Muswellbrook local government area has recorded the highest number of mesothelioma deaths in the Hunter Region.
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Between 2010 and 2014 the town had 8.4 deaths per 100,000 compared to the state average of 2.4.
The prominence of the disease in the area is attributed to poor health and safety regulations during the building boom that was associated with the construction of the LIddel power station in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Lake Macquarie and Maitland had the second highest number of mesothelioma deaths with 2.8 and 2.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
Mesothelioma was almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.
It is usually diagnosed between 25 to 50 years after asbestos exposure.
The peak in deaths from the disease is expected to occur in 2021.
Construction workers, electricians, plumbers and mechanical tradespeople have historically had the highest risk of contracting mesothelioma.
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