Skip to main content
Top
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Research article

Mesothelioma incidence surveillance systems and claims for workers’ compensation. Epidemiological evidence and prospects for an integrated framework

Authors: Alessandro Marinaccio, Alberto Scarselli, Enzo Merler, Sergio Iavicoli

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2012

Login to get access

Abstract

Background

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and lethal tumour strongly associated with exposure to asbestos (mainly occupational). In Italy a large proportion of workers are protected from occupational diseases by public insurance and an epidemiological surveillance system for incident mesothelioma cases.

Methods

We set up an individual linkage between the Italian national mesothelioma register (ReNaM) and the Italian workers’ compensation authority (INAIL) archives. Logistic regression models were used to identify and test explanatory variables.

Results

We extracted 3270 mesothelioma cases with occupational origins from the ReNaM, matching them with 1625 subjects in INAIL (49.7%); 91.2% (1,482) of the claims received compensation. The risk of not seeking compensation is significantly higher for women and the elderly. Claims have increased significantly in recent years and there is a clear geographical gradient (northern and more developed regions having higher claims rates). The highest rates of compensation claims were after work known to involve asbestos.

Conclusions

Our data illustrate the importance of documentation and dissemination of all asbestos exposure modalities. Strategies focused on structural and systematic interaction between epidemiological surveillance and insurance systems are needed.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Marinaccio A, Montanaro F, Mastrantonio M, Uccelli R, Altavista P, Nesti M, Seniori Costantini A, Gorini G: Predictions of mortality from pleural mesothelioma in Italy: a model based on asbestos consumption figures supports results from age-period-cohort models. Int J Cancer. 2005, 115 (1): 142-147. 10.1002/ijc.20820.CrossRefPubMed Marinaccio A, Montanaro F, Mastrantonio M, Uccelli R, Altavista P, Nesti M, Seniori Costantini A, Gorini G: Predictions of mortality from pleural mesothelioma in Italy: a model based on asbestos consumption figures supports results from age-period-cohort models. Int J Cancer. 2005, 115 (1): 142-147. 10.1002/ijc.20820.CrossRefPubMed
2.
go back to reference Le Stang N, Belot A, Gilg Soit Ilg A, Rolland P, Astoul P, Bara S, Brochard P, Danzon A, Delafosse P, Grosclaude P, Guizard AV, Imbernon E, et al: Evolution of pleural cancers and malignant pleural mesothelioma incidence in France between 1980 and 2005. Int J Cancer. 2010, 126 (1): 232-238. 10.1002/ijc.24711.CrossRefPubMed Le Stang N, Belot A, Gilg Soit Ilg A, Rolland P, Astoul P, Bara S, Brochard P, Danzon A, Delafosse P, Grosclaude P, Guizard AV, Imbernon E, et al: Evolution of pleural cancers and malignant pleural mesothelioma incidence in France between 1980 and 2005. Int J Cancer. 2010, 126 (1): 232-238. 10.1002/ijc.24711.CrossRefPubMed
3.
go back to reference Segura O, Burdorf A, Looman C: Update of predictions of mortality from pleural mesothelioma in the Netherlands. Occup Environ Med. 2003, 60 (1): 50-55. 10.1136/oem.60.1.50.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Segura O, Burdorf A, Looman C: Update of predictions of mortality from pleural mesothelioma in the Netherlands. Occup Environ Med. 2003, 60 (1): 50-55. 10.1136/oem.60.1.50.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
4.
go back to reference Bang KM, Pinheiro GA, Wood JM, Syamlal G: Malignant mesothelioma mortality in the United States, 1999–2001. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2006, 12 (1): 9-15.CrossRefPubMed Bang KM, Pinheiro GA, Wood JM, Syamlal G: Malignant mesothelioma mortality in the United States, 1999–2001. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2006, 12 (1): 9-15.CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Murayama T, Takahashi K, Natori Y, Kurumatani N: Estimation of future mortality from pleural malignant mesothelioma in Japan based on an age-cohort model. Am J Ind Med. 2006, 49 (1): 1-7. 