Significance

The measures implemented in the 1980s and 90s in the Western world to reduce asbestos exposure have been effective—the incidence of mesothelioma per 100,000 persons is decreasing. However, the overall number of mesotheliomas has not declined, at least in the United States, because of a combination of several factors…In the developing world, the use of asbestos is increasing, it is reasonable to expect that the incidence of mesothelioma will increase. Therefore, we suggest that restrictive measures similar to those introduced in the Western World should be introduced in the developing world before we are faced with a mesothelioma epidemic in those countries.

• Michele Carbone, MD, PhD 
• Haining Yang, MD, PhD
• Harvey I. Pass, MD

• Emanuela Taioli, MD, PhD