US EPA

3084928 

Journal Article 

[Pleural plaques, asbestosis and exposure to asbestos. An epidemiological study from the Hamburg area] 

Dalquen, P; Hinz, I; Dabbert, AF 

1970 

Yes 

Pneumonologie
ISSN: 0033-4073 

143 

1 

23-42 

German 

5490000 

10.1007/BF02101244 

WOS:A1970H785300003 

The following results have been obtained by an investigation of 133 cases of pleural plaques and 145 cases of asbestosis:

In Hamburg, occupational and endemic exposure to asbestos seem to be the main causes of pleural plaques. Out of 92 cases of pleural plaques with dust anamnesis, 34 were occupationally exposed, 22 domestically, 21 by urban dwelling and 10 by multiple causes.

The development of pleural plaques depends on

1. the space of time following the first exposure (at least 25 years). The “latency period” between first exposure and initial diagnosis has been found to be 40,2 years in cases of plaques, 36,1 in cases of asbestosis with plaques, and 27,1 in cases of asbestosis without plaques.

2. an unknown “initial dosis” of inhaled asbestos. On the other hand, the degree of asbestos fibrosis is influenced by the duration of exposure. Pleural plaques and mesotheliomas are apparently caused by similar dust conditions, as both may co-exist with and without fibrosis.

Plaques are, so-to-speak, an epidemiological “Leitfossil”, indicating an endemic asbestos exposure in certain populations. The official registration of all observed plaque cases is being suggested. They might serve as the basis for further prospective studies on the question of aetiology of pleural mesotheliomas. Normally, the official compensation for pleural plaques as an occupational disease must be refused.