American College of Chest Physicians consensus statement on the respiratory health effects of asbestos. Results of a Delphi study.

Background: The diagnosis of and criteria for the evaluation of asbestos-related disease impairment remains controversial after decades of research. Assessing agreement among experts who study pneumoconiosis, and diagnose and treat patients with asbestos-related respiratory conditions may be the first step in clarifying clinical and forensic/administrative issues associated with asbestos-related pulmonary conditions.

Methods: We conducted a Delphi study, an iterative method of obtaining consensus among a group of experts.