Dust Diseases Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950s until the 1970s.  We now have the world’s highest per capita incidence of mesothelioma. Over 7,500 Australians are reportedly dying from mesothelioma. Each year, more than 500 contract the disease – and that number is not expected to peak until 2010-2015. For each diagnosed case of mesothelioma there could be as many cases of lung cancer and non-malignant asbestos-related disease. In the United States, asbestos litigation has driven more than 70 companies into bankruptcy.  To date, it has cost businesses worldwide US$54 billion.  Experts forecast asbestos claims could cost as much as US$275 billion in the US alone by the time the wave of litigation subsides. Within Hunt & Hunt's Occupational Health and Safety team, we employ specialists in dust disease litigation and environmental contamination.  We have represented the interests of both insured and uninsured corporate entities in defence of claims by employees for damages for asbestos and silica exposure at a diverse range of workplaces, including factories, mines, quarries, building sites, power stations, oil refineries, cement works, road works, ships and dockyards.  In doing so, we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge on the different types of asbestos suppliers and manufacturers worldwide.  We are well-versed with dust and the diseases that develop following exposure to it.  In addition to litigation matters, we have advised the Defence Housing Authority to enable it to effectively manage asbestos in all of the properties under its control Australia-wide, and have advised a Top 50 listed company in relation to an asbestos spill. For further information, contact Anthony Morrissey.