Asbestos-associated diseases in a cohort of cigarette-filter workers

Article Abstract:

The inhalation of asbestos has been linked with lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis or asbestosis, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the mesothelial layer in the membranes of lungs, heart and abdominal cavity. Workers in a factory that made filters for cigarettes from crocidolite, a type of asbestos, were evaluated for asbestos-related illnesses. Out of 33 men who worked in the factory from 1951-1954, 28 have died. The expected death rate for this group was estimated to be 8.3 deaths. Further evaluation revealed 15 deaths from cancer: eight from lung cancer, five from malignant mesothelioma and two from other types of cancers. This is compared to the 1.8 who could be expected to die of cancer. An additional seven deaths were the result of other lung disease, five of which were asbestos-related. The normally expected rate for this population would be 0.5 deaths from lung diseases. Of the remaining five workers still alive, four have been diagnosed with pulmonary asbestosis. Two out of three recently diagnosed cancers are lung malignancies. The effects of working with asbestos have proved to be deleterious to the health of these factory workers many years later. Physicians are cautioned to be suspect of exposure from unconventional sources.

Health aspects, Officials and employees, Cases, Tobacco industry, Asbestos, Asbestosis, Occupational mortality

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Occupational asthma

Article Abstract:

Occupational asthma is very common in developed countries. Approximately 250 chemicals are known to cause asthma, but industrial isocyanates the most common cause of occupational asthma. The length or the time since exposure to the chemicals is not important in the development of asthma. Forty percent of patients develop symptoms within 2 years and 20% within 10 years of exposure. Most patients do not recover, though their symptoms may lessen after several years away from the chemical. Occupational asthma is diagnosed by diagnosing the asthma and establishing the relationship between exposures at work and the asthma. A job history that lists all possible past and present exposures and specific job duties is essential to the diagnosis. Lung function tests may also be done. Sometimes, a specific blood or skin test can be performed for certain chemicals. Occupational asthma is treated by removing the patient from exposure, prescribing drugs and continual monitoring by the doctor.

Care and treatment, Diseases, Industrialized countries, Asthma, Industrial nations

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Occupational respiratory diseases

Article Abstract:

It may be difficult to diagnose occupational lung diseases because the disease may not develop until years after exposure. Doctors should always suspect occupational lung disease when an older person develops symptoms. Asbestos is a common cause of lung disease and stone cutters and drillers are exposed to silica dust. Some people are genetically more susceptible to environmental chemicals, which explains why not everyone who is exposed develops lung disease. Treatment will be similar to non-occupational forms of the disease. Workers will need to change jobs or limit their exposure.

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