Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health

Our medical research library holds 30 studies published in Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health (2006–2023). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 23 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it. For 3 studies PubMed has no abstract for, we give the abstract printed in the article or, where there is none, a summary we wrote from it, each labeled as such.

About the journal

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Published: 2005 to the present, United States
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1933-8244 (print), 2154-4700 (electronic)
• Continues: Archives of Environmental Health
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Asbestos: Mineralogical features and fiber analysis in biological materials. E.R. Sahin, D. Koksal. 2023;78(6):369-378. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Asbestos is a mineral with unique physical and chemical properties that make it highly resistant to heat, fire, and corrosion. Nevertheless, exposure to asbestos fibers has been linked to serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Despite the ban on asbestos usage, asbestos-related diseases are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Analyzing the mineralogical features and fiber analysis of asbestos in biological materials is critical for scenarios where an asbestos exposure history cannot be obtained, a clinical diagnosis cannot be made, or legal aspects necessitate further investigation. This review outlines the mineralogical features and fiber analysis techniques of asbestos in biological materials.

• Anthophyllite asbestos from Staten Island, New York: Longitudinal fiber splitting. M. Germine, J.H. Puffer. 2022;77(4):268-275. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Asbestos ore was sampled from a historical anthophyllite mine in Staten Island, New York. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to image the structure of nineteen fibers of the anthophyllite asbestos. The anthophyllite was characterized by a high level of chain width disorder, involving wide chain multiplicity faults (CMFs) that were frequent in fibers, randomly spaced, and ranged from one to eight chains in width. This chain width disorder was manifest by streaking of electron diffraction rows of chain width. The anthophyllite asbestos fibers were found to be produced by longitudinal splitting rather than crystal growth. Such splitting is a function of cleavage along CMFs rather than crystal boundaries. The morphology of the fibers is consistent with anthophyllite asbestos mined in Finland associated with lung cancer and mesothelioma. These findings may have regulatory implications.

• Environmental asbestos exposure and nonmalignant pleural findings: a retrospective evaluation of a five-year chest CT repository. A. Sandal, S.M. Ecin, A. Koyuncu, et al. 2022;77(9):734-743. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  This registry-based case-control study aimed to assess the association between asbestos deposits in the birthplace and/or residence and nonmalignant pleural findings, namely pleural plaques (PPs) and pleural thickening (PT), on chest CT scans. In total, 39,472 CT scans obtained over five years in a tertiary referral hospital in Ankara, Turkey, were evaluated. Cases involving patients with PP (n = 537), PT (n = 263), PP&PT (n = 69), and controls (n = 543) from the same study base without those conditions were included. Each case group was compared to controls using unconditional logistic regression. The presence of asbestos deposits in the district of birthplace (adjusted OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.35-3.37) and both birthplace and residence (aOR = 4.32, 95% CI: 2.26-8.27) was significantly related to the PPs. As the importance of environmental asbestos exposure in Turkey continues, future prospective studies could contribute to developing screening strategies.

• Evaluating the airborne asbestos dispersion in enclosed parking lots in Iran. N. Nasirzadeh, Y. Rasoulzadeh, D. Mahmoudi, et al. 2022;77(6):437-445. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Each time a car's brakes are used, asbestos is dispersed in the air. Breathing the air in enclosed parking lots can expose people working in these places to asbestos. This study aimed to evaluate the airborne asbestos dispersion in enclosed parking lots. In this study, 35 air samples were collected from six enclosed parking lots in Tabriz City. The samples were analyzed quantitatively by phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and qualitatively by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer. The mean of fiber concentrations was found 0.155 ± 0.069 PCM f/cc. The SEM data demonstrated that the fibers consisted of synthetic fibers (69.57%) and asbestos (30.43%). Fiber concentrations in many enclosed parking lots in the city were higher than the threshold limit value-time weighted average of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists and Occupational Exposure Limits of Iran. However, further investigations are needed to clarify asbestos exposure in such places.

