Parenchymal and airway diseases caused by asbestos

Antonescu-Turcu, Andreea; Schapira, Ralph M.

doi:10.1097/mcp.0b013e328335de61

Cited by 20 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Exposure to asbestos can cause lung inflammation and fibrotic conditions, such as asbestosis and diffuse pleural thickening (DPT). These conditions are associated with lung function decrements, which are typically restrictive but may be obstructive or both ( Antonescu-Turcu & Schapira, 2010 ; Currie et al, 2009 ; Craighead, 2008 ; Miles et al, 2008 ; Weill, 2008 ). Asbestos exposure is also associated with pleural plaques, which may be present on the lateral chest wall or on the pleural surface of the diaphragm ( ATS, 2004 ; Craighead, 2008 ; Weill, 2008 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Systematic review of pleural plaques and lung function

Kerper

Lynch

et al. 2014

Inhalation Toxicology

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ContextUS EPA proposed a Reference Concentration for Libby amphibole asbestos based on the premise that pleural plaques are adverse and cause lung function deficits.ObjectiveWe conducted a systematic review to evaluate whether there is an association between pleural plaques and lung function and ascertain whether results were dependent on the method used to identify plaques.MethodsUsing the PubMed database, we identified studies that evaluated pleural plaques and lung function. We assessed each study for quality, then integrated evidence and assessed associations based on the Bradford Hill guidelines. We also compared the results of HRCT studies to those of X-ray studies.ResultsWe identified 16 HRCT and 36 X-ray studies. We rated six HRCT and 16 X-ray studies as higher quality based on a risk-of-bias analysis. Half of the higher quality studies reported small but statistically significant mean lung function decrements associated with plaques. None of the differences were clinically significant. Many studies had limitations, such as inappropriate controls and/or insufficient adjustment for confounders. There was little consistency in the direction of effect for the most commonly reported measurements. X-ray results were more variable than HRCT results. Pleural plaques were not associated with changes in lung function over time in longitudinal studies.ConclusionThe weight of evidence indicates that pleural plaques do not impact lung function. Observed associations are most likely due to unidentified abnormalities or other factors.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Systematic review of pleural plaques and lung function

Kerper

Lynch

et al. 2014

Inhalation Toxicology

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“…The identification of functional abnormalities is also relevant for compensation issues. While compromised lung function in pronounced disease is widely accepted, controversies still remain about a possible relationship between earlier or milder non-malignant asbestos-induced pleural or parenchymal fibrosis and reduced lung function measurements [3-11]. The American Thoracic Society and the American College of Chest Physicians [12,13], in particular, have lamented the lack of definitive knowledge in the prevalence and clinical relevance of asbestos-induced obstructive airway diseases and have determined to make this a priority for investigation and elucidation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lung function in asbestos-exposed workers, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Wilken

Garrido

Manuwald

et al. 2011

J Occup Med Toxicol

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BackgroundA continuing controversy exists about whether, asbestos exposure is associated with significant lung function impairments when major radiological abnormalities are lacking. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to assess whether asbestos exposure is related to impairment of lung function parameters independently of the radiological findings.MethodsMEDLINE was searched from its inception up to April 2010. We included studies that assessed lung function parameters in asbestos exposed workers and stratified subjects according to radiological findings. Estimates of VC, FEV1 and FEV1/VC with their dispersion measures were extracted and pooled.ResultsOur meta-analysis with data from 9,921 workers exposed to asbestos demonstrates a statistically significant reduction in VC, FEV1 and FEV1/VC, even in those workers without radiological changes. Less severe lung function impairments are detected if the diagnoses are based on (high resolution) computed tomography rather than the less sensitive X-ray images. The degree of lung function impairment was partly related to the proportion of smokers included in the studies.ConclusionsAsbestos exposure is related to restrictive and obstructive lung function impairment. Even in the absence of radiological evidence of parenchymal or pleural diseases there is a trend for functional impairment.

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“…284/89 of 24 August came into practice the content of Directive 83/477/CEE.After some years the Directive 91/382/EEC, which has enforced even more strict caution about asbestos, and finally Directive 2003/18/EC prohibited the production of asbestos-based products. In the meantime, scientific evidence proved that all mineral fibres present a cancer risk as asbestosis (lung damage due to acid formation in an attempt of the body to dissolve the asbestos fibres) (Akira 2010) or even lung cancer or other types of cancer (Ladou 2004, Silverstein et al 2009, Antonescu-Turcu and Schapira 2010. Four years later, Portugal adopted the Directive 2003/18/EC by issuing the Decree No.…”

Section: Asbestos-based Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxicity of building materials: a key issue in sustainable construction

Pacheco-Torgal

Jalali

2011

International Journal of Sustainable Engineering

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To avoid the use of toxic building materials is one of the principles of sustainable construction. However and contrary to general beliefs, current residential buildings frequently contain many toxic building materials, some of which even comply with legal regulations. Part of the problem is because architects and civil engineers have no form of knowing the toxicity of building materials. The other part is economically related. Some regulations about toxicity limits are influenced by economic reasons. For instance, although scientific evidence about the toxicity of lead plumbing has existed for quite some time, legal regulations avoid imposing very tight thresholds because of the cost of lead pipe substitution (in Europe that could cost almost 200,000 million euros). It is then no surprise to see that the related Directive (98/83/CE) established a 15-year delay period before the 10 mg/l lead content threshold is enforced. This paper discusses some cases of toxic building materials by reviewing previously published work, it also covers the emission of volatile organic compounds from paints and varnishes, the toxicity of impregnating agents, materials that release toxic fumes during a fire, asbestos-based materials, radioactive materials and lead plumbing.

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Parenchymal and airway diseases caused by asbestos

Abstract: Future studies will help clarify the clinical issues and shape screening strategies for asbestos-exposed individuals.

Cited by 20 publications

References 28 publications

Systematic review of pleural plaques and lung function

Systematic review of pleural plaques and lung function

Lung function in asbestos-exposed workers, a systematic review and meta-analysis

Toxicity of building materials: a key issue in sustainable construction

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