Document gbd5nmek8RZNm5kE7JdBmX2n9

V /t Asbestos Fibers Saturday, December 6, 1975 HOUSTON CHRONICLE Seci.cn j Now Held General Population Hazard / BY ARTHUR J. SNIDER * 1*75. CS.MS3 D'1v Newj Chicago -- Asbestos fibers, previously identified as a hazard to industrial workers, are beginning to produce lung tissue cnanges in the general population, according to medical scientists. They reported finding lung changes in 10 men who were being routinely chest X-rayed. The men, all Navy personnel, had no occupational exposure to asbestos Dr. Charles W. Ochs and Dr. John P. Smith, .r.edical ctticcrs at the Belhesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, estimated that the majority of the mate pomiiauon over 50 probably have asbestos fibers in their lungs and 5 per cent probably "Rave tissue' changes as a result. " So far the condition is benign. Ochs told the Haoiological Society of North America, but added that mere is a possibilityThe changes could lead to cancer _j some individuals. Growing exposure to asbestos in the environment is probably responsible for the new hazard, said Ochs. Asbestos is used in cardboard, tjlcs. gutters, drain p.pe3_electncal insulation, pipe covering grid a "wicle variety of other, building materials. Vinyl asbestos .'.Tor jcile also may be a significant source of airborne f. 0CT3. "the major source of environmental asbestos, how- eve-. results from the .aiitomabileZ5 saia Ochs. 'Drake linings, clutches, mulflers and transmission give off fibecs." r~ ' He estimated that 2.5 million tons thrown into the atmosphere in a year. Ochs believes it has taken 20 to 30 years for the asbestos u>~BT3Td up m the juries to the point where it is being seen in routine X ravs. A It should be much rinESYS-prevalent in the next 20 years with continuous and increasing exposure, he added. The inhaled fibers accumulate in the pleura of lining of the lungs and cause a thickening. /j A/ a-JL, /Co uSZLX/ /JAs (pciXt/, CL ^C*.rO--lA 0-LS~ ^ *~iC 'CZ/us /&^u~0 If (/La*s '2-t-L-C'C-x-' 1 ~C</ tAi-'l'uA / C CjUS Cy^J V ^-J-JU-CJLL/ ^ SS/oStf--(-^L- , c JjXLLl Uj/,AjLU~t-*C. J--3 thciit/L* /CLO d^C-AuA/ / oo snucA fto /'Acs ' f f/ UCCTXC 06689