Pleural mesothelioma in New Caledonia: an acute environmental concern.

Background: In 1991, a relationship was established between excess cases of pleural cancer in New Caledonia and a traditional lime, called "Pö", to cover houses. Our study aimed to determine whether the Pö is the only cause of mesothelioma in New Caledonia.

Methods: Eligible cases were pleural tumor diagnosed between 1984 and 2002 with histological diagnosis of mesothelioma.