The FIVA, the French compensation fund for asbestos victims in France, is confronted with an unexpected number of new claims. Statistics show in 2005 a 5.3% increase compared to 2004. In 2005, 8,469 claims were filed by victims or their relatives, according to FIVA activity report. 96% of these people were males and the average age was 62.
21% of people who filed claims have since died. 54% of asbestos victims come from the North of France (Nod-pas-de-Calais region, Normandy and The Loire region)
Since 2001, when the FIVA was created, more than 1 billion euros were spent to compensate victims of asbestos, ie. those who were in contact with asbestos at work (85%) and those who had non occupational exposure to asbestos.