• Analytical transmission electron microscopy of amosite asbestos from South Africa. M. Germine, J.H. Puffer. 2020;75(1):36-44. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Using the recognized amosite standard, we have performed transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemical analyses. We use high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and zone-axis selected area electron diffraction (SAED) to describe the molecular structure of the fibers. We find that both microscopic observational evidence and statistical dimensional characteristics indicate that the amosite fibers are formed by longitudinal splitting, with surfaces produced by fine twinning and lateral boundaries formed by parting parallel to the planes of double and triple sheets of amphibole chain structures. Our findings indicate that amosite would not be regulated under current asbestos regulations, which define amphibole asbestos as whole crystals that are not split and that form fibril bundles, not found in our standard. However, it is fully documented that amosite causes mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

• MicroRNAs diagnostic and prognostic value as predictive markers for malignant mesothelioma. E. Sturchio, M.G. Berardinelli, P. Boccia, et al. 2020;75(8):471-482. Review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor resistant to current therapies with a latency period ranging between 20 and 60 years, caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, that continues to represent a social and healthcare issue. The high percentage of people exposed to asbestos for professional or environmental reasons is associated with the high biopersistence of its fibers and with its widespread use in the last century. Approximately 20-40% of men report an occupational history that might have caused the workplace exposure (criteria Helsinki, 1997). Some authors are evaluating the possible use of bioindicators as a screening and early diagnosis tool. In this regard, the use of microRNAs has been proposed as powerful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for many tumors and human diseases. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge on the key role of microRNAs expression as new malignant mesothelioma biomarkers, in early clinical diagnostic applications.

• Potential years of life and productivity loss due to malignant mesothelioma in Turkey. S. Metintas, G. Ak, M. Metintas. 2020;75(8):464-470. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The study aimed to calculate years of life lost (YLL) and years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to malignant mesothelioma (MM) in Turkey. YLL was computed by estimating the difference between age at death due to MM and the expected death age. To calculate YPLL, all deaths above 65 years (retirement age) were disregarded. Of the 5,617 deaths due to MM in the study period, 3,241 (57.70%) were male and 2,376 (42.30%) were female. The median YLL and YPLL were 16.58 and 25.13 for males and 19.83 and 28.50 years for females. YLL and YPLL were shorter in males than females (p < 0.001). Premature mortality cost per death was $ 45,963.57 (2.23 times higher for males). MM is associated with high YLL, YPLL and economic burden in a country with environmental asbestos exposure in the rural areas.

2010s

• A review of the cohorts with environmental and occupational mineral fiber exposure. S. Metintas, G. Ak, M. Metintas. 2019;74(1-2):76-84. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The aim of the study was to examine factors associated with Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) incidence rate of the groups with occupational asbestos and environmental asbestos or erionite exposure in rural area. In this ecological study, a total of 21 cohort datasets (8 environmental and 13 occupational) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using a multiple linear regression analysis model. In environmental cohorts, the risk of MM incidence was higher in women and people exposed to erionite. In this cohort, the incidence rate of MM increased as the median exposure time increased, while the incidence decreased as the median cumulative exposure dose increased. In occupational cohorts, the incidence rate of MM was positively correlated with the median cumulative exposure dose. The risk of mesothelioma was lower in those exposed to tremolite than others. Environmental asbestos exposure is as important as occupational exposure to develop MM, and it has its own unique exposure features on the risk of MM.

• Chest CT scan findings in World Trade Center workers. R.E. de la Hoz, J. Weber, D. Xu, et al. 2019;74(5):263-270. PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  We examined the chest CT scans of 1,453 WTC responders using the International Classification of High-resolution CT for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases. Univariate and bivariate analyses of potential work-related pleural abnormalities were performed with pre-WTC and WTC-related occupational exposure data, spirometry, demographics and quantitative CT measurements. Logistic regression was used to evaluate occupational predictors of those abnormalities. Chest CT scans were performed first at a median of 6.8 years after 9/11/2001. Pleural abnormalities were the most frequent (21.1%) across all occupational groups In multivariable analyses, significant pre-WTC occupational asbestos exposure, and work as laborer/cleaner were predictive of pleural abnormalities, with prevalence being highest for the Polish subgroup (n = 237) of our population. Continued occupational lung disease surveillance is warranted in this cohort.

• NIOSH's Respiratory Health Division: 50 years of science and service. K.J. Cummings, D.O. Johns, J.M. Mazurek, et al. 2019;74(1-2):15-29. Historical article PubMed · Publisher · Free full text

  Abstract

  The year 2017 marked the 50th anniversary of NIOSH's Respiratory Health Division (RHD). RHD began in 1967 as the Appalachian Laboratory for Occupational Respiratory Diseases (ALFORD), with a focus on coal workers' pneumoconiosis. ALFORD became part of NIOSH in 1971 and added activities to address work-related respiratory disease more generally. Health hazard evaluations played an important role in understanding novel respiratory hazards such as nylon flock, diacetyl, and indium-tin oxide. Epidemiologic and laboratory studies addressed many respiratory hazards, including coal mine dust, silica, asbestos, cotton dust, beryllium, diesel exhaust, and dampness and mold. Surveillance activities tracked the burden of diseases and enhanced the quality of spirometry and chest radiography used to screen workers. RHD's efforts to improve scientific understanding, inform strategies for prevention, and disseminate knowledge remain important now and for the future.

