Pleural mesothelioma associated with indoor pollution of asbestos

Abstract

This case report concerns a 46-year-old woman, dying from histologically confirmed diffuse malignant mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, which was only caused by indoor pollution from crocidolite-containing spray asbestos in building materials. There was no other known occupational or environmental asbestos exposure during her life. The lung tissue fibre analysis by light microscopy showed significantly increased concentrations of ferruginous bodies (3162 FB per gram of wet lung tissue). By use of scanning transmission electron microscopy, clearly increased concentrations of amphibole fibres (8.6 x 10(6) fibres longer than 1 microm and 0.6 x 10(6) fibres longer than > or =5 microm per gram dry tissue), mainly classified as crocidolite, were observed. The disease was attributed to indoor exposure to sprayed asbestos, which occurred during her work as a decorator in the studio of a warehouse.

The health impact of nonoccupational exposure to asbestos: what do we know?

“…These cases were attributed to this exposure because of the absence of any other known exposure. Cases reports of mesothelioma in people who seem to have no other exposure except employment in asbestos-insulated buildings are published sporadically; they sometimes include biometrologic data consistent with the suspected exposure (Schneider et al, 2001). Nonetheless, it is likely that most of the cases that occur in a litigation context are not published and are thus underestimated.…”

Lung cancer from asbestos textured ceilings: a case study

“…20 Previous case studies on spray-installed acoustic ceilings show the correlation between asbestos exposure and lung cancer and mesothelioma. [21][22][23][24] These studies are highlighted in Table 1. The subject of this report was exposed to all modes, frequencies, and rates of exposure.…”

Indoor Particulate Matter in Urban Households: Sources, Pathways, Characteristics, Health Effects, and Exposure Mitigation

“…Activities such as cooking and heating using biofuels (coal and wood) can generate significant indoor PM concentrations, especially PM 2.5 and ultrafine particulate matter [ 44 ]. Additionally, indoor exposure to asbestos fibers in old houses has been highlighted as a significant concern [ 45 , 46 ]. Due to its high tensile strength and versatility, asbestos, including crocidolite, was once widely used in construction (roofing, floors, and walls) and manufacturing household items such as fireproof curtains.…”

“…Due to its high tensile strength and versatility, asbestos, including crocidolite, was once widely used in construction (roofing, floors, and walls) and manufacturing household items such as fireproof curtains. Over time, weathering releases microscopic fibers, which are highly fibrogenic to the human lungs upon inhalation [ 45 ]. Furthermore, human habits, such as frequent windows and other dust-generating indoor activities, result in crucial indoor PM sources.…”