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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
La Medicina Del Lavoro
|August 12, 2008
Summary
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.
