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Ugeskrift For Laeger May 2018Asbestosis is interstitial lung fibrosis due to inhalation of asbestos fibres. Up to the ban of import in 1986, 0.7 mil tons had been used in Denmark. The diagnosis of... (Review)
Review
Asbestosis is interstitial lung fibrosis due to inhalation of asbestos fibres. Up to the ban of import in 1986, 0.7 mil tons had been used in Denmark. The diagnosis of asbestosis is a challenge because of long latency time and very few national occupational asbestos measurements. The cornerstone of exposure assessment is a thorough occupational history, investigation of asbestos content in products used, search for possible and relevant measurements of asbestos fibres in the air, and results of lung biopsies, if present. Although no definite lower limit of exposure can be defined, a cumulated exposure of > 10 fibre-years is a relevant measure for exposure defining the disease, as one fibre-year equals one asbestos fibre/cm3 air/occupational year.
Topics: Asbestos; Asbestosis; Construction Materials; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 29808815
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Environmental... Jul 2018Although workplace asbestos concentrations (AC) have been reported several times, the past environmental AC are relatively poorly studied. Due to the harmful effects of...
Although workplace asbestos concentrations (AC) have been reported several times, the past environmental AC are relatively poorly studied. Due to the harmful effects of the asbestos industry, production has moved from early industrialized countries (Japan), to late industrialized countries (Korea), and finally to industrializing countries (Indonesia). The purpose of this study was to determine current occupational exposure levels and evaluate neighborhood environmental exposure levels in an Indonesian asbestos textile factory through collaboration among three generation of industrialized countries. Asbestos concentrations were measured inside and outside of the factory and compared with simulated data. ACs in the factory were similar to those of 1980s and 1990s levels in the Korean factory that transferred the machines. Environmental ACs were dispersed according to wind direction. There were no significant differences between monitored and simulated data, and correlation coefficients between downwind, upwind, and middle wind directions were high, with some statistical significance. This study can be used to estimate past environmental ACs to understand the causality of asbestos related diseases. Because of the small sample size and specific weather conditions, a large-scale study of various asbestos exposure sources, including asbestos cement factories, shipyards, and mines, and various atmospheric conditions is required.
Topics: Asbestos; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Indonesia; Occupational Exposure; Textiles; Wind; Workplace
PubMed: 29970825
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15071398 -
The Ulster Medical Journal Sep 2008
Topics: Asbestos; History, 20th Century; Humans; Mesothelioma; Northern Ireland; Occupational Exposure; Ships; World War II
PubMed: 18956793
DOI: No ID Found -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine May 2019Easily available commercial Indian talc products widely used in Southeast Asia were examined for the presence of asbestos. Asbestos in talc products carry all risks of...
BACKGROUND
Easily available commercial Indian talc products widely used in Southeast Asia were examined for the presence of asbestos. Asbestos in talc products carry all risks of asbestos-related disease.
METHODS
Using polarizing light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction, and X-ray analysis, multiple over-the-counter Indian talc products were examined for the presence of asbestos.
RESULTS
Results In an initial group of five Indian talc products, one was found to contain tremolite asbestos. The second group of eight products was tested and six of eight contained tremolite asbestos as well. No other regulated amphibole was found.
CONCLUSION
Large quantities of body talc products containing asbestos are used throughout Southeast Asia and are likely to pose a public health risk for asbestos-related diseases, especially for the cancers related to asbestos exposure. The country of origin in which the talc examined was sourced for production is unknown to the authors, and further investigation to measure associated public health risk is needed.
Topics: Asbestos; Asbestos, Amphibole; Asia, Southeastern; Cosmetics; Humans; India; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Microscopy, Polarization; Talc
PubMed: 30916419
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22969 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2018Although some countries have reduced asbestos consumption and instituted bans, other countries continue to produce and consume asbestos even as asbestos-related deaths...
Although some countries have reduced asbestos consumption and instituted bans, other countries continue to produce and consume asbestos even as asbestos-related deaths mount and the associated societal costs are high. Asbestos production and consumption has declined globally; the number of bans has increased; and the speed at which countries have tapered off consumption has increased. Using country-level data, we study the economic impact of historical changes in the production and use of asbestos. We compare changes in gross domestic product (GDP) following the enactment of asbestos bans. We do not find any significant effect on GDP following an asbestos ban. In a regional case study, we compare changes in GDP and employment with changes in asbestos production. Regional-level data revealed a temporary employment decline at the local level that was then reversed.
Topics: Asbestos; Environmental Exposure; Gross Domestic Product; Humans
PubMed: 29547510
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15030531 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Mar 2022Vermiculite ore from Libby, Montana contains on average 24% of a mixture of toxic and carcinogenic amphibole asbestiform fibers. These comprise primarily winchite (84%),...
BACKGROUND
Vermiculite ore from Libby, Montana contains on average 24% of a mixture of toxic and carcinogenic amphibole asbestiform fibers. These comprise primarily winchite (84%), with smaller quantities of richterite (11%) and tremolite (6%), which are together referred to as Libby amphibole (LA).
METHODS
A total of 1883 individuals who were occupationally and/or environmentally exposed to LA and were diagnosed with asbestos-related pleuropulmonary disease (ARPPD) following participation in communitywide screening programs supported by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and followed up at the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) between 2000 and 2010. There were 203 deaths of patients with sufficient records and radiographs. Best clinical and radiologic evidence was used to determine the cause of death, which was compared with death certificates.
