Mesothelioma in Cyprus.
For many years, the main source of asbestos in Cyprus was thought to be the chrysotile mine in the central mountains. When a woman, who had no connection with the mine, developed mesothelioma, it was surprising to discover tremolite asbestos bodies within her lung. However, further studies have shown that tremolite occurs as a contaminant within the chrysotile ore body. In this study we have shown that both chrysotile and tremolite can be found in domestic and environmental samples throughout the mountain region; in particular, numerous fine fibres of both materials are present in stucco. Preliminary radiological studies have shown pleural disease in the village population and 5 out of 13 known cases of mesothelioma have arisen in persons unconnected with the mine. This suggests an environmental contribution to asbestos-related disease on the island.
McConnochie
K
K
Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases, University of Wales College of Medicine, Llandough Hospital, Penarth, South Glamorgan, UK.
Simonato
L
L
Mavrides
P
P
Christofides
P
P
Mitha
R
R
Griffiths
D M
DM
Wagner
J C
JC
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D017638:Asbestos, Crocidolite; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine; D003535:Cyprus; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000032:analysis; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D008906:Mining; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography; D012756:Sheep; D012824:Silicic Acid / Q000032:analysis
D000393:Air Pollutants; D017636:Asbestos, Amphibole; D017632:Asbestos, Serpentine; D017638:Asbestos, Crocidolite; D001194:Asbestos; D012824:Silicic Acid; C005846:tremolite