A recent study published the journal, Health Affairs, has highlighted which factors contribute towards our health.
It found that environmental factors contributed around 5 percent. It is estimated that 90,000 deaths a year are caused by microbial agents such as bacteria and 60,000, some 3 percent, by toxic agents such as asbestos. The World Health Organization estimates that 3 percent of deaths in high-income countries are attributable to environmental factors such as air pollution, unsafe water, poor sanitation, asbestos and lead exposure.
The study goes on to say that around 10 percent of the deaths in the U.S. were attributable to poor medical care, and about 20 percent to genetics, or at least some genetic component.
Around 30 percent of deaths were accounted for by social factors such as racial segregation and low education and about 35% to behavioral factors such as smoking, around 19 percent of deaths in the U.S., poor diet and physical activity 15 percent and alcohol 4%.
Although behavior, genetics and social and economic factor are key determinants of health, so is the environment we live in, and exposure to asbestos plays a part in that.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation. You may be entitled to an asbestos payout as part of an individual or class action lawsuit.
