A recent Chinese study reveals that more people are dying from mesothelioma and three other types of cancer caused by asbestos exposure in soil. The study concluded that living near asbestos in soil can cause mesothelioma.
The report also concludes that a higher percentage of deaths are occurring from nasopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer, intestinal cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma in areas that have more cultivated forest land. Areas with less cultivated forest land have a lower percentage of naturally exposed asbestos-related fatalities.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry shows that natural asbestos is present in the Eastern states, California, Alaska, North Dakota and Montana. Public records are available that provide information on the highest number of incidences of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Routine asbestos exposure can be hazardous and carcinogenic. Victims of mesothelioma and other cancers caused by asbestos exposure can seek compensation for negligent handling of asbestos through a personal injury lawsuit. Since these diseases don't become evident immediately (typically, it takes approximately 10-50 years between initial exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma), victims need to act quickly once their disease is diagnosed to avoid disqualification by the statute of limitations.
Source: Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient's Guide, "Mesothelioma rates higher near exposed asbestos," Aug. 02, 2012