Asbestos (1980)

This chapter from the U.S. Bureau of Mines' 1980 edition of Mineral Facts and Problems is a government review of the asbestos industry, not a medical study. The author described asbestos production, uses, reserves, regulation and forecasts, mostly using data through 1978 and 1979. Chrysotile was the variety most in demand, and South Africa was the sole producer of amosite and crocidolite. U.S. consumption in 1979 was 561,000 tons, about 17% domestically mined, and asbestos cement pipe was the largest use. The author stated there was insufficient space to document the conflicting health reports and insufficient data to evaluate the validity of each, and listed a few areas of consensus. Prolonged occupational exposure to heavy dust concentrations without personal protective devices can increase the chances of asbestosis. Exposure may increase the chances of mesothelioma. Asbestos workers exposed to heavy concentrations of dust without respiratory protection who are also heavy smokers have increased chances of lung cancer. Evidence on swallowed asbestos was contradictory and inconclusive. The author stated that health hazards are present throughout mining, processing and use of asbestos.

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From J-M's medical library

This copy comes from the Johns-Manville medical library. It was among the papers J-M kept in its medical library without an index entry.