Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Recent Scientific Evidence Regarding Asbestos Use and Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure

  • Global Environmental Health and Sustainability (W Al-Delaimy, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Environmental Health Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

To justify the continuous use of two million tons of asbestos every year, it has been argued that a safe/controlled use can be achieved. The aim of this review was to identify recent scientific studies that present empirical evidence of: 1) health consequences resulting from past asbestos exposures and 2) current asbestos exposures resulting from asbestos use. Articles with evidence that could support or reject the safe/controlled use argument were also identified. A total of 155 articles were included in the review, and 87 % showed adverse asbestos health consequences or high asbestos exposures. Regarding the safe/controlled use, 44 articles were identified, and 82 % had evidence suggesting that the safe/controlled use is not being achieved. A large percentage of articles with evidence that support the safe/controlled use argument have a conflict of interest declared. Most of the evidence was developed in high-income countries and in countries that have already banned asbestos.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ramazzini C. Asbestos is still with us: repeat call for a universal ban. Am J Ind Med. 2010;7(5):57–61.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Stayner L, Welch LS, Lemen R. The worldwide pandemic of asbestos-related diseases. Annu Rev Public Health. 2013;34:205–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Linton A, Vardy J, Clarke S, van Zandwijk N. The ticking time-bomb of asbestos: its insidious role in the development of malignant mesothelioma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2012;84(2):200–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Frank AL, Joshi TK. The global spread of asbestos. Ann Glob Health. 2014;80(4):257–62.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Nielsen LS, Bælum J, Rasmussen J, Dahl S, Olsen KE, Albin M, et al. Occupational asbestos exposure and lung cancer—a systematic review of the literature. Arch Environ Occup Health. 2014;69(4):191–206.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Park E-K, Takahashi K, Jiang Y, Movahed M, Kameda T. Elimination of asbestos use and asbestos-related diseases: an unfinished story. Cancer Sci. 2012;103(10):1751–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Røe OD, Stella GM. Malignant pleural mesothelioma: history, controversy and future of a manmade epidemic. Eur Respir Rev. 2015;24(135):115–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Bang KM, Mazurek JM, Wood JM, Hendricks SA. Diseases attributable to asbestos exposure: years of potential life lost, United States, 1999–2010. Am J Ind Med. 2014;57(1):38–48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. LaDou J, Castleman B, Frank A, Gochfeld M, Greenberg M, Huff J, et al. The case for a global ban on asbestos. Environ Health Perspect. 2010;118(7):897–901.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Arsenic, metals, fibres, and dusts. IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans [Internet]. 2012. Available from: http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol100C/mono100C.pdf.

  11. Marsili D, Comba P. Asbestos case and its current implications for global health. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2013;49(3):249–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Choi Y, Lim S, Paek D. Trades of dangers: a study of asbestos industry transfer cases in Asia. Am J Ind Med. 2013;56(3):335–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Laurie Kazan-Allen, International Ban Asbestos Secretariat [Internet]. Available from: http://www.ibasecretariat.org/alpha_ban_list.php.

  14. Le GV, Takahashi K, Park EK, Delgermaa V, Oak C, Qureshi AM, et al. Asbestos use and asbestos-related diseases in Asia: past, present and future. Respirology. 2011;16(5):767–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Chrysotile Institute. 9 questions and answers on chrysotile and health [Internet]. Available from: http://www.chrysotile.com/en/chrysotile/hltsfty/quest1.aspx.

  16. Chrysotile Institute. Guidelines for a regulation on the Safe and Responsible use of chrysotile [Internet]. Available from: http://www.chrysotile.com/en/sfuse/guide.aspx.

