Abnormalities Consistent with Asbestos-Related Disease among Long-Term DemolitionWorkers

摘要

An industrial hygiene study was conducted among workers who were members of Local95, Laborers' International Union of North America in New York City. The members of this local specialize in demolition work. Invitations were extended to 355 individuals who had joined the local more than 20 years earlier. Of these, 88 chose to participate. Of the 88 who underwent chest X-ray examination, 19 (22%) exhibited changes consistent with prior asbestos (1332214) exposure. In three cases there were small, irregular opacities compatible with parenchymal fibrotic changes, while in 17 cases pleural abnormalities were noted. Of the 87 who performed pulmonary function testing, 63 were normal. Three examinees had combined obstructive restrictive abnormalities. The presence of findings on chest X-rays consistent with asbestos related scarring was associated with abnormality on pulmonary function testing. The findings showed that as a group, demolition workers have had significant exposure to asbestos.