RESULTS
Asbestos-related mortality was 55% (n = 112) in this series of 203 patients. Of the 203 deaths, 34 (17%) were from asbestos-related malignancy, 75 (37%) were from parenchymal asbestosis, often with pleural fibrosis, and 3 (1.5%) were from respiratory failure secondary to pleural thickening.
CONCLUSIONS
Asbestos is the leading cause of mortality following both occupational and nonoccupational exposure to LA in those with asbestos-related disease.
Topics: Asbestos; Asbestos, Amphibole; Asbestosis; Humans; Montana; Pleural Diseases
PubMed: 34961951
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23320 -
Report on Carcinogens : Carcinogen... 2011
Topics: Animals; Asbestos; Carcinogens; Humans; Neoplasms
PubMed: 21836646
DOI: No ID Found -
Environmental Health Perspectives Oct 1994Carcinogenic agents can influence the carcinogenic process either by mutating critical target genes or by increasing the number of cells at risk for mutations.... (Review)
Review
Carcinogenic agents can influence the carcinogenic process either by mutating critical target genes or by increasing the number of cells at risk for mutations. Cytogenetic and molecular studies of asbestos-related cancers indicate that inactivation or loss of multiple tumor suppressor genes occurs during lung cancer development. Aneuploidy and other chromosomal changes induced by asbestos fibers may be involved in genetic alterations in asbestos-related cancers. Furthermore, asbestos fibers may influence the carcinogenic process by inducing cell proliferation, free radicals, or other promotional mechanisms. Therefore, asbestos fibers may act at multiple stages of the carcinogenic process by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Biopersistence is undoubtedly important in fiber carcinogenicity. However, the time required for a fiber to remain in the lung to exert a cancer-related effect is difficult to specify.
Topics: Asbestos; Carcinogens, Environmental; Cell Division; Genes, Tumor Suppressor; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mutation; Time Factors
PubMed: 7882928
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.94102s519 -
Environmental Health Perspectives May 1999As in probably mostly all other European countries, the incidence of occupational cancer in Germany increased steadily after World War II. In 1994 about 1,600 cases of... (Review)
Review
As in probably mostly all other European countries, the incidence of occupational cancer in Germany increased steadily after World War II. In 1994 about 1,600 cases of occupational cancer were compensated--more than ever before. More than half of these cases were lung cancer, most caused either by asbestos (n=545) or by ionizing radiation ((italic)n(/italic)=306). Other frequent target organs of asbestos were the pleura and the peritoneum with 495 cases of mesotheliomas. Asbestos was the single most important risk factor for occupational cancer, causing more than 1000 deaths per year. All other malignant diseases, such as bladder cancer, leukemia, angiosarcoma of the liver, adenocarcinoma of the nose or nasal sinuses, and skin cancer, were comparatively rare. Although primary exposure to ionizing radiation in uranium ore mining occurred in the 1950s and attributable lung cancers seem to be on the decline, this is not true for asbestos, where the peak incidence in lung cancer and mesothelioma has not been reached yet.
Topics: Asbestos; Carcinogens; Germany; Humans; Incidence; Neoplasms; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Population Surveillance; Radiation, Ionizing; Risk Factors; Workers' Compensation
PubMed: 10350508
DOI: 10.1289/ehp.107-1566283 -
Journal of Environmental and Public... 2022This study evaluated the potential for chrysotile asbestos exposure during maintenance and operation of older, nonautomated heavy equipment with chrysotile-containing...
This study evaluated the potential for chrysotile asbestos exposure during maintenance and operation of older, nonautomated heavy equipment with chrysotile-containing brake and clutch linings. Recent reports indicate that such equipment may be in current use in the U.S. and other locations, including developing countries, due to its lower cost and ease of maintenance compared to newer equipment. Personal and area airborne fiber concentrations were measured for cranes with draglines during brake and clutch repair, equipment operation, shop cleanup, and clothes handling of the mechanic's coveralls over a period of three days. The range of airborne chrysotile concentrations during the complete friction band replacement process, including band removal from the equipment, friction lining replacement, and reinstallation, ranged from 0.0053 to 0.0273 f/cc (phase contrast microscopy-equivalent or PCME) over 3.3 to 6.2 hours. Additional bench work tasks, including electric wire brushing, hand sanding, riveting, and compressed air use were also performed. Full shift airborne chrysotile concentrations (6.1-8.5 hours) for all combined maintenance activities were 0.0093, 0.0414, and 0.0445 f/cc (PCME), on days 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Personal short-term samples (14-36 minutes) for lining removal, installation, wire brushing, hand sanding, and compressed air use ranged from nondetect (ND) to 0.238 f/cc (PCME), below the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) 30-minute excursion limit of 1 f/cc. Short-term samples during crane operation, shop cleanup, and simulated laundry activities with the mechanic's coveralls ranged from ND to 0.01 f/cc (PCME; 15-36 minutes). The results indicated that full-shift measured airborne chrysotile concentrations during the brake and clutch maintenance activities evaluated remained below the U.S. 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for asbestos of 0.1 f/cc. The results are likely to be relevant to farmers, construction workers, and vehicle maintenance workers historically, as well as today for those who choose to continue using and maintaining such equipment.
Topics: Air Pollutants, Occupational; Asbestos; Asbestos, Serpentine; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 35495363
DOI: 10.1155/2022/9831883