• Asbestos-related disease in upholsterers. M.J. Cruz, J. Sampol, M. Pallero, et al. 2018;73(3):186-188. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Before its use was banned in developed countries, asbestos was widely applied in upholstery. However, the risk of asbestos diseases among upholsterers has only rarely been reported. In this case series, we present a first series of 6 workers employed in small workshops who developed several asbestos-related diseases, including pleural plaques, pleural fibrosis, and asbestosis. Exposures were intermittent and difficult to quantify, but lung asbestos content assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage was high in the 3 patients evaluated. In conclusion, upholstery work should be considered an at-risk occupation for developing asbestos-related diseases during the 20th century.

• Mortality among Coast Guard Shipyard workers: A retrospective cohort study of specific exposures. J. Rusiecki, P. Stewart, D. Lee, et al. 2018;73(1):4-18. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  In a previous analysis of a cohort of shipyard workers, we found excess mortality from all causes, lung cancer, and mesothelioma for longer work durations and in specific occupations. Here, we expand the previous analyses by evaluating mortality associated with 5 chemical exposures: asbestos, solvents, lead, oils/greases, and wood dust. Data were gathered retrospectively for 4,702 workers employed at the Coast Guard Shipyard, Baltimore, MD (1950-1964). The cohort was traced through 2001 for vital status. Associations between mortality and these 5 exposures were calculated via standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). We found all 5 substances to be independently associated with mortality from mesothelioma, cancer of the respiratory system, and lung cancer. Findings from efforts to evaluate solvents, lead, oils/greases, and wood dust in isolation of asbestos suggested that the excesses from these other exposures may be due to residual confounding from asbestos exposure.

• Lung cancer risk in past asbestos workers a few decades after exposure cessation and prospects for screening. G. Mastrangelo, G. Marangi, M.N. Ballarin, et al. 2016;71(4):237-44. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  To ascertain whether the current risk of lung cancer in former asbestos workers was higher than in the general population, 1,557 past asbestos workers were recruited during statutory health examinations (from 2000 onward) and followed up for mortality. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated. Poisson regression was used to adjust the rate ratios (RRs) for confounders. SMR was about 1.00 in workers with or without pleural plaques and 4.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.61-18.1) in those with asbestosis. Adjusted RRs for lung cancer were 4.70 (0.99-22.5) for asbestosis, 4.35 (0.97-19.5) for former smokers, 6.82 (1.38-34.4) for current smokers. Currently, lung cancer mortality in past asbestos workers is similar to the general population, probably because workers more exposed /more susceptible could have died from lung cancer before the beginning of follow-up.

• Urinary asbestos fibers and inorganic particles in past asbestos workers. S. Zaina, G. Mastrangelo, M.N. Ballarin, et al. 2016;71(3):129-35. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  To assess the validity of the procedure as a test of asbestos exposure, we compared urinary asbestos fibers with occupational and environmental exposure data in a random sample of 48 subjects with high past asbestos exposure. Occupational and environmental exposure was estimated on questionnaire, pleural plaques were diagnosed with computed tomography, and inorganic fibers and particles were identified by scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive spectrometry. Few urinary asbestos fibers (in 15% of workers and 17% of cases with pleural plaques) and high amount of urinary silicate (particularly nonfibrous particles) were detected. Asbestos undergoes dissolution in lung tissues, but the secondary minerals are largely unknown. These materials, possibly nonfibrous silicates or metals, could be excreted with urine. Therefore, another study including a control group is warranted to discriminate the occupational origin of minerals in the urine.

• Analytical Transmission Electron Microscopy of Amphibole Fibers From the Lungs of Quebec Miners. M. Germine, J.H. Puffer. 2015;70(6):323-31. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The objective of this study is to describe the morphology, molecular structure, and chemistry of amphibole fibers from lung samples from workers in the chrysotile mines at Asbestos and Thetford Mines, Quebec. A fibrous tremolite-actinolite contaminant in an asbestos ore sample from the deposit at Asbestos was used for comparison. Lattice imaging was performed using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Silica-rich amorphous coatings (SIRA) that may be related to carcinogenesis are noted on all of the HRTEM photographs of fibers retained in lung, but not on fiber surfaces of the bulk comparison sample. Fibers found in lung samples and in a bulk comparison sample are produced primarily by splitting of thicker crystals and, as such, might not be considered asbestos fibers on the basis of certain mineralogical criteria. Implications of SIRA coatings with respect to carcinogenesis are worthy of further study.

