Diseases associated with asbestos exposure. Diagnostic perspectives in forensic pathology

Journal Article · Mon Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1983 · Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00000433-198303000-00007· OSTI ID:5852528

Ehrenreich, T; Selikoff, I J

Asbestos, a fibrous mineral, has unique physical and chemical properties, including resistance to heat, acids, and other chemicals; flexibility; and great tensile strength. The fibers subdivide into unit fibrils of molecular dimensions, resulting in a vast mineral surface area which has a direct bearing on its unusual features and its numerous applications. Its biological effects, which include fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis, may be related to the cellular reaction, to its large specific surface, or to the size and shape of the fibers. Its oncogenic action may be multiplied by other carcinogens, principally cigarette smoking. There is clinical, pathologic, and epidemiologic evidence that exposure to asbestos, following a long latent period, constitutes an important health hazard. Direct occupational exposure, followed by a long lapsed period after the initial exposure, is associated with pleural plaques and pleural effusion, pulmonary parenchymal fibrosis (asbestosis), pulmonary carcinoma, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, and other neoplasms. Indirect exposure may also entail an increased risk of lung disease or mesothelioma or both. Medicolegal investigation of suspected cases includes a lifetime occupational history, clinical history including smoking habits, radiological findings, clinical evidence of asbestosis, and may require detection of asbestos tissue burden.

• Research Organization: Environmental Science Laboratory, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
• OSTI ID: 5852528
• Journal Information: Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol.; (United States) Vol. 4:1; ISSN AJFPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AEROSOLS
ASBESTOS
BODY
CARCINOGENESIS
COLLOIDS
DISEASES
DISPERSIONS
FIBROSIS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
LUNGS
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
ORGANS
PATHOGENESIS
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
RESIDUES
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SMOKES
SOLS
SYNERGISM
TOBACCO SMOKES