Mesothelioma incidence in a Dutch shipyard.
On Walcheren Island (the Netherlands), 25 cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed from 1962 to 1968. In 22 cases, there had been an occupational association with Royal Schelde, the shipyard in Vlissingen. A relationship with exposure to asbestos, frequently used in shipbuilding in the past, could be demonstrated. Further observations showed the expected increase of mesothelioma cases in Royal Schelde workers. In 1974, the number of cases totaled 42; in 1978, the number rose to 57. In addition, five more recent cases have not yet been confirmed histologically, but the clinical symptoms are unmistakable. In seven of 12 mesothelioma cases on Walcheren Island that had no association with Royal Schelde, asbestos exposure in the occupational history could also be traced. Finally, a few facts are mentioned about the recent Dutch Asbestos Act.
D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009426:Netherlands; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012767:Ships
D001194:Asbestos