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Asbestos-related radiographic abnormalities in elevator construction workers
E A Bresnitz1, M J Gilman, E J Gracely
1Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19129.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Elevator construction workers show a high rate of asbestos-related pleural disease, with 22% exhibiting pleural abnormalities. However, no cases of asbestosis were found in this cohort of experienced workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for various respiratory diseases.
- Elevator construction involves potential exposure to asbestos during building renovation and maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of asbestos-related pleural disease in elevator construction workers.
- To investigate the presence of interstitial lung disease, specifically asbestosis, in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 91 elevator construction workers with over 20 years of employment was screened.
- Methods included clinical examinations, chest radiography with "B" reader interpretation, and spirometry.
Main Results:
- Twenty out of 91 workers (22%) presented with evidence of pleural disease.
- Pleural abnormalities included bilateral circumscribed plaques (15 workers) and unilateral plaques (5 workers).
- No interstitial lung disease (asbestosis), diffuse pleural thickening, benign pleural effusions, or mesothelioma were identified.
Conclusions:
- Elevator construction workers have an elevated risk for developing asbestos-related pleural disease.
- The study did not find evidence of asbestosis in this cohort, suggesting a specific risk profile for pleural conditions.