Objectives To estimate the number of cases and proportionate mesothelioma mortality in Argentina over the period of 1990–2010.

Method Data are from death certificates, Mortality Database (DEIS), Health Ministry of Argentina. Mesothelioma was defined using the following codes of the International Classification of Diseases, 9^th Rev. 151, 161/2, 164, 195, 199, 212, 229, 235, 495, 500/04, 511, used from 1990–1997; and ICD-10^th Rev. codes J60, J90, C32, C45, from 1998 through 2010. Proportional mortality was estimated for each calendar year.

Results A total of 1734 of mesothelioma deaths were reported, varying widely, from 99 in 1995 to 16 in 1997. There was an increasing (44.0%) trend of deaths overtime. The proportionate mesothelioma mortality in 1990 was 0.3/1000 and showed a linear declining trend until 0.01/1000 in 2010.

Conclusions Argentina ban extraction, production, and the asbestos trade in 2001 but little is known about its impact or prospects on workers’ health. The number of mesothelioma deaths is growing and it is plausible to continue to increase given its long latency period. Argentinian occupational health and safety authorities need to implement a national surveillance system capable to monitor risk factors and health outcomes for better planning and commitment with workers’ health and wellbeing.