  17. Chrysotile Institute. Safe use of chrysotile [Internet]. Available from: http://www.chrysotile.com/en/sfuse/.

  18. Bernstein D, Dunnigan J, Hesterberg T, Brown R, Velasco JAL, Barrera R, et al. Health risk of chrysotile revisited. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2013;43(2):154–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Lenters V, Vermeulen R, Dogger S, Stayner L, Portengen L, Burdorf A, et al. A meta-analysis of asbestos and lung cancer: is better quality exposure assessment associated with steeper slopes of the exposure-response relationships? Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(11):1547–55.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. McCormack V, Peto J, Byrnes G, Straif K, Boffetta P. Estimating the asbestos-related lung cancer burden from mesothelioma mortality. Br J Cancer. 2012;106(3):575–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Van der Bij S, Koffijberg H, Lenters V, Portengen L, Moons KGM, Heederik D, et al. Lung cancer risk at low cumulative asbestos exposure: meta-regression of the exposure-response relationship. Cancer Causes Control. 2013;24(1):1–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Lenters V, Burdorf A, Vermeulen R, Stayner L, Heederik D. Quality of evidence must guide risk assessment of asbestos. Ann Occup Hyg. 2012;56(8):879–87.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Reid A, Franklin P, Olsen N, Sleith J, Samuel L, Aboagye-Sarfo P, et al. All-cause mortality and cancer incidence among adults exposed to blue asbestos during childhood. Am J Ind Med. 2013;56(2):133–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Berry G, Reid A, Aboagye-Sarfo P, de Klerk NH, Olsen NJ, Merler E, et al. Malignant mesotheliomas in former miners and millers of crocidolite at Wittenoom (Western Australia) after more than 50 years follow-up. Br J Cancer. 2012;106(5):1016–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Olsen NJ, Franklin PJ, Reid A, de Klerk NH, Threlfall TJ, Shilkin K, et al. Increasing incidence of malignant mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos during home maintenance and renovation. Med J Aust. 2011;195(5):271–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Van den Borre L, Deboosere P. Asbestos in Belgium: an underestimated health risk. The evolution of mesothelioma mortality rates (1969–2009). Int J Occup Environ Health. 2014;20(2):134–40.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Van den Borre L, Deboosere P. Enduring health effects of asbestos use in Belgian industries: a record-linked cohort study of cause-specific mortality (2001–2009). BMJ Open. 2015;5(6):e007384.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  28. Dumortier P, De Vuyst P. Asbestos exposure during uncontrolled removal of sprayed-on asbestos. Ann Occup Hyg. 2012;56(1):49–54.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Terra-Filho M, Bagatin E, Nery LE, Nápolis LM, Neder JA, De Meirelles GSP, et al. Screening of miners and millers at decreasing levels of asbestos exposure: comparison of chest radiography and thin-section computed tomography. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(3):e0118585.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Carrillo MC, Alturkistany S, Roberts H, Nguyen E, Chung TB, Paul N, et al. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in workers previously exposed to asbestos: detection of parenchymal lung disease. J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2013;37(4):626–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Adib G, Labrèche F, De Guire L, Dion C, Dufresne A. Short, fine and WHO asbestos fibers in the lungs of Quebec workers with an asbestos-related disease. Am J Ind Med. 2013;56(9):1001–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Villeneuve PJ, Parent M, Harris SA, Johnson KC. Occupational exposure to asbestos and lung cancer in men: evidence from a population-based case-control study in eight Canadian provinces. BMC Cancer. 2012;12:595.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  33. Verma DK, Clark NE. Asbestos fiber burden in lung tissues of occupationally exposed workers. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2012;9(10):D177–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Egilman D, Menéndez LM. A case of occupational peritoneal mesothelioma from exposure to tremolite-free chrysotile in Quebec, Canada: a black swan case. Am J Ind Med. 2011;54(2):153–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Finkelstein MM. Absence of radiographic asbestosis and the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-cement workers: extended follow-up of a cohort. Am J Ind Med. 2010;53(11):1065–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Krupoves A, Camus M, De Guire L. Incidence of malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in Québec and Canada from 1984 to 2007, and projections from 2008 to 2032. Am J Ind Med. 2015;58(5):473–82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Koné Pefoyo AJ, Genesove L, Moore K, Del Bianco A, Kramer D. Exploring the usefulness of occupational exposure registries for surveillance. J Occup Environ Med. 2014;56(10):1100–10.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Wang X, Lin S, Yu I, Qiu H, Lan Y, Yano E. Cause-specific mortality in a Chinese chrysotile textile worker cohort. Cancer Sci. 2013;104(2):245–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Lin S, Wang X, Yu ITS, Yano E, Courtice M, Qiu H, et al. Cause-specific mortality in relation to chrysotile-asbestos exposure in a Chinese cohort. J Thorac Oncol. 