title: [Reporting and compensation of mesothelioma caused by occupational exposure to asbestos in Romagna (1986-1994). Work Group for Surveillance of Mesothelioma in Romagna].
abstract: A working group for the surveillance of mesothelioma was established in the Romagna Region of Italy. For the present report of the early data on compensation, 94 cases notified to the Romagna Cancer Registry between 1986 and 1994 (mean age, 66.7 years; male: female ratio, 1.8; frequency of pleural location, 76%; frequency of cyto-histologic confirmation, 79%) were considered. Information on asbestos exposure, occupational history, and compensation status was obtained from the patients or their relatives, the general practitioners, the local occupational health services, the National Institute of Social Insurance, the National Board for Insurance against Industrial Accidents (INAIL), and the Trade Unions. Asbestos exposure was associated with 42/94 cases (45%). Of these, 11 (26%) had been reported to INAIL. All such cases had cyto-histological confirmation. The greater frequency of reporting was found among cases known to the occupational health service (7/7) as well as those with definite, documented asbestos exposure (9/13). Only two cases had been reported by hospital physicians. Seven cases were compensated. In addition to cyto-histological confirmation, also the male sex, patient's age under the mean of 66, pleural location, and documented asbestos exposure were found to be prerequisites for compensation. Not only in these subgroups but also among cases known to the occupational health service as well as those diagnosed in 1990-94, most cases reported were compensated. These early data suggest that a more accurate diagnostic process as associated with prompt notification to the occupational health service for thorough assessment of asbestos exposure may improve the compensation process.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012737:Sex Factors; D014942:Workers' Compensation
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos
vernacular_title: Denuncia ed indennizzo del mesotelioma da esposizione professionale ad asbesto in Romagna (1986-1994). Gruppo di Lavoro per la Sorveglianza del Mesotelioma in Romagna.