ASBESTOS-EXPOSURE
LUNG-FUNCTION

DECLINE IN ANNUAL LUNG FUNCTION IN WORKERS EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS WITH AND WITHOUT PRE-EXISTING FIBROTIC CHANGES ON CHEST RADIOGRAPHY

A study was conducted on the synergistic effects of low exposure to chrysotile asbestos and mild pulmonary fibrosis on annual declines in pulmonary function. Mean annual declines in pulmonary function were assessed over a 6 year period on asbestos workers with or without evidence of mild pneumoconiosis. No significant effect from the interaction between preexisting mild pulmonary fibrosis and low level exposure to chrysotile asbestos was seen on the accelerated annual decline on lung function. Annual changes in lung function were significantly affected by fibrosis, even after controlling for smoking. The author concludes that mild and stable pulmonary fibrosis is an independent risk factor for accelerated annual decline in pulmonary function while additional decline resulting from exposure to low levels of chrysotile asbestos is less probable.

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 52(6):365-373, 1995. (13 references)

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