• Occupational asbestos exposure and lung cancer--a systematic review of the literature. L.S. Nielsen, J. Bælum, J. Rasmussen, et al. 2014;69(4):191-206. Systematic review PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The objective of this study was to evaluate the scientific literature concerning asbestos and lung cancer, emphasizing low-level exposure. A literature search in PubMed and Embase resulted in 5,864 citations. Information from included studies was extracted using SIGN. Twenty-one statements were evidence graded. The results show that histology and location are not helpful in differentiating asbestos-related lung cancer. Pleural plaques, asbestos bodies, or asbestos fibers are useful as markers of asbestos exposure. The interaction between asbestos and smoking regarding lung cancer risk is between additive and multiplicative. The findings indicate that the association between asbestos exposure and lung cancer risk is basically linear, but may level off at very high exposures. The relative risk for lung cancer increases between 1% and 4% per fiber-year (f-y)/mL, corresponding to a doubling of risk at 25-100 f-y/mL. However, one high-quality case-control study showed a doubling at 4 f-y/mL.

• Statement in response to asbestos industry efforts to prevent a ban on asbestos in Pakistan: chrysotile asbestos use is not safe and must be banned. G. Aguilar Madrid, M. Beaudry, W. Bell, et al. 2013;68(4):243-9. Letter PubMed · Publisher

  Summary

  This letter, dated February 22, 2013 and signed by scientists and organisations from many countries, responded to a January 31, 2013 letter from the Chairman of the International Chrysotile Association (I.C.A.). The I.C.A. letter opposed a January 2013 recommendation by the Pakistan National Assembly's Standing Committee on Human Resource Development to ban the import and use of asbestos. The authors disputed six I.C.A. claims. They stated that safe use of chrysotile asbestos had never been documented, noting that Quebec's public health directors warned that safe use could not be achieved and that Quebec's "safe use" policy had failed. They cited a WHO figure of 107,000 occupational deaths yearly from asbestos and WHO's position that there is no safe exposure level to chrysotile. They reported that substitutes were available, with a purchase price difference of 2 to 5% reported in Thailand, and that US asbestos use fell from 350,000 tonnes in 1980 to 961 tonnes in 2011. They stated that the I.C.A. had funded a study by David Bernstein that it cited, without disclosing this. They also stated that studies from France, the US and Japan found short chrysotile fibres to be the most common fibre in the pleura of mesothelioma cases. The signers condemned the I.C.A.'s statements as misinformation and urged the Government of Pakistan to ban the import and use of asbestos.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study, and the article doesn't print one. We wrote this summary from the full article with the help of AI. It is not the authors' wording.

• Why pretend that "non-asbestos" fibrous silicates are not "asbestos"?. T.L. Guidotti. 2013;68(4):187-9. Editorial PubMed · Publisher

• Asbestos in Canada: the end is in sight. T.L. Guidotti. 2012;67(1):1-2. Editorial · Historical article PubMed · Publisher

• Asbestos kills: no matter how you cut the data. D.R. Smith, E.J. Beh. 2012;67(4):187-8. Editorial PubMed · Publisher

• Chest imaging and lung function impairment after long-term occupational exposure to low concentrations of chrysotile. D. Spyratos, D. Chloros, B. Haidich, et al. 2012;67(2):84-90. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The aim of the present study was the investigation of radiographic findings in relation to lung function after occupational exposure to permissible levels of relatively pure chrysotile (0.5-3% amphiboles). We studied 266 out of the total 317 employees who have worked in an asbestos cement factory during the period 1968-2004 with chest x-ray, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and lung function tests. Sensitivity of chest x-ray was 43% compared to HRCT. Abnormal HRCT findings were found in 75 subjects (67%) and were related to age, occupational exposure duration, and spirometric data. The presence of parenchymal or visceral pleural lesions (exclusively or as the predominant abnormality) was being accompanied by lower total lung capacity and diffusion capacity. HRCT was much more sensitive than chest x-ray for occupational chrysotile exposure. Lung function impairment was related with parenchymal but not with pleural HRCT abnormalities.