2012;7(7):1109–14.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Du L, Wang X, Wang M, Lan Y. Analysis of mortality in chrysotile asbestos miners in China. J Huazhong Univ Sci Technol Med Sci. 2012;32(1):135–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Wang X, Yano E, Qiu H, Yu I, Courtice MN, Tse LA, et al. A 37-year observation of mortality in Chinese chrysotile asbestos workers. Thorax. 2012;67(2):106–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Wang XR, Yu ITS, Qiu H, Wang MZ, Lan YJ, Tse LY, et al. Cancer mortality among Chinese chrysotile asbestos textile workers. Lung Cancer. 2012;75(2):151–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Wang X, Lin S, Yano E, Qiu H, Yu ITS, Tse L, et al. Mortality in a Chinese chrysotile miner cohort. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2012;85(4):405–12.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Yano E, Wang X, Wang M, Qiu H, Wang Z. Lung cancer mortality from exposure to chrysotile asbestos and smoking: a case-control study within a cohort in China. Occup Environ Med. 2010;67(12):867–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Wang X, Yano E, Lin S, Yu ITS, Lan Y, Tse LA, et al. Cancer mortality in Chinese chrysotile asbestos miners: exposure-response relationships. PLoS ONE. 2013;8(8):e71899.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  46. Deng Q, Wang X, Wang M, Lan Y. Exposure-response relationship between chrysotile exposure and mortality from lung cancer and asbestosis. Occup Environ Med. 2012;69(2):81–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Courtice MN, Lin S, Wang X. An updated review on asbestos and related diseases in China. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2012;18(3):247–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Gao Z, Hiroshima K, Wu X, Zhang J, Shao D, Shao H, et al. Asbestos textile production linked to malignant peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma in women: analysis of 28 cases in Southeast China. Am J Ind Med. 2015;58(10):1040–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Wang X, Lin S, Yano E, Yu ITS, Courtice M, Lan Y, et al. Exposure-specific lung cancer risks in Chinese chrysotile textile workers and mining workers. Lung Cancer. 2014;85(2):119–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Wang X, Wang M, Qiu H, Yu I, Yano E. Longitudinal changes in pulmonary function of asbestos workers. J Occup Health. 2010;52(5):272–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Wang X, Courtice MN, Lin S. Mortality in chrysotile asbestos workers in China. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2013;19(2):169–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Cely-Garcia MF, Torres-Duque CA, Durán M, Parada P, Sarmiento OL, Breysse PN, et al. Personal exposure to asbestos and respiratory health of heavy vehicle brake mechanics. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2015;25(1):26–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Salazar N, Cely-García MF, Breysse PN, Ramos-Bonilla JP. Asbestos exposure among transmission mechanics in automotive repair shops. Ann Occup Hyg. 2015;59(3):292–306.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Cely-Garcia MF, Sanchez M, Breysse PN, Ramos-Bonilla JP. Personal exposures to asbestos fibers during brake maintenance of passenger vehicles. Ann Occup Hyg. 2012;56(9):985–99.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Langhoff MD, Kragh-Thomsen MB, Stanislaus S, Weinreich UM. Almost half of women with malignant mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at home through their husbands or sons. Dan Med J. 2014;61(9):4902.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Skammeritz E, Omland LH, Johansen JP, Omland Ø. Asbestos exposure and an occupational clinic. Int J Occup Environ Med. 2011;2(4):224–36.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Skammeritz E, Omland O, Hansen J, Johansen JP. Regional differences in incidence of malignant mesothelioma in Denmark. Dan Med J. 2013;60(3):A4592.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Vierikko T, Järvenpää R, Toivio P, Uitti J, Oksa P, Lindholm T, et al. Clinical and HRCT screening of heavily asbestos-exposed workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2010;83(1):47–54.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Lacourt A, Gramond C, Rolland P, Ducamp S, Audignon S, Astoul P, et al. Occupational and non-occupational attributable risk of asbestos exposure for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Thorax. 2014;69(6):532–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Clin B, Andujar P, Abd Al Samad I, Azpitarte C, Le Pimpec-Barthes F, Billon-Galland MA, et al. Pulmonary carcinoid tumors and asbestos exposure. Ann Occup Hyg. 2012;56(7):789–95.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Wild P, Gonzalez M, Bourgkard E, Courouble N, Clément-Duchêne C, Martinet Y, et al. Occupational risk factors have to be considered in the definition of high-risk lung cancer populations. Br J Cancer. 2012;106(7):1346–52.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  62. Lacourt A, Leffondré K, Gramond C, Ducamp S, Rolland P, Gilg Soit Ilg A, et al. Temporal patterns of occupational asbestos exposure and risk of pleural mesothelioma. Eur Respir J. 2012;39(6):1304–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Gonzalez M, Vignaud J-M, Clement-Duchene C, Luc A, Wild P, Bertrand O, et al. Smoking, occupational risk factors, and bronchial tumor location: a possible impact for lung cancer computed tomography scan screening. J Thorac Oncol. 