Trends in mortality from malignant mesothelioma of the pleura, and production and use of asbestos in Australia.

Annual mortality from malignant mesothelioma of the pleura (MMP) in Australia (as represented by ICD8 codes 163.0 and 212.4, and ICD9 codes 163 and 212.4) increased in men aged 30 years and older from about 0.5/100 000 in 1968-1970 to 2.1/100 000 in 1983. Corresponding rates in women varied from 0.1/100 000 to 0.2/100 000 between 1968 and 1980, then rose to 0.3/100 000 in 1983. The rise in MMP mortality in men probably corresponds to the increasing use of asbestos, particularly amosite, in Australia during and after World War II. That production and importation of amosite and crocidolite in Australia reached a peak in 1958 may mean that peak mortality from MMP will not be reached until the 1990s (allowing a 35-year lag period). Substantial increases in importation and later production, of chrysotile in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s may lead to increases in the incidence of other asbestos-related cancers, not reflected in trends in the incidence of MMP.