title: [Pulmonary CO diffusion and radiological findings in subjects formerly exposed to asbestos cement].
abstract: A cross-sectional study on 117 male former asbestos-cement workers was performed. The aims of the study were: evaluation of the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, measurement of pulmonary volumes, flows and DI(co) values, detection of asbestos-related diseases, and data collection for a medical follow-up of the participants. Medical examination included ECSC questionnaire, spirometry, DI(co) measurement and chest x-ray. Time since first exposure (latency) and duration of employment were used as exposure indices: participants were subdivided into three exposure groups, respectively for latency and duration of employment. For statistical analysis, multiple linear regression and logistic regression methods were applied; significance level was p < 0.05. In 28 participants abnormal DI(co) values (< 80% of predicted) were measured, 9 subjects (8%) had radiological asbestos-related abnormalities. Lower values of DI(co), after correcting for smoking, were observed in the third latency group of subjects; an increased risk of radiological asbestos-related abnormalities was observed in relation to the duration of employment and latency. This study confirmed DI(co) as an indicator of (asbestos-related) pulmonary interstitial disease.
authors.affiliation: Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Servizio Prevenzione e Sicurezza del Lavoro, Roma.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zona
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bruno
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Agabiti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pizzutelli
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Forastiere
mesh_terms: D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos; D002248:Carbon Monoxide
vernacular_title: Diffusione polmonare per il CO e quadro radiologico in ex-esposti a cemento-amianto.