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Asbestos - 1,509 entries found

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2004

CIS 06-1101 Tossavainen A.
Global use of asbestos and the incidence of mesothelioma
This article reviews the production and consumption of asbestos worldwide and derives forecasts of the likely number of fatalities from mesothelioma in future years. In Western Europe, Scandinavia, North America, and Australia, the manufacture and use of asbestos products peaked in the 1970s. Current incidences of mesothelioma range from 14 to 35 cases/million/year in 11 industrialized countries that had used asbestos at levels of 2.0 to 5.5 kg/capita/year about 25 years earlier. A significant linear correlation exists between the two variables. Accordingly, it is estimated that about 170 tons of produced and consumed asbestos will cause at least one death from mesothelioma, most often as a consequence of occupational exposure.
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2004, Vol.10, No.1, p.22-25. Illus. 38 ref.

CIS 05-305 Kishimoto T., Ozaki S., Kato K., Nishi H., Genba K.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma in parts of Japan in relationship to asbestos exposure
In this study, malignant pleural mesothelioma cases in hospitals located in a region of Japan were evaluated. A total of 106 patients (97 men, 9 women) aged between 41 and 87 years were examined, of whom 100 had occupational exposure to asbestos. There were 37 cases of epithelial, 25 biphasic and 15 sarcomatous tumours. In the remaining 23 cases, it was not possible to characterize the tumour. The mean survival rate for all cases was 9.2 months. 51 had occupational histories of shipyard work, 16 patients worked in asbestos cement piping, and the remainder were employed in miscellaneous jobs involving asbestos exposure. The mean duration of asbestos exposure was 17.2 years and the average latent period for the occurrence of malignant pleural mesothelioma was 37.0 years. 94% of malignant pleural mesothelioma were due to exposure to crocidolite and amosite, with the remainder due to chrysotile.
Industrial Health, Oct. 2004, Vol.42, No.4, p.435-439. 31 ref.
http://www.h.jniosh.go.jp/en/indu_hel/2004/pdf/42-4-5.pdf [in English]

CIS 05-364 Whitehouse A.C.
Asbestos-related pleural disease due to tremolite associated with progressive loss of lung function: Serial observations in 123 miners, family members, and residents of Libby, Montana
The community of Libby, Montana was recently the focus of national attention following a widespread amphibole contamination associated with vermiculite mining and processing. Patients who had occupational and non-occupational exposure to asbestos in Libby were evaluated for progressive loss of pulmonary function. Of the 123 patients evaluated, the average annual age-corrected losses were 3.2% for vital capacity, 2.3% for total lung capacity and 3.3% for carbon monoxide diffusion. All these patients had predominantly pleural changes with minimal to no interstitial disease. The study demonstrates a progressive loss of pulmonary function in patients exposed to tremolite asbestos.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 2004, Vol.46, No.3, p.219-225. Illus. 27 ref.

CIS 05-182 Roos F., Guimon M.
Prevention of asbestos-related hazards
Prévention des risques liés à l'amiante [in French]
In view of its remarkable properties and low cost, asbestos was widely used in a number of industrial sectors. It has been banned in France since 1 January 1997, but asbestos-containing materials are still in place and the risk of inhaling asbestos fibres still exists. Activities that involve exposure to asbestos have been classified into three categories: processing of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, removal or confinement of asbestos-containing materials and activities that are likely to involve exposure to asbestos but whose primary purpose is not to process the asbestos. The detailed regulatory system applicable in France, together with principles for prevention and medical supervision applicable to each type of activity, are discussed.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Toxicologie-Pathologie professionnelle, 4th Quarter 2004, No.145, 14p. Illus. 56 ref.

CIS 05-160 Maltrat M., Pairon J.C., Paolillo A.G., Joly N., Iwatsubo Y., Orlowski E., Letourneux M., Ameille J.
Asbestos exposure and radiological abnormalities among maintenance and custodian workers in buildings with friable asbestos-containing materials
To evaluate the respiratory effects of asbestos exposure among building caretakers and maintenance workers, a cross-sectional study was carried out, involving 277 custodian and maintenance employees working in buildings where friable asbestos-containing materials were present and 87 unexposed subjects. Using the ILO radiological classification, chest radiographs were related to parameters of asbestos exposure. The cumulative asbestos exposure index was generally low (fewer than 5 fibres/ml per year of exposure in 82.3% of exposed workers). However on multivariate analysis, pleural thickening was significantly related to latency since the onset of exposure to asbestos in exposed workers, after adjustment for age, body mass index and tobacco smoking.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, June 2004, Vol.77, No.5, p.307-312. 19 ref.

CIS 05-15 Veríssimo Proença M.C.
Exposure to asbestos
Exposição ao amianto [in Portuguese]
This information booklet, which is primarily intended for employers and employees of small enterprises, explains how to avoid or reduce the risks related to the exposure to asbestos. Contents: general aspects concerning asbestos; properties; occupational diseases caused by asbestos (lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural lesions); current situation with respect to asbestos (occupations involving risk, asbestos in buildings); prevention and protection measures (technical prevention, medical supervision, safety and health training); asbestos removal; waste disposal; asbestos substitutes; current legislation.
Instituto de Desenvolvimento e Inspecção das Condições de Trabalho (IDICT), Lisboa, Portugal, March 2004. 56p. Illus.

