Parenchymal and airway diseases caused by asbestos.
OBJECTIVE
The extensive industrial use of asbestos for many decades has been linked to development of benign and malignant pleuropulmonary disease. This review summarizes newer evidence and ongoing controversies that exist in the literature regarding asbestos-related parenchymal and airway diseases.


RESULTS
Asbestosis represents a significant respiratory problem despite the improvement in the workplace hygiene and a decrease in use of asbestos. The management of asbestosis remains challenging as currently there is no specific treatment. The role of asbestos exposure alone as a cause of chronic airway obstruction remains uncertain. The relationship between lung cancer and asbestos exposure alone and in combination with smoking has also been investigated. The benefit of screening for asbestos-related pleuropulmonary disease remains uncertain as does the use of computed tomography scanning for the purpose of screening.


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies will help clarify the clinical issues and shape screening strategies for asbestos-exposed individuals.
Antonescu-Turcu
Andreea L
AL
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA. aturcu@mcw.edu
Schapira
Ralph M
RM
D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D001194:Asbestos