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According to a study reported in the March 10, 2007 edition of The Lancet, countries’ historical asbestos consumption is associated with deaths from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Conducted by Dr. Ken Takahashi and colleagues from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health in Kitakyushu, Japan, the study calculated the mean amount per head of asbestos consumption in 33 countries from 1960 to 1969, and compared it to the number of deaths from 2000 to 2004 due to forms of mesothelioma as well as asbestosis. The findings indicated a significant association between peritoneal and all mesotheliomas in men and women, and between pleural mesothelioma and asbestosis in men. The researchers concluded that the findings support recommendations that all countries completely eliminate the use of asbestos. To see the complete article, go to www.thelancet.com.