CIS 04-607 Asbestos in construction
Azbest ve stavebnictví [in Czech]
Asbest vid byggnation [in Swedish]
Asbest im Bausektor [in German]
O amíantos stis kataskeués [in Greek]
El amianto en la construcción [in Spanish]
Asbest ehitustöödel [in Estonian]
Asbesti rakennuksissa [in Finnish]
L'amiante dans le secteur de la construction [in French]
Azbeszt az építőiparban [in Hungarian]
L'amianto nell'edilizia [in Italian]
Asbestas statyboje [in Lithuanian]
Azbests būvniecībā [in Latvian]
Trab ta'l-asbestos [in Maltese]
Asbest in de bouw [in Dutch]
Azbest w budownictwie [in Polish]
O amianto na construção civil [in Portuguese]
Azbest v stavebníctve [in Slovak]
Azbest v gradbeništvu [in Slovenian]
Asbest i bygge- og anlægssektoren [in Danish]
All construction, maintenance and cleaning workers are potentially at risk from exposure to asbestos. This fact sheet explains what asbestos is, its health effects, who is at risk, and where it may be found. It provides some examples of good practices. It does not cover asbestos removal operations.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, http://osha.eu.int, 2004. 2p. Illus. 5 ref.
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/en/FACT51-EN.PDF [in English]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/fr/FACT51-FR.PDF [in French]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/cs/FACT51-CS.PDF [in Czech]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/da/FACT51-DA.PDF [in Danish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/de/FACT51-DE.PDF [in German]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/et/FACT51-ET.PDF [in Estonian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/el/FACT51-EL.PDF [in Greek]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/it/FACT51-IT.PDF [in Italian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/lv/FACT51-LV.PDF [in Latvian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/hu/FACT51-HU.PDF [in Hungarian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/lt/FACT51-LT.pdf [in Lithuanian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/mt/FACT51-MT.PDF [in Maltese]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/nl/FACT51-NL.PDF [in Dutch]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/pl/FACT51-PL.PDF [in Polish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/pt/FACT51-PT.PDF [in Portuguese]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/sk/FACT51-SK.PDF [in Slovak]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/sl/FACT51-SL.PDF [in Slovenian]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/fi/FACT51-FI.PDF [in Finnish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/sv/FACT51-SV.PDF [in Swedish]
http://agency.osha.eu.int/publications/factsheets/51/es/FACT51-ES.PDF [in Spanish]

CIS 04-407 Lemen R.A.
Asbestos in brakes: Exposure and risk of disease
Asbestos has been incorporated into friction products since the early 1900s. During the normal usage of brakes, thermal decomposition of asbestos into forsterite occurs, although not all asbestos is so converted. Short fibres below 5µm in length are also found in brake systems. This article discusses the toxicity of the remaining asbestos fibres and short fibres, together with the health implications of exposure to forsterite. Control methodologies, when used appropriately, have reduced exposure to asbestos during brake servicing, but have not been able to entirely eliminate exposure to asbestos. Even the so called "controlled" use of asbestos-containing brakes poses a health risk to workers, users and their families.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2004, Vol.45, No.3, p.229-237. 82 ref.

CIS 04-340 Zitting A
Radiographic small lung opacities and pleural abnormalities in relation to occupational asbestos exposure, smoking history and living environment in Finland
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of radiographic abnormalities of the lungs and pleura according to the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses in the adult Finnish population, to estimate the association of past asbestos exposure, smoking history and living environment with theses abnormalities, and to analyse the intra- and inter-observer variation in the main radiographic findings. Results indicate that occupational asbestos exposure plays an important role in the aetiology of radiographic pleural and pulmonary abnormalities, and that small lung opacities produced by asbestos do not differ in size or shape from those caused by smoking. Classification of small lung opacities was subject to observer variation.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, FIOH-Bookstore, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 2004. 61p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Price: EUR 18.00.

CIS 04-404 Mas S., Casterad X., Laso N., Lafuente M.J., Panades R., Calleja A., Hernandez S., Turuguet D., Deulofeu R., Ballesta A., Ascaso C., Lafuente A.
Concentration of hydroxyproline in blood: A biological marker in occupational exposure to asbestos and its relationship with Pi*Z and Pi*S polymorphism in the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene
Hydroxyproline (OHP) is one of the most abundant amino acids in collagen and, in general, it provides a good measure of overall collagen catabolism. 85 asbestos workers suffering from asbestosis (cases), 86 asbestos exposed workers without asbestosis (exposed controls), and 122 non-exposed persons (non-exposed controls) were studied. Concentration of OHP in blood was significantly different in the three groups studied, being higher in cases (19.8±4.7µmol/L) than in exposed controls (16±12.4) and non-exposed controls (13.5±6.7). When all individuals were grouped and stratified by the Pi*S and Pi*Z polymorphisms in the α-1-antitrypsin gene, the highest OHP levels were detected in the Pi*S homozygotes, one of the asbestosis-at risk-genotypes. It is concluded that blood OHP concentration could be used for monitoring exposure to asbestos, either as a marker for occupational monitoring or as an additional clinical parameter in diagnostic exploration of asbestosis.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 2004, Vol.45, No.2, p.186-193. Illus. 35 ref.

CIS 04-421 Asbestos
Asbest [in German]
Amiante [in French]
Proceedings of the European Asbestos Conference held in Dresden, Germany, 3-6 June 2003. Contents: opening addresses and keynote speeches, including on the role of the ILO in the global fight against asbestos; country reports (Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Latvia, Japan, Brazil, Thailand); workshop reports; role of the European Union; Dresden declaration on the ultimate worldwide ban on asbestos production and use. These proceedings are also available in PDF format on CD-ROM (included).
Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG), Alte Heerstrasse 111, 53754 Sankt Augustin, Germany, 2004. 160p. Illus. Bibl.ref. + CD-ROM.

