Document 4Q4Za859kOyDBdVyqVNLrQOzV

1020 Special Report: Asbestos and Cancer u Canad. Med. Ann y.m May 8, 1966, vol. ggijj Summary Two methods of measuring the resistance or sensi tivity of Staph, pyogenes to mercury salts have been compared. Little difference was noted, but the agar plate method is preferred as it is technically easier to perform. Resistance to mercury appears to be associ ated with antibiotic resistance, but no difference in virulence between the two groups was demonstrated by means of intracerebral injection of mice. The mercury test may have a place as a screening procedure in view of the relationship between the resistance to mercury and to antibiotics. We are grateful to Miss Thibeaudeau and Mrs. J. SmalT'l for their technical assistance. References 1. Moore, B.: Lancet, 2i 453, I960. 2. Simpson, D. M.: Med. Serv. J. Canada, 201 120, 1964 3. Cadness-Graves, B. et al.: Lancet, 1i 736, 1943. 4. Fisk, A.: Brit. J. Exp. Path., 211 311, 1940. 5. Wecicman, B. G. and Catlin, B. W.: J. Bact., 73, 747 1957. ' 6. Reed, L. J. and Muench, H.: Amer. J. Byg., 27, 493 . 1938, 7. Barber, M., Hathoe, F. G. J. and Whitehead, J. e M Lancet, 2t 1120. 1949. '. 8. 9. Blair, Eleic, SJ.. E. D.: aAnndn.CNar.Yr., M.: J. A. M. A., 166, 1192, Acad. Sci., 65, 85. 1956. 1958 10. Elek, S. D. and Conen, P. E.: Brit. J. Exp. Path 3a. 573, 1957. 11. Frappibr, A., Sonea, S. and Panisset, M.: Rev. CanaA Biol, 14, 162. 1955. Asbestos and Cancer The Report and Recommendations of a Working Group Convened Under the Auspices of the Geographical Pathology Committee of the International Union Against Cancer Editor's Note--In October 1964, the New York Academy of Sciences sponsored an international meet ing on the biological effects of asbestos. Following this meeting, some 40 delegates from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain and Ireland, Italy, South Africa and the United States were invited to study the vast amount of information which had been presented with a view to the organization of an inter national study of asbestos and cancer. The terms of reference of this Working Group covered three major aspects of the problem: epidemiology, pathology and The latent period between first exposure to the dust and detection of the related tumours is many years, usually 20 or more. Instances up to 60 years have been reported. For this reason, further cases of these associated tumours will be expected to occur for many years to come, even if dust exposures are now greatly reduced. Present evidence indicates that the associated carcinomas of the lung are not limited to exposure to any one type of asbestos fibre. However, further experimental pathology, and physics and chemistry. investigations are urgently needed to establish The findings of the Working Group and their recom mendations arising from these studies are recorded, in slightly abridged form, in the following report. whether the degree of risk is importantly related to the type of fibre inhaled. In the case of mesotheliomas evidence from The Association of Exposure to Asbestos Dust and Cancer several countries suggests that exposure to crocido lite (blue fibre) may be of particular importance, but it cannot be concluded that only this type of THE main types of asbestos of commercial interest are amosite, anthophyllite, chrysotile, fibre is concerned with these tumours, and further investigation of this problem is needed. crocidolite and tremolite. There is evidence of an Certain types of asbestos fibres in the virgin association between exposure to asbestos and malignant neoplasia. This has been established state have been found to contain oils, waxes and other organic matter. In addition, asbestos fibres mainly on information from Germany, Italy, South readily absorb hydrocarbons subsequent to mining. Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Small or Pace amounts of various elements such as nickel and chromium are also found associated The types of tumours which have been shown to with some types of fibre. The possible role of such be associated with exposure to asbestos dust are: associated materials in the development of tumours, 1. Carcinoma of the lung. following exposure to asbestos dust, is not yet clear. 2. Diffuse mesothelioma of the pleura and peri These findings, when considered in relation to toneum. the great increase in the use of asbestos for many There is some suggestion of an association also purposes in all countries, suggest that a more with gastrointestinal carcinoma, and possibly with serious and widespread hazard from exposure to ovarian tumours. asbestos dust may exist than is widely appreciated. SCF-FA-5680