10.1002/ajim.20246.CrossRefPubMed Murayama T, Takahashi K, Natori Y, Kurumatani N: Estimation of future mortality from pleural malignant mesothelioma in Japan based on an age-cohort model. Am J Ind Med. 2006, 49 (1): 1-7. 10.1002/ajim.20246.CrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Pitarque S, Clèries R, Martínez JM, López-Abente G, Kogevinas M, Benavides FG: Mesothelioma mortality in men: trends during 1977–2001 and projections for 2002–2016 in Spain. Occup Environ Med. 2008, 65 (4): 279-282. 10.1136/oem.2007.034769.CrossRefPubMed Pitarque S, Clèries R, Martínez JM, López-Abente G, Kogevinas M, Benavides FG: Mesothelioma mortality in men: trends during 1977–2001 and projections for 2002–2016 in Spain. Occup Environ Med. 2008, 65 (4): 279-282. 10.1136/oem.2007.034769.CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference Tan E, Warren N, Darnton AJ, Hodgson JT: Projection of mesothelioma mortality in Britain using Bayesian methods. Br J Cancer. 2010, 103 (3): 430-436. 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605781.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Tan E, Warren N, Darnton AJ, Hodgson JT: Projection of mesothelioma mortality in Britain using Bayesian methods. Br J Cancer. 2010, 103 (3): 430-436. 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605781.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
8.
go back to reference Merler E, Brizzi S: Compensation of occupational diseases and particularly of asbestos-related diseases among the European community (EEC) countries. Epidemiol Prev. 1994, 18: 170-179. [in italian]PubMed Merler E, Brizzi S: Compensation of occupational diseases and particularly of asbestos-related diseases among the European community (EEC) countries. Epidemiol Prev. 1994, 18: 170-179. [in italian]PubMed
9.
go back to reference Mirabelli D, Cavone D, Merler E, Gennaro V, Romanelli A, Mensi C, Chellini E, Nicita C, Marinaccio A, Magnani C, Musti M: Non-occupational exposure to asbestos and malignant mesothelioma in the Italian National Registry of Mesothelioma. Occup Environ Med. 2010, 67: 792-794. 10.1136/oem.2009.047019.CrossRefPubMed Mirabelli D, Cavone D, Merler E, Gennaro V, Romanelli A, Mensi C, Chellini E, Nicita C, Marinaccio A, Magnani C, Musti M: Non-occupational exposure to asbestos and malignant mesothelioma in the Italian National Registry of Mesothelioma. Occup Environ Med. 2010, 67: 792-794. 10.1136/oem.2009.047019.CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Marinaccio A, Nesti M, Regional Operational Centers: Analysis of survival for mesothelioma cases in the Italian register (ReNaM). Eur J Cancer. 2003, 39: 1290-1295. 10.1016/S0959-8049(03)00233-8.CrossRefPubMed Marinaccio A, Nesti M, Regional Operational Centers: Analysis of survival for mesothelioma cases in the Italian register (ReNaM). Eur J Cancer. 2003, 39: 1290-1295. 10.1016/S0959-8049(03)00233-8.CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Nesti M, Marinaccio A, Chellini E, Regional Operative Centers: Malignant mesothelioma in Italy, 1997. Am J Ind Med. 2004, 45: 55-62. 10.1002/ajim.10313.CrossRefPubMed Nesti M, Marinaccio A, Chellini E, Regional Operative Centers: Malignant mesothelioma in Italy, 1997. Am J Ind Med. 2004, 45: 55-62. 10.1002/ajim.10313.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Marinaccio A, Binazzi A, Cauzillo G, Cavone D, Zotti RD, Ferrante P, Gennaro V, Gorini G, Menegozzo M, Mensi C, Merler E, Mirabelli D, et al: Analysis of latency time and its determinants in asbestos related malignant mesothelioma cases of the Italian register. Eur J Cancer. 2007, 43 (18): 2722-2728. 10.1016/j.ejca.2007.09.018.CrossRefPubMed Marinaccio A, Binazzi A, Cauzillo G, Cavone D, Zotti RD, Ferrante P, Gennaro V, Gorini G, Menegozzo M, Mensi C, Merler E, Mirabelli D, et al: Analysis of latency time and its determinants in asbestos related malignant mesothelioma cases of the Italian register. Eur J Cancer. 2007, 43 (18): 2722-2728. 10.1016/j.ejca.2007.09.018.CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Marinaccio A, et al: (eds). Italian National Mesothelioma Register. 2010, Third Report. ISPESL, Rome, Italy, Available at [www.ispesl.it/renam] (last access: May 5th, 2011) [in Italian] Marinaccio A, et al: (eds). Italian National Mesothelioma Register. 2010, Third Report. ISPESL, Rome, Italy, Available at [www.​ispesl.​it/​renam] (last access: May 5th, 2011) [in Italian]