CIS 04-156 Kjellstrom T.E.
The epidemic of asbestos-related diseases in New Zealand
New Zealand is a small country with a big asbestos disease problem. The lack of action on warnings in the 1960s and 1970s led to epidemics of mesothelioma and asbestosis, which can be clearly documented in the death and cancer registers. In addition, an uncertain number of lung cancers due to asbestos exposure have occurred. The epidemic started in the 1980s, and will eventually have cost the lives of at least 2,000 to 3,000 workers. Prevention against ongoing exposures from asbestos installed in buildings is essential. Finally, one should ensure that fair workers' compensation is provided to all victims of asbestos diseases in New Zealand.
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr.-June 2004, Vol.10, No.2, p.212-219. Illus. 18 ref.
http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/1002_Kjellstrom.pdf [in English]

CIS 04-155 Rodriguez E.J.
Asbestos banned in Argentina
In 1997, Argentina gave priority to examining exposure to asbestos in its National Plan for the Sound Management of Chemicals, and it was the subject of a Technical Task Force on Occupational Cancer. After five years of public hearings in which government services, workers, industry advocates, environmentalists, clinicians, scientists and consumers participated, it was agreed that asbestos exposure is a risk factor for both workers and the general population, and that Argentina should provide to its people the same protections adopted by many developed countries. Pressure from asbestos industry groups initially resulted in the exemption of chrysotile asbestos from the proposed ban, but from January 1, 2003, the mining and import of all forms of asbestos were banned in Argentina (see CIS 04-19 and CIS 04-20 for the corresponding legal texts).
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr.-June 2004, Vol.10, No.2, p.202-208. Illus. 21 ref.
http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/1002_Rodriguez.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-1820 Casanovas Boixereu X., Trujillo Jiménez L., Freixa Blanxart A.
Asbestos detection in buildings (II): Identification and analysis methodology
Detección da amianto en edificios (II): identificación y metodología de análisis [in Spanish]
This information note presents an approach for the inspection of buildings likely to contain asbestos and for the collection of samples. Contents: specific knowledge concerning the building to be inspected; equipment required by inspectors for general inspection and collection of samples; personal protective equipment; procedure to be followed for sampling (number of samples and their size, precautions to be taken to avoid contamination by fibres); analytical methods (X-ray diffraction, optical or electronic microscopy); interpretation of results (classification of analysed materials, evaluation of the potential hazard). The various forms in which asbestos can be found in buildings are presented in note NTP 632 (see CIS 03-1819).
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2004. 7p. Illus. 2 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_633.htm [in Spanish]

CIS 03-1819 Casanovas Boixereu X., Trujillo Jiménez L., Freixa Blanxart A.
Asbestos detection in buildings (I): Basic aspects
Detección da amianto en edificios (I): aspectos básicos [in Spanish]
This information note describes the various uses of asbestos in buildings. Contents: general aspects concerning the use of asbestos in buildings in Spain; uses of asbestos (insulation, prefabricated products, products with high mechanical resistance, asbestos cement); brittleness of the various types of asbestos-containing materials and degree of risk during their handling; types of buildings that present a hazard. An approach for the inspection of buildings and sampling is presented in the note NTP 633 (see CIS 03-1820).
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2004. 4p. Illus. 2 ref.
http://internet.mtas.es/Insht/ntp/ntp_632.htm [in Spanish]

2003

CIS 06-319
Ministère des affaires sociales, du travail et de la solidarité
Guide for the general practitioner or the lung specialist. Experimental protocol for the surveillance of workers previously exposed to asbestos
Guide pour le médecin traitant, généraliste ou pneumologue. Protocole expérimental de surveillance médicale des sujets ayant été exposés à l'amiante [in French]
Persons exposed to asbestos in France may apply for medical surveillance. In this context, the French Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity in collaboration with the National Medical Insurance Institution (CNAM) established a pilot project in three regions of France. The programme involved medical and radiological examinations of previously exposed volunteer subjects and an evaluation of their exposures. This guide is aimed at general practitioners or lung specialists who carry out medical surveillance of the workers. It describes the practical aspects of patient follow-up. Various appendices include in particular the regulatory framework, the list of regional coordinators and an informed consent letter. See also CIS 06-317 and 06-318.
La documentation française, 124, rue Henri Barbusse, 93308 Aubervilliers Cedex, France, [c2003]. 39p.
http://www.sante-securite.travail.gouv.fr/mediatheque/pdf/generaliste.pdf [in French]

CIS 06-318
Ministère des affaires sociales, du travail et de la solidarité
Guide to the identification of asbestos exposure by the occupational physician
Guide de repérage des expositions à l'amiante par le médecin du travail [in French]
Persons exposed to asbestos in France may apply for medical surveillance. In this context, the French Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity in collaboration with the National Medical Insurance Institution (CNAM) established a pilot project in three regions of France. The programme involved medical and radiological examinations of previously exposed volunteer subjects and an evaluation of their exposures. This guide is aimed at occupational physicians participating in the assessment of occupational exposure of workers and its classification into "high", "intermediate" and "low" exposure. It contains detailed questionnaires aimed at tracing the occupational history of employees and quantifying their exposure to asbestos. It also explains how to evaluate an individual's total occupational exposure to asbestos. See also CIS 06-317 and 06-319.
La documentation française, 124, rue Henri Barbusse, 93308 Aubervilliers Cedex, France, [c2003]. 30p. Illus.
http://www.sante-securite.travail.gouv.fr/mediatheque/pdf/medecin%20travail.pdf [in French]

CIS 06-317
Ministère des affaires sociales, du travail et de la solidarité
Information document for radiologists. Post-employment surveillance of workers previously exposed to asbestos
Document d'information pour les radiologues. Surveillance post-professionnelle des salariés anciennement exposés à l'amiante [in French]
Persons exposed to asbestos in France may apply for medical surveillance. In this context, the French Ministry of Social Affairs, Labour and Solidarity in collaboration with the National Medical Insurance Institution (CNAM) established a pilot project in three regions of France. The programme involved medical and radiological examinations of previously exposed volunteer subjects and an evaluation of their exposures. This guide is aimed at radiologists participating in post-employment surveillance within the framework of this pilot project. Contents: informed consent form; practical aspects of conducting thoracic tomography examinations; transmission of the radiological documents to the regional coordination body. Appendices include a list of regional coordinators and information to be given to patients. See also CIS 06-318 and 06-319.
La documentation française, 124, rue Henri Barbusse, 93308 Aubervilliers Cedex, France, [c2003]. 24p.

