Occupational exposure to asbestos is associated with increased mortality in men recruited for a population-based study in Germany

Abstract

Objectives: Occupational exposure to asbestos is associated with increased mortality which, however, has not been thoroughly validated in a general population. We have aimed at exploring whether this association may be confirmed within a population-based setting after adjustment for confounders. Furthermore, the impact of tobacco consumption on the association between occupational exposure to asbestos and mortality is assessed. Material and Methods: We used data from 2072 (224 exposed) male participants of the Study of Health in Pomerania. Information on exposure to asbestos is based on a selfreport. Median follow-up time was 11.3 years. All-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality of exposed and non-exposed men were compared using mortality rate ratios, Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariable Cox regression. Results: During the follow-up, 52 (23.2%) exposed and 320 (17.3%) non-exposed participants deceased. Exposed subjects had increased hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality (HR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.1-2), benign lung disease mortality (HR=3, 95% CI: 1.18-7.62) and stomach cancer mortality (HR=4.59, 95% CI: 1.53-13.76). The duration of exposure (per 10 years) was associated with all-cause (HR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.07-1.36) and benign lung disease mortality (HR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.26-2.22). Smokers occupationally exposed to asbestos had the highest risk for all-cause (HR=3.70, 95% CI: 2.19-6.27) and cancer mortality (HR=4.56, 95% CI: 1.99-10.48) as compared to non-asbestos exposed non-smokers. Conclusion: Our results confirm associations of occupational exposure to asbestos with all-cause, benign lung disease, and stomach cancer mortality and underline the impact of joint effects of asbestos and smoking on mortality.

Histological findings and lung dust analysis as the basis for occupational disease compensation in asbestos-related lung cancer in Germany

“…While historically exposure was high during mining and manufacturing or while dusty sawing, drilling, grinding and installing asbestos containing material, today's exposure is quite low with proper disposal [4][5][6]. Nevertheless, unless asbestos is being banned around the globe, asbestos diseases are bound to persist [5,7] and people will die [8]. As exposure cessation for insureds dates back up to the 60s the traceability of asbestos fibers in lung tissue after this long latency period is of significance for the diagnosis of asbestosis and occupational compensation.…”

Association Between Laryngeal Cancer and Asbestos Exposure

“…Lung cancers, including mesothelioma, have been the primary malignant neoplasms associated with asbestos exposure. Increased risk of such malignant neoplasms based on asbestos exposure has been suggested for other sites of the aerodigestive system, including the stomach, lung, and larynx …”

“…Increased risk of such malignant neoplasms based on asbestos exposure has been suggested for other sites of the aerodigestive system, including the stomach, lung, and larynx. [3][4][5] In general, laryngeal cancer is considered to be a relatively rare malignant neoplasm, representing 0.8% of all new cancer cases annually in the United States. 6 It is estimated that there will have been 13 560 new cases of laryngeal cancer and 3640 deaths from laryngeal cancer in 2015.…”