Asbestos-related and non-communicable diseases in formerly exposed workers: relationship with residential asbestos, smoke and business sector

Purpose: Asbestos-containing materials are found in industries as raw materials and in the living environment as dispersed waste. There is a need to assess the impact of non-dusty low-level compact asbestos on health in different job settings and whether other risk factors could synergize. To characterize the whole disease outline (deadly/non-deadly/disabling) of workers at risk of asbestos exposure. To discern the role of smoke and extra-work asbestos on the outcomes. To discern the role job type on the risk of ARD and diseases potentially associated. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed. A broad research database was generated with anamnestic, job and diagnostic data of past asbestos workers (N=108). An epidemiology database was built up to evaluate comparatively the plausibility and novelty of our findings. RR were calculated for disease/category of disease in relation to residential asbestos, smoke and occupational groups/businesses to evaluate the predictivity of associations. Results: Pleural plaques, asbestosis, prostate cancer and lung nodules occurred at a significantly higher rate than generally observed. Respiratory/ metabolic diseases were more frequent in our cohort than expected. ARD occurrence was not modified by exposure to residential asbestos or smoke. Manufacturing jobs were at higher risk of ARD and respiratory diseases. Production workers were at higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: The processing manner of ACM is critical for the release of (few) inhalable fibres and the asbestos-related pathological consequences. Our findings are of concern for workers and residents of poorly managed settings engaged by industrial or natural erosion of ACM.