CIS 06-348 Williams M.G., Crossman R.N.
Asbestos release during removal of resilient floor covering materials by recommended work practices of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute
This study assesses the asbestos levels observed during removal of resilient floor covering products using the "Recommended Work Practices" (1995) of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute. Other methods requiring containment were used as controls. The 1995 work practices require wet removal or dry heat removal but do not require the use of respirators. Air samples were taken during wet removal of asbestos-containing floor tiles. Settled dust samples were collected at the sites of tile removal and pieces of each type of tile were broken in a mini-enclosure to evaluate asbestos emissions. Results indicate that workers without respirators are likely to have unknown exposure levels. A high percentage of these fibers are easily inhaled. These findings may cause regulators to consider requiring respiratory protection, cleanup procedures, and methods to control asbestos migration.
Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, June 2003, Vol.18, No.6, p.466-478. Illus. 48 ref.

CIS 06-7
Health and Safety Executive
Selection of suitable respiratory protective equipment for work with asbestos
This guidance is aimed at employers and self-employed contractors in the building industry, at persons working with asbestos-containing insulation materials and at safety representatives. It provides advice on selecting the appropriate respirators and making sure they are used correctly and maintained in good condition. Contents: why respirators are necessary; when they should be provided; control measures to be applied before resorting to respirators; selection of respirators; evaluation of expected exposure concentrations; protection factors; facepiece fit testing; consulting employees; maintenance, training and supervision; common misuses of respirators when working with asbestos. Replaces CIS 03-352.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, rev. ed., 2003. 25p. 13 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg288.pdf [in English]

CIS 06-3
Health and Safety Executive
A short guide to managing asbestos in premises
This guidance note is aimed at owners or managers with responsibilities for non-domestic premises which may contain asbestos. It provides guidance on the prevention of risks to workers or others who may use the premises. Topics covered: why asbestos is dangerous; persons at risk; where asbestos is found in buildings; duty to manage asbestos risk; how to comply with the duty (finding out if asbestos is present, sampling, assessing the condition of the asbestos-containing material (ACM), assessing the potential risk, taking appropriate action); ACM disposal; information of workers; legal requirements; role of safety representatives. Replaces previous edition (CIS 01-1786).
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 2003. 20p. Illus. 14 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg223.pdf [in English]

CIS 05-376 Kishimoto T., Ohnishi K., Saito Y.
Clinical study of asbestos-related lung cancer
The characteristics of 120 patients with primary lung cancer suspected to be induced by exposure to asbestos were analysed. Most patients were male and the age ranged from 47 to 87 years with a median of 70 years. No particular tendency was observed in the histological types of the lung cancer. Forty patients were heavy smokers. Most of the patients had been exposed to asbestos in shipyards, the construction industry and ironworks. The term of asbestos exposure was from two to 60 years with a median 27 years. Lung cancers appeared after 15 to 69 years with a median 43 years from the initial exposure to asbestos. Lung cancer was accompanied by asbestosis in 35 patients and by pleural plaques in 77, with 22 patients having both asbestosis and pleural plaques. The number of asbestos bodies per 5g wet lung tissue for 72 patients whose lung tissues were obtained from autopsy or surgery was more than 150. In a group of 32 patients, 14 were exposed to crocidolite fibres, ten to amosite and eight to chrysotile.
Industrial Health, Apr. 2003, Vol.41, No.2, p.94-100. Illus. 37 ref.
http://www.niih.go.jp/en/indu_hel/2003/pdf/IH41_14.pdf [in English]

CIS 04-341 De Guire L.
The epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases in Quebec
Epidémiologie des maladies reliées à l'exposition à l'amiante au Québec [in French]
In 1997, Quebec's Department of health and social services set up an asbestos advisory committee. The aim of this committee was to make recommendations about appropriate measures to inform the public and to protect public health in relation to the asbestos situation in Quebec. The advisory committee then created two sub-committees: the first to document asbestos exposure and the second to examine the epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases in Quebec. The sub-committee on asbestos exposure assessed the situation in the general population, particularly in public buildings such as schools. The work of the sub-committee on epidemiology included: reviewing epidemiological studies available in Quebec on mesothelioma, pulmonary cancers, and asbestosis; evaluating the trends of these diseases; comparing data from Quebec to those of other regions; summarizing current scientific knowledge on the effects of asbestos on health. This document consists of the report of the epidemiology sub-committee.
Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 945, avenue Wolfe, Sainte-Foy, Quebec G1V 5B3, Canada, 2003 (English translation: 2004). xi, 73p. Illus. 89 ref.
http://www.inspq.qc.ca/pdf/publications/222-EpidemiologieExpositionAmiante.pdf [in French]
http://www.inspq.qc.ca/pdf/publications/293-EpidemiologyAsbestos.pdf [in English]

