[Prevalence and distribution of asbestos lung residue in a Spanish urban population].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the present study is to analyse the prevalence and distribution of asbestos lung residue in the Barcelona urban population.


METHODS
Lung autopsy samples were obtained from 35 individuals who had lived in Barcelona. The close family were interviewed in order to rule out asbestos exposure. Samples were obtained from three areas of the right lung during the autopsy: upper lobe apex, lower lobe apex, and lower lobe base. The samples were treated to remove organic material. The inorganic residue was analysed using a light microscope. The results were expressed as asbestos bodies (AB) per gram of dry tissue. Levels greater than 1000AB/g of dry tissue were considered as potentially causing disease.


RESULTS
AB were detected in 29(83%) of the subjects, of which 86% had levels less than 300AB/g. Only one individual (3%) had values greater than 1000AB/g dry tissue. The asbestos residue was higher in the lower lung lobe in 17 individuals (48%) than in the rest, although no significant differences were seen as regards AB residue in the three lung areas studied.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study show that the urban population of Barcelona have asbestos levels in the lung that vary between 0 and 300AB/g dry tissue. No differences in the asbestos residues were detected in the lung areas studied in this population.
Velasco-García
María Isabel
MI
Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
Recuero
Raquel
R
Cruz
María Jesús
MJ
Panades
Rafael
R
Martí
Gabriel
G
Ferrer
Jaume
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001194:Asbestos / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019016:Mineral Fibers / Q000032:analysis; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D015995:Prevalence; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D019016:Mineral Fibers; D001194:Asbestos
Prevalencia y distribución del depósito pulmonar de amianto en población urbana española.