 million.

For more information, contact the firm at 877-695-2909 or through the online contact form.

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