US EPA

2079028 

Journal Article 

Chest imaging and lung function impairment after long-term occupational exposure to low concentrations of chrysotile 

Spyratos, D; Chloros, D; Haidich, B; Dagdilelis, L; Markou, S; Sichletidis, L 

2012 

1 

Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health
ISSN: 1933-8244
EISSN: 2154-4700 

67 

2 

84-90 

English 

22524648 

10.1080/19338244.2011.578681 

WOS:000303591000005 

The aim of the present study was the investigation of radiographic findings in relation to lung function after occupational exposure to permissible levels of relatively pure chrysotile (0.5-3% amphiboles). We studied 266 out of the total 317 employees who have worked in an asbestos cement factory during the period 1968-2004 with chest x-ray, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and lung function tests. Sensitivity of chest x-ray was 43% compared to HRCT. Abnormal HRCT findings were found in 75 subjects (67%) and were related to age, occupational exposure duration, and spirometric data. The presence of parenchymal or visceral pleural lesions (exclusively or as the predominant abnormality) was being accompanied by lower total lung capacity and diffusion capacity. HRCT was much more sensitive than chest x-ray for occupational chrysotile exposure. Lung function impairment was related with parenchymal but not with pleural HRCT abnormalities. 

asbestos; HRCT; occupational lung disease; lung function