[Prophylactic examinations of workers formerly employed in asbestos processing plants: outcome of the Amiantus project in 2000-2004].

Background: Prophylactic examinations of workers formerly employed in asbestos processing plants were performed by virtue of the Act, dated 19 June 1997, putting a ban on the production of asbestos-containing products. To enforce the provisions of the Act, the Ministry of Health has initiated the Amiantus project implemented by 13 Occupational Medicine Centers throughout the country and coordinated by the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine (IMP) in Lódź.

Material And Methods: All the Centers perform diagnostic procedures according to the same criteria (clinical, radiological, spirometric and histological), based on the 1997 Helsinki criteria, to diagnose asbestos-related diseases.