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A respiratory epidemiological study of stevedores intermittently exposed to asbestos in a South African port
Author(s) -
Myers J. E.,
Garisch D.,
Myers H. S.,
Cornell J. E.,
Rwexu R. D.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700070403
Subject(s) - medicine , epidemiology , asbestos , environmental health , port (circuit theory) , occupational exposure , respiratory system , pathology , metallurgy , materials science , electrical engineering , engineering
The prevalence of asbestosis in stevedores intermittently transporting crocidolite asbestos in a South African port was found to be 30% in a cross‐sectional survey. Diagnostic criteria are discussed in terms of the low index of suspicion for industrial diseases, the high probability of missing slight radiological changes, and the attribution of radiological lesions to other diseases, particularly tuberculosis, in a high prevalence area. Results are compared with other studies. Asbestosis was not associated with tuberculosis. Smoking was not significantly associated with asbestosis, other respiratory signs and symptoms, or radiological abnormality.