[What counselling to give to workers occupationally exposed to asbestos?]

When one approaches the issue of the follow-up of workers occupationally exposed to asbestos the first question to resolve is "what counselling to give?" This constitutes an essential first step because it allows people to decide whether or not they wish to accept the proposed follow up programme. The difficulty relates to the idea of exposure to a carcinogen. Facing this question is never easy and generates emotional responses that cannot be ignored. Therefore the content should include elements that allow an understanding of the diseased concerned, the risk (depending on the type of exposure), the benefits and limits of screening, and an awareness of the possible consequences of follow up. The programme should allow enough time for one to one discussion with a professional to consider all aspects. It may be necessary to meet for a second time. This counselling may be given, to subjects over 50 years old, in the framework of either the occupational health or social security services. The counselling of people exposed to asbestos justifies, in itself, a follow up programme and represents its main benefit. It should guarantee the worker's most elementary right: to decide for himself in full knowledge of the facts.