Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis as a biomarker in environmental health studies.

The first studies of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) in the general population were conducted as part of environmental health investigations that began in 1991. MBL was observed as an unexpected finding when blood samples were immunophenotyped by two-colour flow cytometric methods in common use at that time. The initial observations led to a workshop in 1995, at which case definitions were considered and medical follow-up investigations were recommended.

Perspectives on the use of scientific knowledge for public health practice.

Achieving the goal of increasing quality and years of healthy life is fundamentally based on success in the practice of public health. As our life style changes with time and as public health issues become more global, the practice of public health is enhanced to meet new challenges. In addition to addressing infectious diseases, environmental concerns are gaining attention.

The usefulness of computed tomography in detecting asbestos-related pleural abnormalities in people who had indeterminate chest radiographs: the Libby, MT, experience.

This epidemiological study was conducted to determine whether high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is useful to screen for pulmonary abnormalities in people exposed to vermiculite containing asbestos. During June-September 2001, we evaluated HRCT of 353 people in Libby, MT, who had been exposed to asbestiform minerals associated with vermiculite. Of these, 334 participants of the summer 2000 medical testing program underwent HRCT of the chest at St.

Radiographic abnormalities and exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite in the community of Libby, Montana, USA.

Mining, handling, processing, and personal or commercial use of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite have led to widespread contamination of the Libby, Montana, area. We initiated a medical testing program in response to reports of respiratory illness in the community. The purpose of this analysis was to identify and quantify asbestos-related radiographic abnormalities among persons exposed to vermiculite in Libby and to examine associations between these outcomes and participants' self-reported exposures.