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Abstract

A number of epidemiological studies have addressed the risk of pleural mesothelioma from environmental (household and neighborhood) exposure to asbestos, but no overall risk estimate is available. We reviewed the epidemiological studies on risk of pleural mesothelioma and household or neighborhood exposure to asbestos. We identified eight relevant studies; most were conducted in populations with relatively high exposure levels. We combined the risk estimates in a meta-analysis based on the random-effects model. The relative risks (RRs) of pleural mesothelioma for household exposure ranged between 4.0 and 23.7, and the summary risk estimate was 8.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.3-12). For neighborhood exposure, RRs ranged between 5.1 and 9.3 (with a single RR of 0.2) and the summary estimate was 7.0 (95% CI: 4.7-11). This review suggests a substantial increase in risk of pleural mesothelioma following high environmental exposure to asbestos; however, the available data are insufficient to estimate the magnitude of the excess risk at the levels of environmental exposure commonly encountered by the general population in industrial countries.

The relationship between malignant mesothelioma and an asbestos cement plant environmental risk: a spatial case–control study in the city of Bari (Italy)

“…The importance of non-occupational, domestic or environmental (neighbourhood) asbestos exposure has been underlined in many reports (Bourdes et al 2000;Boffetta 2006;Pasetto et al 2005;Magnani et al 2000;Magnani et al 2001;Maule et al 2007). Our study is a further contribution to explain the asbestos drama in the city of Bari, the presence of the AC factory has been related with the onset of malignant mesothelioma among the neighboring resident population.…”

“…Many studies have demonstrated an increased risk, even in the general population, associated with relatively low asbestos exposure of environmental type (Bourdes et al 2000;Boffetta 2006). The environmental pollution was reported to be derived from industrial sites or mines, from the presence of asbestos in buildings (asbestos in place), but also from natural contamination of the soil, in which case exposure can date right from birth ).…”

Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Pleural Diseases

“…If short exposures can lead to MPM, the tumor is mostly the consequence of long-time exposure [63, 64]. Although asbestos exposure can be environmental [65,66,67], most cases result from occupational exposures. That is the reason why the incidence of MPM shows marked differences between countries [68].…”

The Environmental Causes of Cancer: A Literature Review

“…For neighborhood exposure, RRs ranged between 5.1 and 9.3 (with a single RR of 0.2) and the summary estimate was 7.0 (95% CI 4.7-11). These results indicate an increased risk of pleura mesothelioma from high environmental asbestos exposure; although, the data was unable to offer the magnitude of the excess risk at levels which correspond to environmental exposure to the general population in industrial countries (Bourdès et al, 2000).…”

“…The RRs of pleural mesothelioma for household exposure ranged from 4.0 to 23.7 and the summary risk estimate was 8.1 (95% CI 5.3-12) (Bourdès et al, 2000). For neighborhood exposure, RRs ranged between 5.1 and 9.3 (with a single RR of 0.2) and the summary estimate was 7.0 (95% CI 4.7-11).…”