Asbestos-Related Respiratory Diseases in Spain: Insights From the Spanish Registry

Although many Spanish workers have been exposed to asbestos, asbestos-related diseases (ARD) have not been widely reported in this country. The aim of the present study was to analyze the data recorded in the Spanish Registry of asbestos-derived diseases.

A retrospective observational study was conducted based on data reported between September 19, 2018, and May 15, 2023, covering 11 Spanish autonomous communities. Variables included demographic data, type of exposure, symptoms, pulmonary function tests, radiological studies, and initial and follow-up diagnoses.

One thousand seven hundred and twenty-one cases were reported, with a mean age of 75.2 years. The majority were men (96.7%) and were smokers or former smokers (78.8%). Occupational exposure accounted for 98.3% of cases, mainly in the naval sector (70%). Pleural plaques were the most prevalent diagnosis (82.1%), followed by asbestosis (14.9%) and lung cancer (11%). During follow-up, 181 new diagnoses were made, including lung cancer (23.76%) and mesothelioma (11.6%). The overall mortality rate was 13.4%, with lung cancer being the leading cause of death.

This study provides a first overview of ARD in Spain. The most notable findings are the importance of shipyards as a source of exposure, the predominance of pleural plaques and the number of new diagnoses made during the follow-up, and the need for continuous surveillance and early diagnosis to mitigate asbestos-related adverse effects.