Diseases associated with asbestos in Spain

In Spain, imported asbestos of all types is processed into fibre-cement and textile and friction materials, involving about 9000 workers. The author describes his studies in a small textile firm in Bilbao manufacturing textile and cardboard asbestos products from chrysotile and, until 1970, crocidolite. No mesotheliomas were found, but asbestosis, bronchial cancer and pleural changes were seen. Other studies carried out in Spain are described also.