Higher lung cancer rates found among asbestos-exposed textile workers

A study published online in Occupational & Environmental Medicine has confirmed "strong associations" between exposure to chrysotile asbestos and lung cancer and asbestiosis.

Researchers examined data on 586 workers in an asbestos textile factory over a 35-year-period to obtain their results. Paired concentration samples measured in the workshops were used to convert dust concentrations to fiber concentrations. Individual cumulative asbestos exposure was estimated as the product of fibre concentrations and duration of employment in each job.

Of the 226 deaths reported, 51 were from lung cancer and 37 from asbestosis. Researchers concluded that clear exposure-response relationships were observed in the findings.