• Real-world occupational epidemiology, part 3: an aggregate data analysis of Selikoff's "20-Year Rule". D. Tran, E.J. Beh, D.R. Smith. 2012;67(4):243-8. PubMed · Publisher

• Real world occupational epidemiology, part 2: a visual interpretation of statistical significance. E.J. Beh, D.R. Smith. 2011;66(4):245-8. PubMed · Publisher

  Summary

  This article was the second in a series on statistical methods in occupational epidemiology. The authors showed how to examine associations in contingency tables larger than 2 × 2, using the chi-squared test of independence, Pearson correlation and simple correspondence analysis. As a worked example, they reanalyzed data from Irving Selikoff's asbestos research, published in 1981, used with permission. In 1963 Selikoff had examined around 1200 insulation workers in metropolitan New York. The table the authors used covered 1117 workers, grouped by years of occupational asbestos exposure (0–9, 10–19, 20–29, 30–39 and 40+) and by asbestosis grade (none, or Grade 1 to Grade 3). Among workers exposed for under 10 years, the proportion without asbestosis was .896. Among those exposed for 40 years or more it was .058, and .653 had Grade 2 or Grade 3 disease. The chi-squared statistic was 648.8115 (p < .0001), and the correlation between exposure and grade was .69 (p < .0001). In the correspondence plot, the first two dimensions displayed 84.2% and 15.4% of the association, 99.6% in total. The plot linked no asbestosis with up to 19 years of exposure, Grades 2 and 3 with 40 or more years, and Grade 1 with roughly 10 to 30 years. The authors described this as a visual confirmation of Selikoff's "20-year rule." They stressed that correspondence analysis shows association, not causation.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study, and the article doesn't print one. We wrote this summary from the full article with the help of AI. It is not the authors' wording.

• Asbestos is still with us: repeat call for a universal ban. Collegium Ramazzini. 2010;65(3):121-6. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  All forms of asbestos are proven human carcinogens. All forms of asbestos cause malignant mesothelioma, lung, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers, and may cause gastrointestinal and other cancers. No exposure to asbestos is without risk. Asbestos cancer victims die painful lingering deaths. These deaths are almost entirely preventable. When evidence of the carcinogenicity of asbestos became incontrovertible, concerned parties, including the Collegium Ramazzini, called for a universal ban on the mining, manufacture, and use of asbestos in all countries around the world (J Occup Environ Med. 1999;41:830-832). Asbestos is now banned in 52 countries, and safer products have replaced many materials that once were made with asbestos. Nonetheless, a large number of countries still use, import, and export asbestos and asbestos-containing products. And in many countries that have banned other forms of asbestos, the so-called "controlled use" of chrysotile asbestos is exempted from the ban, an exemption that has no basis in medical science but rather reflects the political and economic influence of the asbestos mining and manufacturing industry. All countries of the world have an obligation to their citizens to join in the international endeavor to ban all forms of asbestos. An international ban on asbestos is urgently needed.

• Endemic malignant mesothelioma: exposure to erionite is more important than genetic factors. M. Metintas, G. Hillerdal, S. Metintas, et al. 2010;65(2):86-93. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The village of Karain, Turkey, has the world's highest prevalence rate of malignant mesothelioma (MM). Environmental exposure to erionite is thought to cause the disease. However, it has also been suggested that the disease is mainly genetic. Residents in Karain village were traced from 1990 to 2006. Mineral samples were obtained from stones used in construction of their houses and any fibers present were identified. All women who had moved to the village as brides were traced and their cause of death determined. MM was the cause of death in 52 of 322 villagers, representing 50.5% of all deaths. Only 2 of 8 types of stones used in construction contained erionite, and these stones had been used almost exclusively in the mid-sections of the village, where MM was common. In houses not containing erionite, no cases of MM were observed. Sixty-four women came as brides to Karain from villages where erionite or asbestos is not found. Of the 16 women who have died, 11 (69%) died from MM. The extreme risk of MM in Karain is due to indoor exposure to erionite. The effect of genetic factors on mesothelioma development cannot be evaluated in this study, but is likely to be minor.

• Environmental asbestos-related pleural plaque in southeast of Turkey. G. Ates, T. Yildiz, L. Akyildiz, et al. 2010;65(1):34-7. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  It is known that many malignant and benign pleural diseases occur due to environmental exposure to mineral fibers. Calcified pleural plaque (CPP) is an important sign of asbestos exposure on chest radiographic examination. To study the possible change in the prevalence of CPP and diffuse pleural thickening 3 decades after cessation of asbestos exposure. CPP were detected in 29.9% of the villagers; 4.7% had diffuse pleural thickening and 0.7% had asbestosis. The significant variable for CPP and diffuse pleural thickening was age. The youngest villager with CPP was 33 years of age and the prevalence of CPP increased with an increase in age. The reason for our cases with CPP being of advanced age is the discontinuation of asbestos exposure. This finding enables us to suggest that environmental asbestos-related disease will gradually decrease in future decades.

