The Japanese government has confirmed the asbestos-related illnesses of another 45 Japanese citizens who lived near the site of a former factory where asbestos products were manufactured.

According to an article in the Yomiuri Shimbun, all the victims are between ages 50 and 90 and once lived near or worked at the former Omori-based factory of asbestos-related products manufacturer Miyadera Insulation Corp, which is located in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo.

One man died in October of pericardial mesothelioma, a very rare form of the asbestos-caused cancer. Others have been diagnosed with pleural effusion, which is the build-up of fluid in the chest, thought to be a symptom of early asbestos-related disease such as asbestosis or pleural plaques. More area residents have shown other mild symptoms that may indicate that they were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers.

The influx of asbestos-related health problems has prompted the local government to give free medical examinations to 916 residents and former residents who lived within 1km of the site.

According to the article, three of the 45 newly found cases of asbestos-related health problems involved former employees of the factory and 29 were family members and associates of employees. An additional three used to play on the site as children, while 10 said they had never entered the site.

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