The diagnosis of nonmalignant diseases related to asbestos.

Objective The health effects of asbestos have become a cause of serious concern in recent years. It has been estimated that from 1940 to 1979, in the United States alone, 27,500,OOO individuals were. exposed to this mineral at work. Recognition of the diseases caused by asbestos exposure has led manufacturers to reduce exposure in a variety of ways, such as by using alternative materials and by instituting improved work practices. It has also led to widespread public concern over the presence of asbestos in the environment, and fear on the part of persons with minimal exposure. This and projections of future asbestos related illness have posed important public policy questions-whether to remove all asbestos in public buildings and what to do about the enormous estimated legal liability. In this context, physicians are commonly asked for advice Furthermore, they are also consulted regarding the diagnosis of an asbestos-related respiratory condition in’ an exposed individual. While abundant literature exists on the health effects of asbestos, there is much that is conflicting. Accordingly, this report has been prepared by a group of experts to present an authoritative consensus view of the current state of knowledge while pointing out areas where additional information is necessary. An attempt is made to summarize our present knowledge on the diagnosis of nonmalignant asbestos-related pulmonary disease and provide the sources on which the opinion is based.