2012;7(1):128–36.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Ameille J, Rosenberg N, Matrat M, Descatha A, Mompoint D, Hamzi L, et al. Asbestos-related diseases in automobile mechanics. Ann Occup Hyg. 2012;56(1):55–60.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Clin B, Morlais F, Launoy G, Guizard A-V, Dubois B, Bouvier V, et al. Cancer incidence within a cohort occupationally exposed to asbestos: a study of dose-response relationships. Occup Environ Med. 2011;68(11):832–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Rolland P, Gramond C, Lacourt A, Astoul P, Chamming’s S, Ducamp S, et al. Occupations and industries in France at high risk for pleural mesothelioma: a population-based case-control study (1998-2002). Am J Ind Med. 2010;53(12):1207–19.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Lacourt A, Rolland P, Gramond C, Astoul P, Chamming’s S, Ducamp S, et al. Attributable risk in men in two French case-control studies on mesothelioma and asbestos. Eur J Epidemiol. 2010;25(11):799–806.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Pesch B, Taeger D, Johnen G, Gross IM, Weber DG, Gube M, et al. Cancer mortality in a surveillance cohort of German males formerly exposed to asbestos. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2010;213(1):44–51.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Schneider J, Brückel B, Fink L, Woitowitz H-J. Pulmonary fibrosis following household exposure to asbestos dust? J Occup Med Toxicol. 2014;9(1):39.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  70. Eisenhawer C, Felten MK, Tamm M, Das M, Kraus T. Radiological surveillance of formerly asbestos-exposed power industry workers: rates and risk factors of benign changes on chest X-ray and MDCT. J Occup Med Toxicol. 2014;9(1):18.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  71. Schonfeld SJ, McCormack V, Rutherford MJ, Schüz J. Regional variations in German mesothelioma mortality rates: 2000–2010. Cancer Causes Control. 2014;25(5):615–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Ramroth H, Ahrens W, Dietz A, Becher H. Occupational asbestos exposure as a risk factor for laryngeal carcinoma in a population-based case–control study from Germany. Am J Ind Med. 2011;54(7):510–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Zarogoulidis P, Orfanidis M, Constadinidis TC, Eleutheriadou E, Kontakiotis T, Kerenidi T, et al. A 26-year-old male with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. Rep Med. 2011;2011:951732.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. Chen M, Tse LA, Au RKF, Yu ITS, Wang XR, Lao XQ, et al. Mesothelioma and lung cancer mortality: a historical cohort study among asbestosis workers in Hong Kong. Lung Cancer. 2012;76(2):165–70.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Tse LA, Yu ITS, Goggins W, Clements M, Wang XR, Au JSK, et al. Are current or future mesothelioma epidemics in Hong Kong the tragic legacy of uncontrolled use of asbestos in the past? Environ Health Perspect. 2010;118(3):382–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Bhagia LJ, Vyas JB, Shaikh MI, Dodia SL. Chrysotile asbestos exposure in the manufacturing of thermal insulating boards. Environ Monit Assess. 2010;167(1-4):559–64.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Panahi D, Kakooei H, Marioryad H, Mehrdad R, Golhosseini M. Evaluation of exposure to the airborne asbestos in an asbestos cement sheet manufacturing industry in Iran. Environ Monit Assess. 2011;178(1-4):449–54.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Marioryad H, Kakooei H, Shahtaheri SJ, Yunesian M, Azam K. Assessment of airborne asbestos exposure at an asbestos cement sheet and pipe factory in Iran. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2011;60(2):200–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Kakooei H, Hormozy M, Marioryad H. Evaluation of asbestos exposure during brake repair and replacement. Ind Health. 2011;49(3):374–80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Kakooei H, Marioryad H. Evaluation of exposure to the airborne asbestos in an automobile brake and clutch manufacturing industry in Iran. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2010;56(2):143–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Azari MR, Nasermoaddeli A, Movahadi M, Mehrabi Y, Hatami H, Soori H, et al. Risk assessment of lung cancer and asbestosis in workers exposed to asbestos fibers in brake shoe factory in Iran. Ind Health. 2010;48(1):38–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Kakooei H, Normohammadi M. Asbestos exposure among construction workers during demolition of old houses in Tehran, Iran. Ind Health. 2014;52(1):71–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Najmi K, Khosravi A, Seifi S, Emami H, Chaibakhsh S, Radmand G, et al. Clinicopathologic and survival characteristics of malignant pleural mesothelioma registered in hospital cancer registry. Tanaffos. 2014;13(2):6–12.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  84. Bitchatchi E, Kayser K, Perelman M, Richter ED. Mesothelioma and asbestosis in a young woman following occupational asbestos exposure: short latency and long survival: case Report. Diagn Pathol. 2010;16(5):81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  85. Barbieri PG, Mirabelli D, Somigliana A, Cavone D, Merler E. Asbestos fibre burden in the lungs of patients with mesothelioma who lived near asbestos-cement factories. Ann Occup Hyg. 2012;56(6):660–70.