Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
Measuring Carbon Content in Airway Macrophages Exposed to Carbon-Containing Particulate Matters
Published on: July 12, 2024
Association between cumulative fiber exposure and respiratory outcomes among Libby vermiculite workers
Theodore C Larson1, Vinicius C Antao, Frank J Bove
1Division of Health Studies, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, USA. thl3@cdc.gov
Objective:
To examine the association between cumulative fiber exposure and health outcomes in workers (n = 336) with Libby amphibole exposure.
Methods:
Exposure-response relationships were explored by the use of logistic regression, with cumulative fiber exposure modeled in categories and as a continuous variable.
Results:
The use of spline functions with lifetime cumulative fiber exposure as a continuous variable showed that the odds of localized pleural thickening were significantly elevated at less than 1 f/cc-y. Odds of parenchymal abnormalities, restrictive spirometry, and chronic bronchitis were also significantly elevated at 108, 166, and 24 f/cc-y, respectively.
Conclusions:
The odds of several pulmonary health outcomes are correlated with cumulative exposure to Libby amphibole. That relatively low-lifetime cumulative exposures are associated with localized pleural thickening has implications for the non-cancer-risk assessment for Libby amphibole.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...