Written answers
Wednesday, 26 January 2005
Department of Health and Children
Cancer Statistics
9:00 pm
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 185: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of deaths each year from lung cancer caused by asbestos; and her plans to deal with this epidemic in 2005. [1001/05]
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Data concerning the number of deaths each year from lung cancer caused specifically by exposure to asbestos are not available. The number of deaths from selected causes for the period 1999 to 2003, as provided by the Central Statistics Office, is as follows:
| 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002* | 2003* | |
| Cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lung | 1,449 | 1,568 | 1,478 | 1,474 | 1,587 |
| Asbestosis | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Cancer of the pleura (which includes the mesothelium) | 12 | 10 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| *Provisional figures |
It should be noted that unlike asbestosis and mesothelioma, which can be directly linked to asbestos exposure, lung cancer can develop due to exposure to many chemicals, tobacco smoke, environmental causes, or a combination of exposures from environmental, social and work environments.
The use of asbestos is now banned. However, there is still a health risk from asbestos which was used in buildings in the past. In this context, the Deputy may wish to note that the protection of persons from exposure to asbestos in the workplace is a matter for the Health and Safety Authority.
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