CIS 04-150 Rapp R., Danet J.P., Dubernet F., Magniez G., Aussel H., Rolin A.
Asbestos site airflow - Study and analysis of ventilation airflow in personnel airlocks using the EOL3D numerical simulation method
Aéraulique des chantiers d'amiante - Etude et analyse des écoulements de ventilation, par simulation numérique avec EOL3D, du sas d'accès du personnel [in French]
In asbestos removal operations, access to the confined working area is ensured by a ventilated entry lock (tunnel). An assessment of the performance of various tunnel ventilation configurations was carried out by means of numerical simulation using EOL3D, a predictive ventilation software developed by INRS. Cleaning times, the age distribution of fresh air and the distribution and average of air velocities were the main indicators used to assess the configurations. Separated ventilation systems (from that of the confined area) were the most efficient in terms of air decontamination. In contrast, the flow rates required are high (>4,000m3/h). A good alternative consists of using a lock equipped with openings laid out alternately (top/bottom) and subject to the negative pressure of the confined area. The surface area of the opening must allow the passage of air at a flow rate of about 1,000m3/h to obtain a decontamination time of less than one minute. Tunnels, which favour an air flow located only at the top or bottom, such as tunnels equipped with flexible screens, should be avoided.
Cahiers de notes documentaires - Hygiène et sécurité du travail, 1st Quarter 2003, No.190, p.13-22. Illus. 6 ref.
http://www.inrs.fr/INRS-PUB/inrs01.nsf/inrs01_search_view_view/9A8189B0C36820AFC1256D4E0031A302/$FILE/nd2185.pdf [in French]

CIS 03-1516 Ordinance No.457/2003: Ordinance modifying Part 1 of the Enforcement Order on the Occupational Safety and Health Law [Japan]
Seirei dai-457-gō: Rōdō-anzen-eisei-hō shikō no ichibu o kaisei suru seirei [in Japanese]
This ordinance introduces into the basic OSH law in Japan (see CIS 92-352) further restrictions on the use of asbestos. Several products, including cement, brake-pads and glue, must not contain >1% asbestos by weight.
Kampō Gōgai, 16 Oct. 2003, No.239, p.29-31.

CIS 03-1749 Greenberg M.
Biological effects of asbestos: New York Academy of Sciences 1964
Today, asbestos is no longer seen as a material indispensable on technical grounds and a mainstay of industry and the economy. Its progressive banning in developed countries may be seen as the consequence of the momentum initiated in New York in 1964, when the New York Academy of Sciences held a conference that was to promote the slow decline in the fortunes of asbestos and which is retrospectively reviewed in the present article. Very little new data were presented at the conference, but by bringing together a compendium of knowledge of the adverse effects of asbestos, it served further notice to asbestos-using industry of the major public health problem that they had created. With the assistance of its employees and certain scientists, industry mounted public relations exercises to counter the adverse publicity of lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. Attempts were made to minimize the impact of these diseases by suggesting that their alleged associations with asbestos were spurious.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 2003, Vol.43, No.5, p.543-552. 34 ref.

CIS 03-1748 Kazan-Allen L.
The asbestos war
Asbestos is still being sold despite overwhelming evidence linking it to debilitating and fatal disease. This issue on asbestos-related problems covers following aspects: the fight to ban asbestos; scientific controversy; statistics of malignant mesothelioma in Australia; legal actions for compensation in South Africa and France; history of asbestos mining in Southern Africa; cross-country comparative overview of the asbestos situation in ten Asian countries; asbestos-related morbidity in India; impact of asbestos waste around the Roro hills, India, on the neighbouring population's health; asbestos situation in Japan, Korea, Mexico and Belgium; globalization and the transfer of a hazardous industry.
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, July-Sep. 2003, Vol.9, No.3, p.173-298 (whole issue). Illus. Bibl.ref.
http://www.ijoeh.com/pfds/0903_KazanAllen.pdf (Introduction) [in English]

CIS 03-1666 Dement J.M., Welch L., Bingham E., Cameron B., Rice C., Quinn P., Ringen K.
Surveillance of respiratory diseases among construction and trade workers at Department of Energy nuclear sites
Medical screening programs were initiated in 1996 at three nuclear weapons facilities to evaluate whether current and former construction workers were at significant risk for occupational illnesses. The focus of this report is pneumoconiosis associated with exposures to asbestos and silica among workers enrolled in the screening programs through 30 September 2001. Workers provided a detailed work and exposure history and underwent a respiratory examination, which included a respiratory symptom questionnaire, a chest radiograph and spirometry. Of the 2,602 workers enrolled in the project, 25.2% showed one or more chest X-ray changes by ILO criteria and 42.7% demonstrated one or more pulmonary function defects. The overall prevalence of parenchymal changes by ILO criteria was 5.4%. In the logistic regression models, the odds ratio for parenchymal disease was 2.6 for workers employed 6 to 20 years and increased to 3.6 for workers employed more than 35 years, with additional incremental risks for workers reporting routine exposures to asbestos or silica.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, June 2003, Vol.43, No.6, p.559-573. Illus. 35 ref.

CIS 03-1034 Interministerial Order of 5 Sha'ban 1424, corresponding to 1 Oct. 2003, concerning the protection of workers against the risks of inhalation of asbestos dust [Algeria]
Arrêté interministériel du 5 Chaâbane 1424 correspondant au 1er octobre 2003 relatif à la protection des travailleurs contre les risques liés à l'inhalation de poussières d'amiante [Algérie] [in French]
This Order deals with the means of protection against the against the risks of inhalation of asbestos dust, including areal protection measures, medical supervision and personal protective measures in specific work processes.
Journal officiel de la République algérienne, 31 Jan. 2004, No.7, p.6-10.

