Asbestos: scientific developments and implications for public policy.
Asbestos is a commercial term for a group of fibrous minerals often associated with the development of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis (asbestosis), lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma in occupationally exposed individuals. The pathogenicity of different forms of asbestos varies--long, thin amphibole fibers are most pathogenic, particularly in the induction of mesothelioma. Available data do not support the concept that low-level exposure to asbestos is a health hazard in buildings and schools. The concentration of asbestos fibers in air, type of asbestos, and size of fibers must be considered in evaluation of potential health risks.
Mossman
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Department of Pathology, University of Vermont, College of Medicine, Burlington 05405.
Bignon
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Corn
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Seaton
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Gee
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D000818:Animals; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine; D001195:Asbestosis; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000209:etiology; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011640:Public Policy; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014481:United States
D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine; D001194:Asbestos; D012822:Silicon Dioxide