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Mensi C, Bonzini M, Macchione M, Sieno C, Riboldi L, Pesatori AC. Differences among peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma: data from the Lombardy Region Mesothelioma Register (Italy). Med Lav. 2011;102(5):409–16.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Gatto MP, Di Tanna GL. Distribution and trends in mesothelioma mortality in Italy from 1974 to 2006. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2013;86(4):489–96.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Corfiati M, Scarselli A, Binazzi A, Di Marzio D, Verardo M, Mirabelli D, et al. Epidemiological patterns of asbestos exposure and spatial clusters of incident cases of malignant mesothelioma from the Italian national registry. BMC Cancer. 2015;15:286.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  89. Mensi C, Riboldi L, De Matteis S, Bertazzi PA, Consonni D. Impact of an asbestos cement factory on mesothelioma incidence: global assessment of effects of occupational, familial, and environmental exposure. Environ Int. 2015;74:191–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. De Matteis S, Consonni D, Lubin JH, Tucker M, Peters S, Vermeulen RC, et al. Impact of occupational carcinogens on lung cancer risk in a general population. Int J Epidemiol. 2012;41(3):711–21.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  91. Bianchi C, Bianchi T, Bucconi S. Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in nonagenarian patients. Tumori. 2011;97(2):156–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Chellini E, Martino G, Grillo A, Fedi A, Martini A, Indiani L, et al. Malignant mesotheliomas in textile rag sorters. Ann Occup Hyg. 2015;59(5):547–53.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Bianchi C, Bianchi T. Mesothelioma among shipyard workers in Monfalcone, Italy. Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2012;16(3):119–23.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  94. Nemo A, Silvestri S. Mesothelioma in a wine cellar man: detailed description of working procedures and past asbestos exposure estimation. Ann Occup Hyg. 2014;58(9):1168–74.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Fazzo L, Minelli G, De Santis M, Bruno C, Zona A, Marinaccio A, et al. Mesothelioma mortality surveillance and asbestos exposure tracking in Italy Lucia. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2012;48(3):300–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Mensi C, Pellegatta M, Sieno C, Consonni D, Riboldi L, Bertazzi PA. Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis and asbestos exposure. BJU Int. 2012;110(4):533–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Girardi P, Bressan V, Merler E. Past trends and future prediction of mesothelioma incidence in an industrialized area of Italy, the Veneto Region. Cancer Epidemiol. 2014;38(5):496–503.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  98. Fazzo L, De Santis M, Minelli G, Bruno C, Zona A, Marinaccio A, et al. Pleural mesothelioma mortality and asbestos exposure mapping in Italy. Am J Ind Med. 2012;55(1):11–24.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Bianchi C, Bianchi T. Shipbuilding and mesothelioma in Monfalcone, Italy. Indian J Occup Environ Med. 2012;16(1):14–7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  100. Scarlett HP, Delzell E, Sathiakumar N, Oestenstad RK, Postlethwait E. Exposure to airborne asbestos in Jamaican hospitals. West Indian Med J. 2010;59(6):668–73.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Fujimoto N, Kato K, Usami I, Sakai F, Tokuyama T, Hayashi S, et al. Asbestos-related diffuse pleural thickening. Respiration. 2014;88(4):277–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  102. Fujimoto N, Aoe K, Gemba K, Kato K, Yamazaki K, Kishimoto T. Clinical investigation of malignant mesothelioma in Japan. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2010;136(11):1755–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  103. Kishimoto T, Gemba K, Fujimoto N, Onishi K, Usami I, Mizuhashi K, et al. Clinical study of asbestos-related lung cancer in Japan with special reference to occupational history. Cancer Sci. 2010;101(5):1194–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Kishimoto T, Gemba K, Fujimoto N, Aoe K, Kato K, Takeshima Y, et al. Clinical study on mesothelioma in Japan: relevance to occupational asbestos exposure. Am J Ind Med. 2010;53(11):1081–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  105. Gemba K, Fujimoto N, Kato K, Aoe K, Takeshima Y, Inai K, et al. National survey of malignant mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in Japan. Cancer Sci. 2012;103(3):483–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  106. Tomioka K, Natori Y, Kumagai S, Kurumatani N. An updated historical cohort mortality study of workers exposed to asbestos in a refitting shipyard, 1947–2007. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2011;84(8):959–67.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. Safitri Zen I, Ahamad R, Gopal Rampal K, Omar W. Use of asbestos building materials in Malaysia: legislative measures, the management, and recommendations for a ban on use. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2013;19(3):169–78.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  108. Latif MT, Baharudin NH, Velayutham P, Awang N, Hamdan H, Mohamad R, et al. Composition of heavy metals and airborne fibers in the indoor environment of a building during renovation. Environ Monit Assess. 2011;181(1-4):479–89.