CIS 03-1285 Arroyo Buezo M.C., Rojo Aparicio J.M.
Extension of the interlaboratory programme for the control of the quality of asbestos fibres (PICC-FA) - Statistical protocol for the counting of low concentrations of asbestos fibres
Ampliación del Programa Interlaboratorios de Control de Calidad de Fibras de Amianto (PICC-FA) - Protocolo estadístico para el recuento de fibras de amianto en bajas concentraciones [in Spanish]
Laboratories carrying out routine analyses on air samples containing asbestos fibres are often faced with samples with fibre counts lower than that of the reference samples of the PICC-FA programme (Inter-laboratory programme for the control of the quality of asbestos fibres). For this reason, an inter-laboratory test was conducted on samples with low concentrations of asbestos fibres for verifying the reliability of the results. Sixteen laboratories participated in the test, the results of which are published in this article. The results were unsatisfactory for only four laboratories, which however are not involved in the routine analysis of low- concentration samples of asbestos fibres.
Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2003, No.27, .35-40. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 03-1025 Directive 2003/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 March 2003 amending Council Directive 83/477/EEC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work [European Union]
Directive 2003/18/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 27 mars 2003 modifiant la directive 83/477/CEE du Conseil concernant la protection des travailleurs contre les risques liés à l'exposition à l'amiante pendant le travail [Union européenne] [in French]
Directiva 2003/18/CE del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo, de 27 de marzo de 2003, por la que se modifica la Directiva 83/477/CEE del Consejo sobre la protección de los trabajadores contra los riesgos relacionados con la exposición al amianto durante el trabajo [in Spanish]
Modification of Directive 83/477/EEC (see CIS 84-327). Contents: new listing of substances included within the concept of asbestos; changed conditions under which workers are authorized to work while exposed to low concentrations of asbestos; changed details of what a notification of working with asbestos should contain; general prohibition of work in the presence of asbestos, with exemptions noted; statement of principle concerning the reduction of asbestos exposure levels to a minimum; new rules concerning the determination of asbestos concentrations; new exposure limit (8h TWA) of 0.1 fibre/cm3; changed provisions concerning the responsibilities of employers for reducing exposure.
Official Journal of the European Union - Journal officiel de l'Union européenne, 15 Apr. 2003, Vol.46, No.L 97, p.48-52.
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2003/l_097/l_09720030415en00480052.pdf [in English]
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/fr/oj/dat/2003/l_097/l_09720030415fr00480052.pdf [in French]
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/es/oj/dat/2003/l_097/l_09720030415es00480052.pdf [in Spanish]

CIS 03-752 Luo S., Liu X., Mu S., Tsai S.P., Wen C.P.
Asbestos related diseases from environmental exposure to crocidolite in Da-yao, China. I. Review of exposure and epidemiological data
Scattered patches of crocidolite were found in the surface soil in a rural county of south-western China. In 1983, it was discovered that residents of two villages in the county had hyperendemic pleural plaques and excessive numbers of pleural mesothelioma. This report is based on a review of several clinical and epidemiological studies conducted since 1984, which included a cross sectional medical examination, a clinical and pathological analysis of 46 cases of mesothelioma, and three retrospective cohort mortality studies. Additional information was acquired during interviews of medical specialists from the county hospital. The prevalence of pleural plaque was 20% among farmers over 40 years of age in the cross sectional survey. The average number of mesothelioma cases was 6.6 per year in the 1984-95 period and 22 per year in the 1996-99 period, in a population of 68,000. The annual mortality rate for mesothelioma was 85 per million, 178 per million, and 365 per million for the three cohort studies, respectively.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Jan. 2003, Vol.60, No.1, p.35-42. 39 ref.

CIS 03-32 Decree No.1 of 27 February 2003 on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to asbestos at work [Bulgaria]
Naredba N 1 ot 27 fevruari 2003 g. za zaštita na raboteštite ot riskove, svărzani s ekspozicija na azbest pri rabota [in Bulgarian]
This Decree fixes minimum requirements for the protection of workers against existing or potential risks of exposure to asbestos at the workplace. It also provides for risk evaluation and exposure limitation.
Dăržaven vestnik, 8 Apr. 2003, No.32, p.23-28.
http://b2b.bia-bg.com/index.asp?i=t916&l=1 [in Bulgarian]

CIS 02-1521 Occupational Health and Safety (Asbestos) Regulations 2003 [Australia - Victoria]
Regulation (effective 1 Feb. 2003) issued under the authority of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 (see CIS 88-1751) and of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (see CIS 88-1760). Contents: definitions; exemptions; general requirements; prohibitions (basically, the supply, storage, transport, sale and use of asbestos are prohibited; some derogations for asbestos already present in buildings and/or equipment); licensing; occupier and employer duties in connection with asbestos already present in workplaces (in situ); provisions in the case of demolition (incl. refurbishment) work where asbestos is present; removal of asbestos from buildings, structures, ships and plant by licence holders; activities involving asbestos-containing products and materials (including removal of asbestos waste). In annex: information to be included in applications for a licence to conduct removal work, in control plans and in notifications of removal work. The 1992 regulations on the same subject (see CIS 92-1423) are revoked.
CIS copy, 2003. 39p.
http://www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au/l2d/O/STAT01831/0_1.html [in English]

2002

CIS 08-1408 OSHA Fact Sheet - Asbestos
OSHA Hoja Informativa - Asbesto [in Spanish]
Contents of this information sheet on asbestos: definition; health hazards; exposure risks; OSHA standards; permissible exposure limits; responsibilities of employers with respect to exposure monitoring, restricted areas, limitation of exposure, respiratory protection, protective clothing, hygiene facilities, medical supervision and recordkeeping; sources of additional information.
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20210, USA, 2002. 2p.
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_AsbestosFacts/asbestos-factsheet-spanish.pdf [in Spanish]
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_AsbestosFacts/asbestos-factsheet.pdf [in English]

CIS 08-421
Health and Safety Executive
Enclosures provided for work with asbestos insulation, coatings and insulating board
Contents of this guidance note on enclosures for work with asbestos insulation, coatings and insulating board: definition and use of enclosures; legal aspects; design of enclosures; site preparation and construction of enclosures; testing, monitoring and maintenance; dismantling and disposal; special enclosures. Update of the 1999 edition (CIS 01-517 ).
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Apr. 2002. 12p. Illus. 7 ref. Price: GBP 10.00.