• Prognostic factors for 100 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. U. Gonlugur, T.E. Gonlugur. 2010;65(2):65-9. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various clinical, laboratory characteristics, and therapeutic modalities on the survival of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. One hundred consecutive patients with a pathologically proven diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma treated between 1993 and 2005 were included in the study. Using a Cox proportional hazard model, comorbidity, weight loss, breathlessness, and performance status were identified as independent prognostic factors. Comorbidity had interestingly favorable effect on the survival. Treated patients with chemotherapy had significantly longer survival than those treated with best supportive care. However, it was necessary to complete at least 6 cycles for a survival benefit. In conclusions, comorbidity information should be recorded in the recent prognostic studies. The drugs used for the comorbidity may improve survival.

2000s

• Orally ingested chrysotile asbestos affects rat lungs and pleura. H.C. Hasanoglu, E. Bayram, A. Hasanoglu, et al. 2008;63(2):71-5. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The authors designed this study to show the effects of orally ingested asbestos on the lungs and pleura. They designated 3 groups of rats: group A (n = 18) was given 1.5 g/L asbestos in water, group B (n = 18) was given 3 g/L asbestos in water, and group C (n = 15), as a control group, was given only water. Histopathological evaluation of lungs and pleura of the rats after 6 months revealed significant mesothelial proliferation and asbestos bodies. After 9 months, more rats exhibited mesothelial proliferation in group B than in group A (p < .05). The number of rats with asbestos bodies in their lungs was greater in group B than in group A. More rats in group B than in group A had asbestos in their spleen. The authors observed mesothelial proliferation in all group B rats at the end of 12 months. Ingested asbestos traveled from the gastrointestinal system to the lungs, likely via a lymphohematological route, leading to mesothelial proliferation, which may lead to malignancies.

• Why study asbestos?. T.L. Guidotti. 2008;63(3):99-100. Editorial PubMed · Publisher

  Summary

  In this editorial, the editor in chief of Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health asked whether further research on asbestos was still needed. He noted that asbestos was among the most heavily studied hazards in history, with 9,297 MedLine citations, and that its knowledge base was unrivaled for any occupational exposure except lead and noise. He answered "yes and no." On the "yes" side, he argued that enough was known to justify a total ban on the export, import, and use of asbestos, and he supported the Collegium Ramazzini's call for a ban, then 8 years old. He stated that chrysotile is carcinogenic. He also stated that the "third wave" of lung cancer and mesothelioma in mostly developing countries had repeated the earlier history of the United States and Europe. He listed arguments he considered settled, including that cancer risk at low exposure is above a linear extrapolation from high-level exposure and that asbestos probably causes colon cancer. On the "no" side, he argued that if doubt still prevented a ban, more evidence should be supplied. He added that asbestos serves as a model occupational hazard for research on fibers, carcinogenesis, aging, and the limitations of meta-analysis, and that its risks are not obsolete, citing Libby, Montana. He concluded that asbestos must continue to be studied so that past mistakes are not repeated.

  PubMed has no abstract for this study, and the article doesn't print one. We wrote this summary from the full article with the help of AI. It is not the authors' wording.

• Asbestos-related cancers in refinery workers in the Australian petroleum industry. R. Gun, N.L. Pratt, D.M. Roder, et al. 2006;61(1):11-6. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  In this study of the incidence of asbestos-related cancer in the Australian petroleum industry, the authors traced a cohort of 16,543 petroleum industry workers for a total of 226,989 person-years. There were 18 cases of pleural mesothelioma; 12 occurred in refinery nonoffice workers, for whom the Standardized Incidence Ratio was 3.77 (95% confidence interval = 1.95-6.59). The incidence of lung cancer was significantly lower than that in the general male population. Lung cancer incidence was higher in maintenance workers than in nonmaintenance workers, but the excess was not statistically significant, as it was based on small numbers with wide confidence intervals. Lung cancer rates in refinery workers did not increase with duration of employment; however, they did tend to be higher in workers hired in earlier decades. Excess mesothelioma incidence in refinery workers is confirmed, but it is likely that there are few if any asbestos-related lung cancers.

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