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  109. Aguilar-Madrid G. Case–control study of pleural mesothelioma in workers with social security in Mexico. Am J Ind Med. 2010;53(3):241–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Méndez-Vargas MM, López-Rojas P, Campos-Pujal GA, Marín-Cotoñieto IA, Salinas-Tovar S, Fernández-Muñoz MJ. Pleural mesothelioma in paraoccupational, environmental and occupational patients exposed to asbestos. Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2010;48(4):361–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. Damiran N, Silbergeld EK, Frank AL, Lkhasuren O, Ochir C, Breysse PN. Exposure to airborne asbestos in thermal power plants in Mongolia. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2015;21(2):137–41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  112. Damiran N, Davaajav K, Erdenebayar E, Gomboloi B, Frank AL. Mesothelioma in Mongolia: case report. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2015;21(2):166–8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  113. Offermans NSM, Vermeulen R, Burdorf A, Goldbohm RA, Kauppinen T, Kromhout H, et al. Occupational asbestos exposure and risk of pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer in the Prospective Netherlands Cohort Study. J Occup Environ Med. 2014;56(1):6–19.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  114. Driece HAL, Siesling S, Swuste PHJJ, Burdorf A. Assessment of cancer risks due to environmental exposure to asbestos. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2010;20(5):478–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Baumann F, Maurizot P, Mangeas M, Ambrosi J-P, Douwes J, Robineau B. Pleural mesothelioma in New Caledonia: associations with environmental risk factors. Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(5):695–700.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Świątkowska B, Szubert Z, Sobala W, Szeszenia-Dąbrowska N. Predictors of lung cancer among former asbestos-exposed workers. Lung Cancer. 2015;89(3):243–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Świątkowska B, Sobala W, Szubert Z. Progression of small, irregular opacities in chest radiographs of former asbestos workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2012;25(4):481–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Szeszenia-Dąbrowska N, Sobala W, Swiątkowska B, Stroszejn-Mrowca G, Wilczyńska U. Environmental asbestos pollution—situation in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2012;25(1):3–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Szeszenia-Dabrowska N, Swiatkowska B, Sobala W, Szubert Z, Wilczyhska U. Asbestos related diseases among workers of asbestos processing plants in relation to type of production and asbestos use. Med Pr. 2015;66(1):1–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  120. Buczaj A, Brzana W, Tarasińska J, Buczaj M, Choina P. Study on the concentration of airbone respirable asbestos fibres in rural areas of the Lublin region in south-east Poland. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2014;21(3):639–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. Jung S-H, Kim H-R, Koh S-B, Yong S-J, Chung MJ, Lee C-H, et al. A decade of malignant mesothelioma surveillance in Korea. Am J Ind Med. 2012;55(10):869–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  122. Park S-H, Kang D-M, Koo B-H, Kim Y-K, Kim J-E. Risk assessment of gastric cancer associated with asbestosis: a case report. Ann Occup Environ Med. 2015;27(1):9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  123. Choi S, Suk M, Paik NW. Asbestos-containing materials and airborne asbestos levels in industrial buildings in Korea. J UOEH. 2010;32(1):31–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. López-Abente G, García-Gómez M, Menéndez-Navarro A, Fernández-Navarro P, Ramis R, García-Pérez J, et al. Pleural cancer mortality in Spain: time-trends and updating of predictions up to 2020. BMC Cancer. 2013;13:528.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  125. Järvholm B, Burdorf A. Emerging evidence that the ban on asbestos use is reducing the occurrence of pleural mesothelioma in Sweden. Scand J Public Health. 2015;43(8):875–81.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  126. Järvholm B, Åström E. The risk of lung cancer after cessation of asbestos exposure in construction workers using pleural malignant mesothelioma as a marker of exposure. J Occup Environ Med. 2014;56(12):1297–301.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  127. Andersson E, Westberg H, Bryngelsson IL, Magnuson A, Persson B. Cancer incidence among Swedish pulp and paper mill workers: a cohort study of sulphate and sulphite mills. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2013;86(5):529–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  128. Järvholm B, Englund A. The impact of asbestos exposure in Swedish construction workers. Am J Ind Med. 2014;57(1):49–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  129. Wu W-T, Lin Y-J, Li C-Y, Tsai P-J, Yang C-Y, Liou S-H, et al. Cancer attributable to asbestos exposure in shipbreaking workers: a matched-cohort study. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(7):e0133128.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  130. Te Wu W, Lin YJ, Shiue HS, Li CY, Tsai PJ, Yang CY, et al. Cancer incidence of Taiwanese shipbreaking workers who have been potentially exposed to asbestos. Environ Res. 2014;132:370–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. Lin CK, Chang YY, Wang JD, Lee LJH. Increased standardised incidence ratio of malignant pleural mesothelioma in Taiwanese asbestos workers: a 29-year retrospective cohort study. Biomed Res Int Hindawi Publishing Corporation. 2015;2015:678598.

