Document gDwBagQj9Mv4QRwBYpVj6QmDq

SUAGCON GENERAL or THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE DEPARTMENT OP HEALTH, EDUCATION. AND WELFARE WABHINOTOfl, D.C. KOOI April 25, 1978 4 PHYSICIAN ADVISORY - HEALTH EFFECTS OF ASDES70S The results of recent studies of shipyard workers have increased concern about the health effects associated with previous occupational exposure to asbestos. This advisory notice will assist you in dealing with inquiries from your patients and other members of the public. Asbestos refers to a group of widely used fibrous minerals. Significant exposure of men and women employed in shipyards is known to have occurred, even among those not directly working with asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can also occur in many settings, such as, direct mining and manufacturing; construction; insulation; roofing; demolition; brake lining; and the manufacture and installation of asbestos pipe, sheets, panels, paper products, friction materials, textiles, floor tiles, paints, and gaskets. The risk has been documented extensively for certain occupational exposures, and there are reports that asbestos-associated disease also occurs in household contacts of asbestos workers. The primary effects of past asbestos exposure are asbestosis, a lung disease, and certain types of cancer, primarily lung cancer and pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma and, less frequently, gastro-intestinal and other cancers. It is now known that the health effects of asbestos appear after <i lono latent period (15, 25, 35 or more years) after the initial exposure. Exposures as short as a month mav'Tesuit in disease many years later, because the inhaled dust, being mineral, tends to remain in the tissues. It has been noted in studies of heavily exposed workers that approximately 20 to 25 of each 100 deaths among asbestos workers 20 or more years from onset of exposure are found to be from lung cancer, 7 to 10 from mesothelioma, 4 from cancer of the esophagus, stomach, colon/rectum, and some excess cancers of other sites (oropharynx, larynx, and kidney). In addition, in some groups, as many as 7 percent of workers die of a furm of pneumunocuniosis, asbestosis. Cigarette . smoking significantly increases the lung cancer risk of asbestos exposure and"aggrovates asbestosis. 8001 0C97 PRODUCED BY FORD SCF-ALLF-07230