US EPA

625832 

Journal Article 

Diachronic study of pleural plaques in rural population with environmental exposure to asbestos 

Sichletidis, L; Chloros, D; Chatzidimitriou, N; Tsiotsios, I; Spyratos, D; Patakas, D 

2006 

Yes 

American Journal of Industrial Medicine
ISSN: 0271-3586
EISSN: 1097-0274 

WILEY 

HOBOKEN 

49 

8 

634-641 

English 

16732558 

10.1002/ajim.20334 

WOS:000239290300005 

BACKGROUND: The progress of pleural plaques in persons exposed to environmental asbestos in Almopia, Greece were studied prospectively. METHODS: During a 15-year period, 198 individuals, in whom pleural plaques had been observed during the period 1988-1990 were followed. Respiratory function was initially evaluated in 23. All were inhabitants of seven villages of Northern Greece, where rocks with high concentration in asbestos fibers were used for whitewashing until 1935. RESULTS: Out of this population, 126 survived and underwent chest X-ray in 2003 while respiratory function was retested in 18. New radiological findings were compared to previous ones using digital technology. Furthermore, the cause of death of the remaining 72 was recorded. Deterioration of X-ray findings was observed in all survivors. Not only did the surface area of previous plaques increase (8.66 +/- 12.6 cm2, mean value +/- SD) but new ones also appeared. Total lung capacity decreased from 95.6 +/- 14.8 in 1998 to 76.5 +/- 9.3% predicted in 2003. It was found that out of 72 deaths, 11 people died of malignant lung neoplasm, and 4 of mesothelioma. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological appearance of pleural plaques and respiratory function of people previously exposed to asbestos environmental pollution worsens over the years. Prevalence of mesothelioma was found to be higher than expected. Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc 

pollution; pleural lesions; tremolite; mesothelioma; respiratory function; Greece