    Google Scholar 

  132. Yang HY, Der Wang J, Chen PC, Lee JJ. Pleural plaque related to asbestos mining in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc. 2010;109(12):928–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  133. Phanprasit W, Sujirarat D, Musigapong P, Sripaiboonkij P, Chaikittiporn C. Asbestos exposure among mitering workers. Saf Health Work. 2012;3(3):235–40.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  134. Frost G. The latency period of mesothelioma among a cohort of British asbestos workers (1978–2005). Br J Cancer Nature Publishing Group. 2013;109(7):1965–73.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  135. Harding AH, Darnton AJ. Asbestosis and mesothelioma among British asbestos workers (1971–2005). Am J Ind Med. 2010;53(11):1070–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  136. Meisenkothen C. Malignant mesothelioma, airborne asbestos, and the need for accuracy in chrysotile risk assessments. New Solutions J Environ Occup Health Policy. 2013;23(2):389–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  137. Roelofs CR, Kernan GJ, Davis LK, Clapp RW, Hunt PR. Mesothelioma and employment in Massachusetts: analysis of cancer registry data 1988–2003. Am J Ind Med. 2013;56(9):985–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  138. Cole SR, Richardson DB, Chu H, Naimi AI. Analysis of occupational asbestos exposure and lung cancer mortality using the G formula. Am J Epidemiol. 2013;177(9):989–96.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  139. Thomas D, Geck R, Rozas D, Muro-cacho C, Rumbak M. Mesothelioma: a soon to be forgotten disease in the United States? J Bronchol Interv Pulmonol. 2012;19(3):258–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  140. Loomis D, Dement JM, Elliott L, Richardson D, Kuempel ED, Stayner L. Increased lung cancer mortality among chrysotile asbestos textile workers is more strongly associated with exposure to long thin fibres. Occup Environ Med. 2012;69(8):564–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  141. Elliott L, Loomis D, Dement J, Hein MJ, Richardson D, Stayner L. Lung cancer mortality in North Carolina and South Carolina chrysotile asbestos textile workers. Occup Environ Med. 2012;69(6):385–90.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  142. Haber SE, Haber JM. Malignant mesothelioma: a clinical study of 238 cases. Ind Health. 2011;49(2):166–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  143. Finkelstein MM, Meisenkothen C. Malignant mesothelioma among employees of a connecticut factory that manufactured friction materials using chrysotile asbestos. Ann Occup Hyg. 2010;54(6):692–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  144. Loomis D, Dement J, Richardson D, Wolf S. Asbestos fibre dimensions and lung cancer mortality among workers exposed to chrysotile. Occup Environ Med. 2010;67(9):580–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  145. Welch L, Dement J, West G. Mortality among sheet metal workers participating in a respiratory screening program. Am J Ind Med. 2015;58(4):378–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  146. Cowan DM, Cheng TJ, Ground M, Sahmel J, Varughese A, Madl AK. Analysis of workplace compliance measurements of asbestos by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (1984–2011). Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2015;72(3):615–29.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  147. Egilman D, Bird T, Lee C. Dust diseases and the legacy of corporate manipulation of science and law. Int J Occup Environ Health. 2014;20(2):115–25.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  148. Moolgavkar SH, Anderson EL, Chang ET, Lau EC, Turnham P, Hoel DG. A review and critique of U.S. EPA’s risk assessments for asbestos. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2014;44(6):499–522.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  149. Finley BL, Pierce JS, Paustenbach DJ, Scott LLF, Lievense L, Scott PK, et al. Malignant pleural mesothelioma in US automotive mechanics: reported vs expected number of cases from 1975 to 2007. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2012;64(1):104–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  150. Phelka AD, Finley BL. Potential health hazards associated with exposures to asbestos-containing drywall accessory products: a state-of-the-science assessment. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2012;42(1):1–27.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  151. Goodman JE, Peterson MK, Bailey LA, Kerper LE, Dodge DG. Electricians’ chrysotile asbestos exposure from electrical products and risks of mesothelioma and lung cancer. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014;68(1):8–15.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  152. Franke K, Paustenbach DJ. Government and Navy knowledge regarding health hazards of asbestos: a state of the science evaluation (1900 to 1970). Inhal Toxicol. 2011;23(S3):1–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  153. Wylie AG, Candela PA. The hobbit: the desolation of Smaug. J Toxicol Environ Health B. 2015;18(1):1–42.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  154. Kameda T, Takahashi K, Kim R, Jiang Y, Movahed M, Park E, et al. Asbestos: use, bans and disease burden in Europe. Bull World Health Organ. 2014;92(11):790–7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  155. La Vecchia C, Boffetta P. Role of stopping exposure and recent exposure to asbestos in the risk of mesothelioma. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2012;21(3):227–30.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  156. Reid A, de Klerk NH, Magnani C, Ferrante D, Berry G, Musk AW, et al. Mesothelioma risk after 40 years since first exposure to asbestos: a pooled analysis. Thorax. 2014;69(9):843–50.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  157. Moon EK, Son M, Jin Y-W, Park S, Lee WJ. Variations of lung cancer risk from asbestos exposure: impact on estimation of population attributable fraction. Ind Health. 2013;51(1):128–33.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  158. Park EK, Takahashi K, Hoshuyama T, Cheng TJ, Delgermaa V, Le GV, et al. Global magnitude of reported and unreported mesothelioma. Environ Health Perspect. 2011;119(4):514–8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  159. Ngamwong Y, Tangamornsuksan W, Lohitnavy O, Chaiyakunapruk N, Scholfield CN, Reisfeld B, et al. Additive synergism between asbestos and smoking in lung cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8):e0135798.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  160. Delgermaa V, Takahashi K, Park E-K, Le GV, Hara T, Sorahan T. Global mesothelioma deaths reported to the World Health Organization between 1994 and 2008. Bull World Health Organ. 2011;89(10):716–24.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  161. Donovan EP, Donovan BL, McKinley MA, Cowan DM, Paustenbach DJ. Evaluation of take home (para-occupational) exposure to asbestos and disease: a review of the literature. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2012;42(9):703–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  162. Finley BL, Pierce JS, Phelka AD, Adams RE, Paustenbach DJ, Thuett KA, et al. Evaluation of tremolite asbestos exposures associated with the use of commercial products. Crit Rev Toxicol. 2012;42(2):119–46.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  163. Bernstein DM. The health risk of chrysotile asbestos. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2014;20(4):366–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  164. Goswami E, Craven V, Dahlstrom DL, Alexander D, Mowat F. Domestic asbestos exposure: a review of epidemiologic and exposure data. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013;10(11):5629–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  165. Case BW, Abraham JL, Meeker G, Pooley FD, Pinkerton KE. Applying definitions of “asbestos” to environmental and “low-dose” exposure levels and health effects, particularly malignant mesothelioma. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2011;14(1-4):3–39.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  166. Lexchin J, Bero LA, Djulbegovic B, Clark O. Pharmaceutical industry sponsorship and research outcome and quality: systematic review. Br Med J. 2003;326(7400):1167–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  167. Lundh A, Sismondo S, Lexchin J, Busuioc OA, Bero L. Industry sponsorship and research outcome. JAMA Intern Med. 2012;12:MR000033.