14.
go back to reference Nesti M, eds) Italian National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (ISPESL, et al: inee guida per la rilevazione e la definizione dei casi di mesotelioma maligno e la trasmissione delle informazioni all’ISPESL da parte dei centri operativi regionali. 2003, ISPESL 2003, Rome Italy, Available at: [http://www.ispesl.it/dml/leo/download/RenamLineeGuida.pdf] (last access: May 5th, 2011) [in Italian] Nesti M, eds) Italian National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (ISPESL, et al: inee guida per la rilevazione e la definizione dei casi di mesotelioma maligno e la trasmissione delle informazioni all’ISPESL da parte dei centri operativi regionali. 2003, ISPESL 2003, Rome Italy, Available at: [http://​www.​ispesl.​it/​dml/​leo/​download/​RenamLineeGuida.​pdf] (last access: May 5th, 2011) [in Italian]
15.
go back to reference Goldberg M, Imbernon E, Rolland P, et al: The French National mesothelioma surveillance program. Occup Environ Med. 2006, 63: 390-395. 10.1136/oem.2005.023200.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Goldberg M, Imbernon E, Rolland P, et al: The French National mesothelioma surveillance program. Occup Environ Med. 2006, 63: 390-395. 10.1136/oem.2005.023200.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
16.
go back to reference Hyland RA, Ware S, Johnson AR, et al: Incidence trends and gender differences in malignant mesothelioma in New South Wales. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2007, 33: 286-292. 10.5271/sjweh.1145.CrossRefPubMed Hyland RA, Ware S, Johnson AR, et al: Incidence trends and gender differences in malignant mesothelioma in New South Wales. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2007, 33: 286-292. 10.5271/sjweh.1145.CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Kirkham TL, Koehoorn MW, McLeod CB, Demers PA: Surveillance of mesothelioma and workers’ compensation in British Columbia, Canada. Occup Environ Med. 2010, 10.1136/oem.2009.048629. Kirkham TL, Koehoorn MW, McLeod CB, Demers PA: Surveillance of mesothelioma and workers’ compensation in British Columbia, Canada. Occup Environ Med. 2010, 10.1136/oem.2009.048629.
18.
go back to reference Scarselli A, Scano P, Marinaccio A, Iavicoli S: Occupational cancer in Italy: evaluating the extent of compensated cases in the period 1994–2006. Am J Ind Med. 2009, 52 (11): 859-867. 10.1002/ajim.20758.CrossRefPubMed Scarselli A, Scano P, Marinaccio A, Iavicoli S: Occupational cancer in Italy: evaluating the extent of compensated cases in the period 1994–2006. Am J Ind Med. 2009, 52 (11): 859-867. 10.1002/ajim.20758.CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference Boffetta P: Health effects of asbestos exposure in humans: a quantitative assessment. Med Lav. 1998, 89 (6): 471-480.PubMed Boffetta P: Health effects of asbestos exposure in humans: a quantitative assessment. Med Lav. 1998, 89 (6): 471-480.PubMed
20.
go back to reference Marinaccio A, Binazzi A, Marzio DD, Scarselli A, Verardo M, Mirabelli D, Gennaro V, Mensi C, Riboldi L, Merler E, De Zotti R, Romanelli A, Chellini E, Silvestri S, Pascucci C, Romeo E, Menegozzo S, Musti M, Cavone D, Cauzillo G, Tumino R, Nicita C, Melis M, Iavicoli S, ReNaM Working Group: Pleural malignant mesothelioma epidemic. Incidence, modalities of asbestos exposure and occupations involved from the italian national register. Int J Cancer. 2011, 10.1002/ijc.26229. Marinaccio A, Binazzi A, Marzio DD, Scarselli A, Verardo M, Mirabelli D, Gennaro V, Mensi C, Riboldi L, Merler E, De Zotti R, Romanelli A, Chellini E, Silvestri S, Pascucci C, Romeo E, Menegozzo S, Musti M, Cavone D, Cauzillo G, Tumino R, Nicita C, Melis M, Iavicoli S, ReNaM Working Group: Pleural malignant mesothelioma epidemic. Incidence, modalities of asbestos exposure and occupations involved from the italian national register. Int J Cancer. 2011, 10.1002/ijc.26229.
21.
