The Tyler Asbestos Workers Program. I. A medical surveillance model and method

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Pulmonology
• Oncology

Background:

• Asbestos (amosite) insulation product manufacturing workers were exposed to high atmospheric asbestos dust concentrations.
• Smoking significantly increases the lung cancer risk in asbestos-exposed individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate a medical surveillance program for 1,095 identified former asbestos workers.
• To assess the role of sputum cytopathology in cancer control for this high-risk population.

Main Methods:

• Semi-annual medical surveillance including medical history, physical examination, sputum cytopathology, chest roentgenogram, and pulmonary function tests.
• Utilizing National Cancer Institute support for program development and implementation.

Main Results:

• The study identified and located 1,095 former workers with documented asbestos exposure.
• A comprehensive semi-annual medical surveillance protocol has been established.

Conclusions:

• Former asbestos workers, particularly smokers, represent a high-risk group for lung cancer.
• Sputum cytopathology is a key component in the cancer control strategy for this cohort.