    Google Scholar 

  168. Bero L, Anglemyer A, Vesterinen H, Krauth D. The relationship between study sponsorship, risks of bias, and research outcomes in atrazine exposure studies conducted in non-human animals: systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Int. 2016;92-93:597–604.

Download references

Acknowledgments

The financial support provided by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering from Universidad de los Andes is greatly appreciated. The authors thank Dr. Benedetto Terracini, Dr. Pietro Comba, Daniela Marsili, and Roberto Pasetto for their useful suggestions on this work. We also acknowledge Juliana Uribe and David Infante for their help.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Cra 1ª Este No. 19A-40, Bogotá, Colombia

    Manuela Valenzuela, Margarita Giraldo, Sonia Gallo-Murcia, Juliana Pineda, Laura Santos & Juan Pablo Ramos-Bonilla

Authors
  1. Manuela Valenzuela
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Margarita Giraldo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sonia Gallo-Murcia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Juliana Pineda
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Laura Santos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Juan Pablo Ramos-Bonilla
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Juan Pablo Ramos-Bonilla.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

Manuela Valenzuela, Margarita Giraldo, Sonia Gallo-Murcia, Juliana Pineda, Laura Santos, and Juan Pablo Ramos-Bonilla have no conflict of interest to declare.

Humans and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Global Environmental Health and Sustainability

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary Material 1

(DOCX 36 kb)

Supplementary Material 2

(DOCX 27 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Valenzuela, M., Giraldo, M., Gallo-Murcia, S. et al. Recent Scientific Evidence Regarding Asbestos Use and Health Consequences of Asbestos Exposure. Curr Envir Health Rpt 3, 335–347 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-016-0109-9

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-016-0109-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation