December/January 2011/2012 (vol. 08/4)

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Research Plus

Asbestos – lung impairment in absence of disease

A systematic review finds that occupational asbestos exposure causes restrictive as well as obstructive lung function impairment even when there is no sign of pleural fibrosis or disease. A meta-analysis covering data from nearly 10,000 workers finds statistically significant reductions in vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume (FEV) and FEV/VC, in both workers with and without radiological changes. Reduction in FEV and VC scores was greatest in those with asbestosis followed by those with pleural fibrosis.

Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 2011; 6: 21

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Occupational Health at Work December/January 2011/2012 (vol. 08/4) pp40