The medical-social component of the National Mesothelioma Surveillance Program (PNSM) aims to evaluate and improve the management of pleural mesothelioma as an occupational disease in cases where occupational exposure to asbestos has been identified. This study was conducted in partnership with the CNAMTS in 18 of the 21 departments currently covered by the PNSM; the data collected pertained to all cases diagnosed between 1999 and 2001. A comparison of occupational disease claims was conducted among individuals covered by the General Social Security Scheme in 4 departments with a sufficient number of mesothelioma cases (n>30 between 1999 and 2001). The recognition rates among occupational disease claims were then compared between PNSM and non-PNSM departments.