Despite Controversy, Asbestos Research Moves Forward

Of all the intense medical debates that emerged over the course of the twentieth century, few were as heated or as wide-ranging as the controversy surrounding the health impact of asbestos. Long used as an insulation material in construction, asbestos began to be suspected as a potential health problem in the mid-twentieth century.

After a series of corporate cover-ups and public health investigations, the truth about asbestos gradually began to emerge in the last decades of the twentieth century. Strong evidence supported a link between asbestos and everything from respiratory diseases to cancer. Public institutions and private homeowners alike began the long, costly process of replacing asbestos with less hazardous materials. However, the problems were really only just beginning for the millions of people who were affected by asbestos exposure.

Although some researchers have predicted that the asbestos health crisis has reached its peak, the issue remains controversial in the scientific community. Research on the subject has remained active, and a steady stream of new results continue to be published in the leading scientific journals. This week, we'll review the findings of several recent studies that have taken a look at the health impacts of asbestos.

Many Workers Unaware of Asbestos Risk

Over the last several decades, a great deal of media attention has been focused on the health problems associated with long-term occupational exposure to asbestos. However, according to one recent study, many workers whose jobs require exposure to asbestos remain unaware of the risk associated with the material.

The study, which was conducted by UK advocacy group the British Lung Foundation, surveyed workers in a number of high-risk occupations, such as builders, plumbers, electricians, day laborers, carpenters, and gas servicemen. Many of these workers must carry out their daily duties in close proximity to asbestos-laden insulation and building materials.

According to the study?s findings, only about 12% of all the workers surveyed had an accurate understanding of the health risks posed by long-term asbestos exposure. 25% believed that exposure to minimal amounts of asbestos posed no risk.

Of those who had a clearer knowledge of the risk, 10% said they were under financial or other pressure to keep working in the field despite the potential for health problems. Nearly three-quarters of the sample reported having no on-the-job training about asbestos health risks or how to handle the material safely. The researchers said these findings underscored the need for continued asbestos awareness efforts in the workplace.

81% of the workers surveyed did not make a regular practice of testing new work sites for asbestos.

Expertise and Accuracy of Some Asbestos Care Providers Called Into Question

It's no secret that the asbestos issue has netted lawyers and plaintiffs billions of dollars in settlements over the last few decades. However, what has some medical care providers concerned is the possibility that the treatment of some asbestos exposure victims may be compromised by the promise of lawsuit money.

This suspicion appears to be partially validated by the results of a study recently conducted by scientists at the International Society of Radiology. According to the findings, a large number of the people who have successfully sued for damages due to asbestos exposure may not actually be as sick as they believe.

In one sample of radiology images taken from legal documents, lawyers? radiologists had diagnosed nearly 96% of the patients involved as having some sort of asbestos-related respiratory illness. However, when the same films were later reviewed by an unaffiliated third-party group of radiology experts, it was found that only 4.5% of the patients had significant lung problems.

The authors suggested that the radiology "experts" contracted by legal teams often had a vested interest to diagnose lung problems when none may actually exist. In many cases, the plaintiffs involved were likely unaware that any exaggeration had taken place.

The findings confirm previous reports indicating widespread irregularities in the asbestos care industry. The authors recommend more rigorous and objective screening of the diagnostic materials used in asbestos lawsuits.

Deaths from Asbestos Exposure On the Rise, Study Says

Despite some claims that the asbestos epidemic was declining, a recent meta-analysis of public health records conducted by think-tank the Environmental Working Group shows that deaths related to asbestos exposure have actually increased during the last decade.

According to the report, nearly 10,000 deaths annually in the United States alone are attributable to asbestos-related illnesses. In addition, one in every 125 men over the age of 50 dies from mesothelioma, a particularly damaging form of asbestos-related illness.

The group used these findings to reiterate its call for a complete ban on asbestos, as well as to urge lawmakers in the United States to pass more stringent regulations for the remediation of asbestos-based building materials.

If you're concerned about asbestos exposure and asbestos-related illnesses, talk to a trusted, qualified expert for a personalized risk assessment. And please check back each week for more of the latest health science news.