Ventilatory decrements in former asbestos cement workers: a four year follow up.

A four year follow up of the ventilatory function in former asbestos cement workers has been performed to determine whether any further decrease occurred after cessation of exposure. Seventy five of 125 subjects were eligible for re-examination and were compared with local referents. None showed signs of asbestosis but 32% had pleural plaques at the renewed examination.

Decreased lung function in long-term asbestos cement workers: a cross-sectional study.

The effect on lung function of exposure in an asbestos cement plant was investigated in male workers, employed more than 10 years. The exposed group was selected to exclude subjects with pneumoconioses and ex-smokers and consisted of 77 smokers and 48 never-smokers. Referents were chosen from plants where asbestos had not been in use and restricted to those without X-ray signs of chest disease.