Indigenous West Australians have highest death rate for asbestos-related disease: study Written by Admin ADSA on 6 January 2024. Posted in Archived News. Indigenous West Australians have the highest death rate for malignant mesothelioma in the world, a study into asbestos-related diseases has found. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-06/indigenous-west-australians-highest-mesothelioma-rate-study/7575240