Comment: County’s veterans, others need mesothelioma registry

By Jonathan Sharp / For The Herald

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer with just 3,000 annual diagnoses each year in the U.S.

In 80 percent of the cases identified, this disease is triggered by asbestos exposure, taking years and even decades to develop. Although rare, this condition has a higher incidence among specific populations that have worked with asbestos since the early 1940s, up to the partial asbestos ban in the late 1990s.

This includes workers in various industries, such as shipbuilding, construction work, manufacturing and automotive careers, and for veterans working for in the U.S. Army. Veterans are one of the most affected groups, with almost a third of all mesothelioma annual diagnoses being identified in former Army employees.

Because of the rarity of this condition, current diagnosis methods are far from accurate, leading to consistent delays in diagnosis, late-stage detection and substantially reduced survival rates. To address this problem, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention proposed the creation of a centralized data hub, the National Mesothelioma Registry, where cases identified would be reported instantly instead of following the usual estimates route. Although simple, this highly effective change in reporting methodology would enable researchers to evaluate patients with mesothelioma much sooner, thus facilitating developments in diagnosis and treatment. This database would include relevant information on specialist clinics, allowing patients to connect with quality specialized services much sooner.

Asbestos risk in Snohomish County: In Snohomish County, a total of 664 asbestos-related deaths were reported between 1999 and 2017, at a rate of 34 deaths on average per year. Statewide, Washington recorded approximately 9,200 asbestos-related cases, with 1,604 linked directly to mesothelioma.

While asbestos is now strictly regulated, exposure risks persist, particularly at older buildings and industrial sites. Notably, recent incidents where regulation has been breached do demonstrate an ongoing risk. In early 2024, nearly 150 firefighters in Snohomish County were potentially exposed during a training exercise. An inadequate asbestos survey failed to detect hazardous materials, leaving first responders unknowingly at risk. Although mesothelioma tends to develop with repeated and prolonged exposure, acute toxicity can still affect health, especially if inhaling a large quantity of asbestos fibers.

Waiting for implementation: Various research grants have been available to investigate mesothelioma and potential treatments. However, because of the current reporting system, reaching these populations is challenging. Consequently, implementing this registry would be a considerable step forward, addressing multiple mesothelioma detection and care limitations.

Nevertheless, despite the promises of the National Mesothelioma Registry, it’s been six years since the docket for discussions on this common hub was initiated, and the project is yet to be completed. Feasibility studies are looking into implementing this registry without violating patient privacy and confidentiality. At the same time, data is collected and analyzed to identify at-risk populations through surveys, investigating which approaches would work best to identify the highest number of people possible.

Based on these feasibility studies, these final adjustments should be ready within the next few years. If this registry were indeed made into reality, it would be a vital opportunity to transform how this rare and devastating disease is managed. If successfully implemented, a national registry has the potential to save lives, improve patient outcomes, and set a precedent for addressing other orphan diseases with similar challenges.

Jonathan Sharp is the chief financial officer of the Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., managing financial operations, analyzing assets, and assessing cases for individuals affected by toxic exposure to asbestos.