Findings indicate that a fraction (3.4%) of the lung cancer cases could be attributed to heavy occupational exposure to asbestos using the Helsinki criterion of > or =25 fiber years. Therefore, approximately 50 lung cancer cases per year in Lithuania could be asbestos-related compensable occupational diseases.

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Because industrialization in Lithuania started only about 50 years ago, occupational cancer is only now becoming an important issue. This article describes the situation of occupational cancer in Lithuania: research, exposures to carcinogens, regulation, and legal practice. Epidemiologic studies of work-related cancers have shown increased risks among cement, textile, and asbestos-cement workers. In 1997, 28% of employed workers in Lithuania were exposed to carcinogens. A legislation system regulating exposures to carcinogens, harmonized with European Directives, has recently been created. In 1995-2003, there were 5,652 new cases of occupational diseases. However, occupational cancers are seriously underdiagnosed--only one case of cancer was diagnosed as occupational. Establishment of a system that would enable diagnosis, certification, and compensation of cases of occupational neoplasms is essential in Lithuania.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to establish which psychosocial factors at work are related to depression among female white-collar workers in Vilnius. Materials and Methods: The data was collected in a case-control study in [2002][2003][2004]. The cases were selected from patients treated at Vilnius mental health centers. The controls were randomly selected from employed Vilnius residents. A descriptive statistic and logistic regression was applied. Results: 3 psychosocial factors and possible confounders within the evaluated model were statistically reliable (model χ 2 : 44.47, p < 0.05 ). The adjusted odds ratio for uneven work distribution was 2.17 (95% CI: 1.38-3.51, p < 0.005), the odds ratio for possibility to control was 10.81 (95% CI: 2.13-54.71, p < 0.005), and the odds ratio for family esteem was 2.13 (95% CI: 1.01-4.59, p < 0.005). Conclusion: This study suggests that work distribution, possibility to control and family esteem, together with stressful life events and mental health disorders in the family, are related to depression among female white-collar workers.