BACKGROUND Restrictive patterns of pulmonary function abnormalities associated with asbestos exposure are well described. Studies are less consistent, however, regarding the association of asbestos inhalation with airway dysfunction and obstructive impairment. METHODS We compared pulmonary function test results between 277 chrysotile exposed workers (22% non-smokers) and 177 unexposed control...

An investigation into the problem of the frequency and hazards of lung biopsy in asbestos workers was performed in two ways. The first study was into the frequency of lung biopsy among 2907 long term asbestos insulation workers in 1981-3 and the second was into the frequency of fatal complications of lung biopsy in 168 deaths from asbestosis among 2271 consecutive deaths of asbestos insulation ...

Communications to the Editor 7 Beritic’ T Benign asbestosis: words and thoughts. Br J Indust Med 1988; 45:433-34 8 Epler GR, McLoud it, Gaensler EA, Mikus JP, Carrington CB. Normal chest roentgenograms in chronic diffuse infiltrative lung disease. N EnglJ Med 1978; 298:934-39 9 Kipen HM, Lilis R, Suzuki Y, Valciukas JA, Selikoff IL. Pulmonary fibrosis in asbestos insulation workers with lung ca...

INTRODUCTION The relationships between benign asbestos-related diseases (asbestosis and pleural plaques) and thoracic cancers are still debated. The aim of this paper was to review the epidemiological data relevant to this issue. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE Published studies show a significant relationship between occupational exposure to asbestos and lung cancer risk, even in the absence of abnormalit...