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Published on: December 21, 2019
[Malignant mesothelioma in garment sewing-machine workers]
P G Barbieri1, Anna Somigliana, R Girelli
1Servizio Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro, ASL Brescia. pietro.barbieri@aslbrescia.it
Background:
Due to poor information collected through patient interviews, a considerable number of malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases still remain classified as "unknown" asbestos exposure in the Italian Mesotelioma Registry (Re.Na.M). At the same time, some occupational asbestos exposures, which were previously unknown, have been demonstrated in certain types of work, i.e., in agriculture and in the textile industry.
Objectives:
The aim of this research was to investigate the possible past occupational exposure to asbestos in clothing workers using sewing-machines.
Methods:
The MM cases were collected from the Mesothelioma Registry of Brescia. Work histories were obtained via a standardized questionnaire. Investigations were conducted in sewing-machine maintenance workshop in order to collect information regarding the possible use of asbestos parts. In addition, the use of asbestos friction materials and the use of insulated asbestos materials was checked in the clothing divisions by interviewing the management and maintenance workers of two companies where cases of MM were observed.
Results:
The Mesothelioma Registry of Brescia identified and collected 10 MM cases with past work in the clothing industry: 6 used sewing-machines and 4 were self-employed tailors. The search for asbestos materials gave positive results as the use of friction materials had been widespread since the 1950's in all types of sewing-machines; in addition, asbestos materials were used to insulate some parts of the ironing equipment and the steam pipelines.
Conclusion:
The results of this investigation suggest assigning at least "possible occupational asbestos exposure" to those cases employed in clothing manufacture since the 1950's, who used sewing-machines or pressing machines, according to the Re.Na.M guidelines. Other possible occupational exposures to asbestos in this working sector cannot be excluded; when the simple interview of patients does not reveal such exposures further investigations are needed in order to demonstrate all the possible circumstances of exposure.
Insights
Asbestos exposure was common in clothing workers using sewing-machines and pressing equipment since the 1950s. Further investigation is needed to identify all potential asbestos exposure risks in this industry.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Industrial Hygiene
Context:
- Malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases often have unknown asbestos exposure due to incomplete patient interviews.
- Previous research has identified previously unrecognized occupational asbestos exposures in sectors like agriculture and textiles.
Purpose:
- To investigate potential past occupational asbestos exposure in clothing workers, specifically those using sewing machines.
Summary:
- The study examined 10 malignant mesothelioma cases from the Brescia Mesothelioma Registry linked to the clothing industry.
- Asbestos-containing materials, including friction materials in sewing machines and insulation in ironing equipment, were widely used since the 1950s.
- The findings suggest a possible occupational asbestos exposure for clothing workers using sewing or pressing machines since the 1950s.
Impact:
- Recommends classifying MM cases in clothing manufacture since the 1950s as "possible occupational asbestos exposure" per Re.Na.M guidelines.
- Highlights the need for further investigation beyond patient interviews to uncover all asbestos exposure circumstances in this sector.