CIS 07-1436 Asbestos standard for the construction industry
This booklet describes the OSHA asbestos standard for the construction industry. Contents: description of asbestos, the dangers of asbestos exposure and construction activities concerned; provisions of the OSHA standard (work classification, permissible exposure limit for asbestos, exposure monitoring, function of a competent person, initial exposure assessment, medical surveillance programs for employees, regulated area, responsibilities for communicating asbestos hazards at worksites, warning signs, warning labels, training); methods of compliance (methods to control asbestos exposure levels, duties of the competent person, respirators, protective clothing, hygiene, housekeeping).
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, USA, 2002. vii, 57p.
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3096.pdf [in English]

CIS 06-5
Health and Safety Executive
Asbestos dust kills. Keep your mask on
Breathing asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases. This leaflet, aimed at workers involved in work with asbestos-containing materials, explains why asbestos is dangerous. It gives guidance on when respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is needed, what type of RPE to wear, employers' obligations and what employees can do to protect their health.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Mar. 2002. 6p. Illus. 4 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg255.pdf [in English]

CIS 06-163
Health and Safety Executive
The provision, use and maintenance of hygiene facilities for work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board
Contents of this guidance note: United Kingdom legislation; general design, construction and arrangement of a hygiene facility, including clean area, shower compartment and dirty area; extract ventilation; construction features to enable easy and effective cleaning; positioning of the facility; transit facilities for partial contamination; procedures for using hygiene facilities; transit procedure; maintenance; connection to electric, water and drainage services; communication and training. Replaces previous edition (CIS 91-580).
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 3rd ed., 2002. 8p. 16 ref. Price: GBP 5.00.

CIS 05-676
Health and Safety Executive
Work with asbestos which does not normally require a licence (Fourth edition) - Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 - Approved code of practice and guidance
This approved code of practice applies to work with asbestos which normally does not require an HSE licence. Part one gives general advice on complying with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002, and part two gives specific advice on controlling asbestos exposure during manufacturing processes.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Dec. 2002. vi, 49p. Illus. 35 ref. Price: GBP 9.50.

CIS 05-675
Health and Safety Executive
The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises - Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 - Approved code of practice and guidance
This guide gives advice on how to comply with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 on the management of asbestos in non domestic premises. It explains the duties of building owners, tenants and all other persons with legal responsibilities for such premises.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Dec. 2002. iv, 27p. 20 ref. Price: GBP 9.50.

CIS 05-674
Health and Safety Executive
A comprehensive guide to managing asbestos in premises
Aimed at people who have a duty to manage the risks from asbestos-containing materials in premises, this guide gives an overview of the actions that may need to be taken. Contents: flow chart of the seven steps of asbestos management; health effects of asbestos; development of an asbestos managing strategy and four case studies of companies who have implemented an asbestos policy. In appendices: guidance for planning surveys, survey report, material assessment, priority assessment and management options.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, Nov. 2002. viii, 104p. Illus. 23 ref. Price: GBP 12.50.

CIS 05-176
Health and Safety Executive
Work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board (Fourth edition) - Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance
Contains the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 together with the Approved Code of Practice and additional guidance. Includes information on: the assessment of work which exposes employees to asbestos; plans and notification of work with asbestos; provision of information, instruction and training; prevention or reduction of exposure to asbestos; maintenance of control measures; arrangements for accidents and emergencies; cleanliness of premises; air monitoring; storage and labelling of asbestos. Replaces previous edition (CIS 00-1693).
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA, United Kingdom, 4th ed., 2002. v, 55p. Illus. 37 ref. Price: GBP 9.50.

CIS 03-1029 Health and Safety - Control of Asbestos Regulations 2002 [United Kingdom]
These Regulations re-enact, with modifications, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 1987 (CIS 89-1418), as amended in 1992 (CIS 93-360) and 1998 (CIS 00-21). They implement in Great Britain the provisions of Directives 76/769/EEC (CIS 92-22), 83/477/EEC (CIS 84-327), 90/394/EEC (CIS 90-1758) and 98/24/EC (CIS 98-1094), as modified. The main purpose of the Regulations is to protect workers who may be exposed to asbestos at work and other persons who may be affected by such work. They also impose duties on employees concerning their own protection from such exposure. An action level is established at 72 fibre-hours/mL (air) for chrysotile alone, 48 fibre-hours/mL (air) for other types of asbestos, all measured over a continuous 12-week period. The corresponding control limits are: 0.3f/mL (4h), 0.9f/mL (10min) for chrysotile; 0.2f/mL (4h), 0.6f/mL (10min) for other types of asbestos, all measured continuously in air. Contents: interpretation; responsibilities of employers; duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises; identification of the type of asbestos present in the workplace; plans of work; notification of work with asbestos to the enforcing authority; information, instruction and training of workers; prevention or reduction of exposure to asbestos; use and maintenance of control measures; provision and cleaning of protective clothing; arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies; duty on employer to prevent the spreading of asbestos; cleanliness of premises and plant; designated areas; air monitoring; standards of air testing; standards for analysis; health records and medical surveillance; washing and changing facilities; storage, distribution and labelling of raw asbestos and asbestos waste; supply of products containing asbestos for use at work.
HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, 2002. (Also: TSO Online Bookshop, http://www.tso.co.uk/bookshop/). 17p. Illus. Price: GBP 3.50.
http://www.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2002/20022675.htm [in English]

CIS 03-640 Leigh J., Davidson P., Hendrie L., Berry D.
Malignant mesothelioma in Australia, 1945-2000
Australia had 6,329 cases of mesothelioma from 1 January 1945 to 31 December 2000. Annual incidence rates per million population ≥20 years in 1997 were 59.8 and 10.9 for men and women, respectively. Incidence rates have been continually increasing and are the highest reported national rates in the world. While Western Australia has the highest rate (1997 rate = 52.8), most cases occur in the two most populous eastern states, New South Wales and Victoria. In 88% of cases, a history of asbestos exposure was obtained. Exposures occurred in a wide variety of occupational and environmental circumstances. Australia's high incidence of mesothelioma is related to the high use of all types of asbestos in the past. The number of cases in total is expected to be about 18,000 by 2020, with about 11,000 yet to appear.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Mar. 2002, Vol.41, No.3, p.188-201. Illus. 39 ref.