go back to reference Leigh J, Driscoll T: Malignant mesothelioma in Australia, 1945–2002. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2003, 9 (3): 206-217.CrossRefPubMed Leigh J, Driscoll T: Malignant mesothelioma in Australia, 1945–2002. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2003, 9 (3): 206-217.CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Rake C, Gilham C, Hatch J, Darnton A, Hodgson J, Peto J: Occupational, domestic and environmental mesothelioma risks in the British population: a case–control study. Br J Cancer. 2009, 100 (7): 1175-1183. 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604879.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Rake C, Gilham C, Hatch J, Darnton A, Hodgson J, Peto J: Occupational, domestic and environmental mesothelioma risks in the British population: a case–control study. Br J Cancer. 2009, 100 (7): 1175-1183. 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604879.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
23.
go back to reference Moolgavkar SH, Meza R, Turim J: Pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas in SEER: age effects and temporal trends, 1973–2005. Cancer Causes Control. 2009, 20 (6): 935-944. 10.1007/s10552-009-9328-9.CrossRefPubMed Moolgavkar SH, Meza R, Turim J: Pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas in SEER: age effects and temporal trends, 1973–2005. Cancer Causes Control. 2009, 20 (6): 935-944. 10.1007/s10552-009-9328-9.CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Neuman V, Gunter S, Muller KM, Fisher M: Malignant mesothelioma. German mesothelioma register 1987–1999. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2002, 74: 383-395.CrossRef Neuman V, Gunter S, Muller KM, Fisher M: Malignant mesothelioma. German mesothelioma register 1987–1999. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2002, 74: 383-395.CrossRef
25.
go back to reference Kjaergaard J, Andersson M: Incidence rates of malignant mesothelioma in Denmark and predicted future number of cases among men. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2000, 26 (2): 112-117. 10.5271/sjweh.520.CrossRefPubMed Kjaergaard J, Andersson M: Incidence rates of malignant mesothelioma in Denmark and predicted future number of cases among men. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2000, 26 (2): 112-117. 10.5271/sjweh.520.CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Karjalainen A, Pukkala E, Mattson K, Tammilehto L, Vainio H: Trends in mesothelioma incidence and occupational mesotheliomas in Finland in 1960–1995. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1997, 23 (4): 266-270. 10.5271/sjweh.219.CrossRefPubMed Karjalainen A, Pukkala E, Mattson K, Tammilehto L, Vainio H: Trends in mesothelioma incidence and occupational mesotheliomas in Finland in 1960–1995. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1997, 23 (4): 266-270. 10.5271/sjweh.219.CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Pukkala E, Martinsen JI, Lynge E, Gunnarsdottir HK, Sparén P, Tryggvadottir L, Weiderpass E, Kjaerheim K: Occupation and cancer - follow-up of 15 million people in five Nordic countries. Acta Oncol. 2009, 48 (5): 646-790. 10.1080/02841860902913546.CrossRefPubMed Pukkala E, Martinsen JI, Lynge E, Gunnarsdottir HK, Sparén P, Tryggvadottir L, Weiderpass E, Kjaerheim K: Occupation and cancer - follow-up of 15 million people in five Nordic countries. Acta Oncol. 2009, 48 (5): 646-790. 10.1080/02841860902913546.CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Battista G, Belli S, Comba P, Fiumalbi C, Grignoli M, Loi F, Orsi D, Paredes I: Mortality due to asbestos-related causes among railway carriage construction and repair workers. Occup Med (Lond). 1999, 49 (8): 536-539. 10.1093/occmed/49.8.536.CrossRef Battista G, Belli S, Comba P, Fiumalbi C, Grignoli M, Loi F, Orsi D, Paredes I: Mortality due to asbestos-related causes among railway carriage construction and repair workers. Occup Med (Lond). 1999, 49 (8): 536-539. 10.1093/occmed/49.8.536.CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Menegozzo M, Belli S, Bruno C, Canfora V, Costigliola A, Di Cintio P, Di Liello L, Grignoli M, Palumbo F, Sapio P, et al: Mortality due to causes correlable to asbestos in a cohort of workers in railway car construction. Med Lav. 1993, 84 (3): 193-200. [in Italian]PubMed Menegozzo M, Belli S, Bruno C, Canfora V, Costigliola A, Di Cintio P, Di Liello L, Grignoli M, Palumbo F, Sapio P, et al: Mortality due to causes correlable to asbestos in a cohort of workers in railway car construction. Med Lav. 1993, 84 (3): 193-200. [in Italian]PubMed
30.
