Asbestos lung fibre analysis in the United Kingdom, 1976-96.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES To summarize data on changes in lung contents of asbestos types between 1976-77 and 1990-96 for mesotheliomas and controls in the UK. METHODS Data were extracted from published studies of the years 1976, 1977 and 1990-96. RESULTS Between 1976-77 and 1990-96 there was a large reduction in the amount of crocidolite in the lungs of both mesotheliomas and controls. CONCLUSION The results are consistent with the use of the different asbestos types in the UK, after taking into account the period of exposure and elimination of fibres from the lung in the time elapsed since exposure.