A new study has revised the projected rate of UK mesothelioma deaths. Mesothelioma is an invariably fatal cancer with a latency period of between 15 and 60 years. To all intents and purposes the only cause is exposure to asbestos. The statistical analysis by the HSE (the UK government agency responsible for safety in the workplace) predicts that mesothelioma mortality among UK males will peak at around 2,040 deaths per year in 2016. Around 91,000 deaths are predicted to occur by 2050, with about 60,000 of those in the future. This model is currently being reviewed by the UK Asbestos Working Party; it will shortly publish its conclusions about the cost to insurers of asbestos-related injury in the UK.