CIS 03-301 Tiitola M., Kivisaari L., Zitting A., Huuskonen M.S., Kaleva S., Tossavainen A., Vehmas T.
Computed tomography of asbestos-related pleural anomalies
The objective of this study was to assess observer agreement in several asbestos-related pleural abnormalities and to define criteria to discriminate between pleural changes in workers with occupational disease, and those in controls. Pleural abnormalities in spiral computed tomography of 602 construction workers with asbestosis or bilateral pleural plaques and 49 controls were reviewed by three radiologists using structured forms. It was found that the extent, calcification and thickness were well-repeatable indicators of benign pleural pathology and their use in future classification systems in computed tomography is recommended. The extent of 45cm2 and the degree of calcification were helpful in discriminating between pleural changes in workers with occupational disease, and those in controls who also presented marked pleural pathology.
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, Apr. 2002, Vol.75, No.4, p.224-228. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 03-468 Calmus M.L., Borel P., Alcouffe J.
Evaluation of the strenuousness of asbestos removal operations. Considerations on the methodology of the evaluation of cardiac load
Evaluation de la pénibilité des opérations de désamiantage. Réflexions sur la méthodologie de l'évaluation des coûts cardiaques [in French]
In order to evaluate the strenuousness of asbestos removal work, two occupational physicians followed seven workers aged 19 to 47 years, employed in an asbestos-removal enterprise with a staff of 27 workers. Each worker was subjected to direct observations, to an oral temperature measurement before the start of work and after its completion, to an ECG at rest and to cardiometric frequency recordings during work at the worksite. Workers were also given a questionnaire on their observations before and after each of the five phases of work. The various cardiometric indices were consistent with increasing strenuousness for the phases studied, namely: preparation; wetting; evacuation; scratching and demolition. The three latter operations are to be considered as being particularly strenuous. Assessment by workers as reflected by their questionnaire responses showed scratching and demolition to be more strenuous than preparation, wetting and waste evacuation. These results confirm the strenuous nature of asbestos removal work and the importance of total compliance with rest periods between periods of work in the confined area, which should not exceed two per working day.
Cahiers de médecine interprofessionnelle, 2002, Vol.42, No.3, p.356-367. Illus. 14 ref.

CIS 03-313 Crespo Poyatos J., Galán Cortés J., Bernier Herrera F.
Exposure to asbestos fibres during vehicle maintenance
Exposición a fibras de amianto en operaciones de mantenimiento de vehículos [in Spanish]
During vehicle maintenance work, workers are exposed to asbestos fibres (chrysotile) when working on brakes or the clutch. The objective of this study was to identify the nature of the fibres that were present in friction elements of vehicles and to determine the level of exposure of workers to asbestos during operations giving rise to a liberation of asbestos fibres in workplace air. An analysis of friction materials and fibre types was carried out, and air samples were collected from 24 workshops. Results confirm the established tend towards the substitution of asbestos. Chrysotile was present in 30% of the clutch disk and 41% of brake shoe samples analysed. 57% of the air samples contained either no asbestos or negligible concentrations. When asbestos fibres were present, their concentrations were below legal limits.
Prevención, trabajo y salud, 2002, No.21, p.11-21. Illus. 14 ref.

CIS 03-352
Health and Safety Executive
Selection of suitable respiratory protective equipment for work with asbestos
This guidance is aimed at employers and self-employed contractors in the building industry, at persons working with asbestos-containing insulation materials, including contractors licensed for this work, and at safety representatives. It will help in selecting the appropriate respirators, making sure they are used correctly and maintained in good condition. Contents: why respirators are necessary; when they should be provided; control measures to be applied before resorting to respirators; marking of respirators; selection of respirators; evaluation of concentrations to which workers are exposed; protection factors; facepiece fit testing; consulting employees; maintenance, training and supervision; some common misuses of respirators when working with asbestos. Replaces CIS 99-2014.
HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS, United Kingdom, July 2002. 26p.14 ref.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg288.pdf [in English]

CIS 03-185 Bianchi C., Ramani L., Bianchi T.
Concurrent malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and hepatocellular carcinoma in the same patient: A report of five cases
Five cases are reported in which malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and hepatocellular carcinoma co-existed in the same patient (four men and one woman, aged between 58 and 86). The diagnosis was established at necropsy. In one case, the association was already clinically suspected. All mesotheliomas were asbestos-related. Liver cirrhosis co-existed in four cases, two of them positive for HCV markers. Many elements suggest that the above association is not a fortuitous coincidence. In particular, asbestos could favour liver cancerogenesis by inducing immune impairment.
Industrial Health, Oct. 2002, Vol.40, No.4, p.383-387. 45 ref.

CIS 03-184 Guidotti T.L.
Apportionment in asbestos-related disease for purposes of compensation
Workers' compensation systems attempt to evaluate claims for occupational disease on an individual basis using the best available guidelines. This may be difficult when there is more than one risk factor associated with the outcome, such as exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoking, and when the occupational exposure is not clearly responsible for the disease. Apportionment is an approach that involves an assessment of the relative contribution of work-related exposures to the risk of the disease or to the final impairment that arises for the disease. This review article discusses the concept of apportionment and applies it to asbestos-associated diseases. Apportionment, attractive as it may be as an approach to the adjudication of asbestos-related disease, is difficult to apply in practice. Even so, these models may serve as a general guide to the assessment of asbestos-related disease outcomes for purposes of compensation.
Industrial Health, Oct. 2002, Vol.40, No.4, p.295-311. Illus. 68 ref.

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