From FARM - [email protected]
In 2000, 1.32 million, or 54%, of all U.S. deaths were
attributed to diseases for which consumption of animal products
represents a substantial risk factor. The number was compiled from the
latest mortality figures reported in the October 2001 National Vital
Statistics Report by the U.S. Public Health Service.
The total included 633.5 thousand deaths from several
forms of heart disease,
166 - from stroke,
58.2 - from other circulatory diseases,
258.8 - from several types of cancer,
68.7 - from diabetes mellitus,
40.5 - from kidney and gallbladder failure, and
98 - from a pro-rated number of 'ill-defined' diseases.
The diseases for which meat consumption is a substantial
risk factor, were identified by a panel of physicians specializing in
diet and health. Identification of meat-linked diseases was
conservative. Thus, cancer of lung and pancreas was not included,
although a plant-based diet appears to reduce the risk. For
'ill-defined' and 'other' diseases, the number of deaths included in the
total was prorated according to the ratio of meat-linked deaths to all
other deaths.
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