Early lung function changes after short heavy exposure to chrysotile asbestos in non-smoking women

Forced spirometry, including maximal flow-volume (MEFV) curves, were evaluated in 35 non-smoking asbestos female workers submitted to a short heavy chrysotile textile exposure and compared to a case by case matched population. Exposed women presented certain respiratory signs and symptoms; they also had significantly lower forced vital capacities and maximal flow rates at higher (PEF), mid (MEF50%) and lower lung volumes (MEF25%) than women not exposed to asbestos. Duration of exposure to asbestos showed a significant negative correlation with FVC, FEV1, PEF, MEF50% and MEF25%. It is concluded that short heavy exposure to chrysotile is deleterious, causing significant reduction in lung volumes. Moreover, a significant reduction in airflow rates was also apparent.