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Study of smoking behavior in asbestos workers
Omowunmi Y O Osinubi1, Aboaba A Afilaka, John Doucette
1Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA. oosinubi@eohsi.rutgers.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Asbestos workers who smoke face higher lung cancer risk. Identifying smokers needing cessation help during medical checks is crucial for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Pulmonology
- Public health
Background:
- Asbestos exposure and smoking significantly elevate lung cancer risk.
- These factors also worsen pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess smoking prevalence and cessation readiness in asbestos-exposed workers.
- To apply the stage of change theory to understand smoking behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 214 asbestos workers.
- Assessment of smoking status (never, ex, current).
- Evaluation of smoking cessation stages and spirometry for airway obstruction.
Main Results:
- 16.4% of workers were current smokers, with most in precontemplation or contemplation stages.
- Perceived ill-health was a primary driver for cessation among ex-smokers.
- Current smokers exhibited higher rates of small airway obstruction.
Conclusions:
- Occupational physicians should integrate detailed smoking histories into medical surveillance.
- Identifying asbestos workers struggling to quit is key.
- Referral to comprehensive smoking cessation programs is recommended for at-risk individuals.