II. Background
- Smallest, naturally occurring fiber
- Asbestos used industrially until 1970s in U.S.
- Aeronautics materials
- Electrical product lining
- Shipping materials
- Brake linings and clutch pads
- Building materials
- Asbestos Exposures continue today
- Building demolition and Asbestos removal
- Asbestos or vermiculite mines
- Asbestos risks have been known for >100 years
- First linked to lung disease in 1890
- Exposure legislation in United Kingdom as of 1931
- Exposure legislation in United States as of 1971
III. Pathophysiology
- Exposure occurs with Asbestos fiber inhalation
- Consequences of Asbestos Exposure delayed 10-40 years
IV. Complications
- Asbestosis (fibrotic lung disease)
- Mesothelioma
- Pleural Plaques
-
Pleural Effusions
- Unilateral, exudative Pleural Effusions
- Asbestos-related is diagnosis of exclusion
- Consider Tuberculosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer
-
Lung Cancer
- Tobacco use increases risk dramatically
- Asbestos-related Lung Cancer deaths: >2000/year U.S.
- Observe for non-calcified lesions on XRay
- Types
- Non-small cell and small cell
- Mesothelioma (appears same as Lung Cancer on XRay)
V. Risk factors: Asbestos related disease
- Several months of significant Asbestos Exposure and
- Clinical presentation at least 10 years later
VI. Management
- No specific management
- Tobacco Cessation
VII. Monitoring
- ATS recommends repeat Chest XRay every 3-5 years
VIII. Resources
- Asbestos.Net