go back to reference Mancuso TF: Mesothelioma among railroads workers in the United States. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1991, 643: 333-336. 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1991.tb24480.x.CrossRefPubMed Mancuso TF: Mesothelioma among railroads workers in the United States. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1991, 643: 333-336. 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1991.tb24480.x.CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference McElvenny DM, Darnton AJ, Price MJ, Hodgson JT: Mesothelioma mortality in Great Britain from 1968 to 2001. Occup Med. 2005, 55: 79-87. 10.1093/occmed/kqi034.CrossRef McElvenny DM, Darnton AJ, Price MJ, Hodgson JT: Mesothelioma mortality in Great Britain from 1968 to 2001. Occup Med. 2005, 55: 79-87. 10.1093/occmed/kqi034.CrossRef
32.
go back to reference Burdof A, Dahhan M, Swuste P: Occupational characteristics of cases with asbestos-related diseases in the Netherlands. Ann Occup Hyg. 2003, 47: 485-492. 10.1093/annhyg/meg062.CrossRef Burdof A, Dahhan M, Swuste P: Occupational characteristics of cases with asbestos-related diseases in the Netherlands. Ann Occup Hyg. 2003, 47: 485-492. 10.1093/annhyg/meg062.CrossRef
33.
go back to reference Bertolotti M, Ferrante D, Mirabelli D, Botta M, Nonnato M, Todesco A, Terracini B, Magnani C: Mortality in the cohort of the asbestos cement workers in the Eternit plant in Casale Monferrato (Italy). Epidemiol Prev. 2008, 32: 218-228. [in Italian]PubMed Bertolotti M, Ferrante D, Mirabelli D, Botta M, Nonnato M, Todesco A, Terracini B, Magnani C: Mortality in the cohort of the asbestos cement workers in the Eternit plant in Casale Monferrato (Italy). Epidemiol Prev. 2008, 32: 218-228. [in Italian]PubMed
34.
go back to reference Bilancia M, Cavone D, Pollice A, Musti M: Valutazione del rischio di mesotelioma: il caso di una fabbrica per la produzione di cemento-amianto nella città di Bari. Epidemiol Prev. 2003, 27: 277-284. [in Italian]PubMed Bilancia M, Cavone D, Pollice A, Musti M: Valutazione del rischio di mesotelioma: il caso di una fabbrica per la produzione di cemento-amianto nella città di Bari. Epidemiol Prev. 2003, 27: 277-284. [in Italian]PubMed
35.
go back to reference Puntoni R, Vercelli M, Merlo F, Valerio F, Santi L: Mortality among shipyard workers in Genoa, Italy. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1979, 330: 353-377. 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1979.tb18738.x.CrossRefPubMed Puntoni R, Vercelli M, Merlo F, Valerio F, Santi L: Mortality among shipyard workers in Genoa, Italy. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1979, 330: 353-377. 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1979.tb18738.x.CrossRefPubMed
36.
go back to reference Merler E, Bressan V, Somigliana A, Veneto mesothelioma register working group: Mesothelioma in construction workers: risk estimate, lung content of asbestos fibres, claims for compensation for occupational disease in the Veneto Region mesothelioma register. Med Lav. 2009, 100 (2): 120-132. [in Italian]PubMed Merler E, Bressan V, Somigliana A, Veneto mesothelioma register working group: Mesothelioma in construction workers: risk estimate, lung content of asbestos fibres, claims for compensation for occupational disease in the Veneto Region mesothelioma register. Med Lav. 2009, 100 (2): 120-132. [in Italian]PubMed
37.
go back to reference Anthonisen NR: Workers’ compensation and mesothelioma (Editorial). Can Respir J. 2009, 16 (5): 146-147.CrossRefPubMed Anthonisen NR: Workers’ compensation and mesothelioma (Editorial). Can Respir J. 2009, 16 (5): 146-147.CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference Marinaccio A: Ricerca scientifica, sorveglianza epidemiologica e criteri di indennizzo delle malattie asbesto correlate. Med Lav. 2010, 101: 146-148.PubMed Marinaccio A: Ricerca scientifica, sorveglianza epidemiologica e criteri di indennizzo delle malattie asbesto correlate. Med Lav. 2010, 101: 146-148.PubMed
Metadata
Title
Mesothelioma incidence surveillance systems and claims for workers’ compensation. Epidemiological evidence and prospects for an integrated framework
Authors
Alessandro Marinaccio
Alberto Scarselli
Enzo Merler
Sergio Iavicoli
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-314

Other articles of this Issue 1/2012

BMC Public Health 1/2012 Go to the issue