Infectious disease risk in asbestos abatement workers.
BACKGROUND
The current literature reports increased infectious disease occurrence in various construction occupations, as an important contributor to morbidity and mortality arising from employment.These observations should be expanded to asbestos abatement workers, as the abatement can create an environment favorable for bacterial, viral and fungal infections.


CONCLUSIONS
Asbestos abatement work employs activities resulting in cuts, blisters and abrasions to the skin, work in a dirty environment and exposure to dust, mists and fumes.Furthermore, this population exhibits a high smoking rate which increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory infections.In addition, these workers also commonly employ respirators, which can accumulate dirt and debris magnifying exposure to microbes. Use of respirators and related types of personal protective equipment, especially if shared and in the close environment experienced by workers, may enhance communicability of these agents, including viruses.


CONCLUSIONS
Abatement workers need to be provided with information on hazards and targeted by appropriate health education to reduce the infection risk. Epidemiological studies to investigate this risk in asbestos removers are recommended.
Envirosafe Training and Consultants, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
John H
JH
Lange
Giuseppe
G
Mastrangelo
Luca
L
Cegolon
D000328:Adult; D000397:Air Pollution; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects; D060389:Construction Industry; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010414:Pennsylvania / Q000453:epidemiology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D000078329:Workforce
D001194:Asbestos