The leading cause of mesothelioma is workplace exposure to asbestos. Certain industries still manufacture products that contain asbestos, or rely on equipment or facilities that contain it. Below is a list of industries with the largest number of employee deaths due to mesothelioma in 1999 according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Also included is the percentage of the total number of mesothelioma deaths accounted for by each industry.
Construction – 14.2 Non-paid workers, workers at home – 7.0 Elementary and secondary school teachers – 3.7 Industrial and miscellaneous chemicals – 3.5 General government work – 2.4 Agriculture – 1.9 Nonspecific manufacturing 1.9 Electric light and power – 1.9 Railroads – 1.7 Hospitals – 1.7 Unreported industries – 4.3 All other industries combined – 56
