Introduction: Smoking is one of the main risk factors in various diseases of different systems of the body, including the respiratory system and ASBESTOSis is PULMONARY fibrosis due to ASBESTOS inhalation. Aim: This investigation evaluates the effects of smoking on the respiratory function and aggravation of respiratory complications in ASBESTOS workers. This study was performed in August, 2002 at The Haajat Chrysotile ASBESTOS factory of Nehbandan, Birjand, Khorasan, Iran. Methods: A cross –sectional study was done on 56 ASBESTOS mine workers, randomly chosen and matched in two groups; smokers (25 individuals) & nonsmokers (31 individuals). ASBESTOS levels were measured in different areas of the factory and mine. All of the workers were interviewed and underwent clinical examination and spirometery. Results: The mean value of ASBESTOS in the respiratory field of the exposed workers was approximately 80 times over the standard limit (39.75 f/ml; TLV= 0.5 f/ml). According to clinical examination, both groups showed some kind of respiratory dysfunction, but cough & bloody sputum in the smoker group was significant. So, PULMONARY function test impairment was seen in both the groups, but obstructive and mixed patterns were significant in the smoker group (P<0.01). Conclusion: The results demonstrate that cigarette smoking results in a significant increase and aggravation of PULMONARY complications in ASBESTOS workers. These CHANGES are prominent even in those workers smoking less than 5 p/y. We therefore suggest that smoking and ASBESTOS inhalation aggravate each others complications because smoking, even in low amounts causes respiratory problems in these workers and ASBESTOSis presents itself in smokers much earlier than expected. . In view of the wide use of ASBESTOS in friction industries like manufacture of brakes of vehicles, smoking can produce undesirable effects in those exposed for longer periods to heavy traffic, such as traffic police officers. In order to decrease these personal and social problems, serious thinking needs to be done.

Objective: ASBESTOS is one of the most important factors in pneumoconiosis. A number of articles point to the role of smoking on intensifying PULMONARY CHANGES due to ASBESTOS. High Resonance Computerized Tomography (HRCT) has been advocated as a suitable method for evaluation of PULMONARY CHANGES in occupational-exposure to ASBESTOS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of smoking on intensity of PULMONARY radiological CHANGES among ASBESTOS workers using HRCT.Subjects and Methods:  This study was performed in Nov 2002 among 56 Hajat Chrysotile ASBESTOS Factory and mine workers located in Nehbandan-Brigand- Khorasan province. The workers were randomly chosen and matched in two groups, smoker (25 individuals) and non-smoker (31 individuals). The level of possible exposure to ASBESTOS in the different areas of the factory and mine was measured. All of the workers were interviewed and underwent HRCT. HRCT was interpretation by 3 radiologists, first separately, then in consultation.Results: The results show, the mean value of ASBESTOS in the respiratory field of ASBESTOS-exposed workers was about 80 times over standard limit (39.75 f/ml; TLV= 0.5 f/ml). HRCT finding demonstrates pa-renchymal involvement in 39 individuals (69.63%) in form of septal thickening, parenchymal band, sub-pleural curvilinear lines or band, linear density and ground glass opacity; minimal airway PULMONARY dis-eases in form of air trapping in 3 individuals (5.36%) and pleural involvement in form of pleural plaque or pleural thickening in 30 individuals (53.55%). In addition, 3 single nodules were seen among smoking group. There is significant difference between two groups in PULMONARY parenchymal lesions (P<0.01). There is no significant difference between two groups in pleural involvement. Conclusion: Smoking results in significant increase and intensity of ASBESTOS parenchymal lesions. This hazard is severe enough even among light smoker.

Background: The current paper set out to investigate the level of ASBESTOS fiber and ASBESTOS body in sputum and assayed of haematological factors, liver enzymes and PULMONARY function test in ASBESTOS exposed group.Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with a total number of 100 subjects. The case group included 50 male workers with the age range of 25-60 who had at least worked for five years in the ASBESTOS-cement factory. Control subjects consisted of 50 people who had no history of occupational exposure to ASBESTOS. Lung function tests were measured with a portable calibrated vitalograph-PFT spirometer. liver enzymes were assayed with Pars Azmoon kits. Counts of red blood cells and white blood cells were assayed with a cell counter. We used light polarizan microscope to study the level of ASBESTOS fiber and ASBESTOS body in sputum.Results: ASBESTOS fiber observed in sputum sample of workers and type of ASBESTOS fiber is chrysotile. ASBESTOS bodies were found in only 10% of the workers. Decrease (but not significant) in lung function factors (FVC, FEV1, FVC/FEV1) had been seen in the workers in compare with control group. WBC, Eosinophil, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and liver enzymes levels were significantly higher (but in normal range) in workers as compared with the control group.Conclusion: Presence of ASBESTOS fiber and ASBESTOS body in workers sputum samples showed workers exposure to ASBESTOS and reduced level (insignificant) of lung function factors and increased level of leukocyte may be indicated PULMONARY inflammation. These results also suggested that occupational exposure to ASBESTOS dust may perturb liver mal function parameters.

Background & Aims: ASBESTOS with top physiochemical specialities has widely used in industries. But actually dangerous effects in many human organs, especially respiratory system, results in its restriction and serious intention. Benign pleural plaque and malignant mesothelioma are the main and serious effects of ASBESTOS. It's said that these effects (especially malignant mesothelioma) is rare by kind of chrysotile ASBESTOS. Detection of pleural involvement is difficult in C.X.ray, done routinely in occupational periodic examination.This investigation is about a clinical finding in ASBESTOS pleural involvement and HRCT vs. C.X.ray, as a suitable diagnostic device for evaluation of the pleural involvement due to ASBESTOS PULMONARY CHANGES.Materials & Methods: A total of 56 ASBESTOS mine workers were randomly chosen. The level of ASBESTOS in the different areas of the factory and mine was measured. All of the workers were interviewed and underwent clinical examination, C.X.ray & HRCT. HRCT was interpreted by 3 radiologists, first separately, then in consultation.Results: The mean value of ASBESTOS in the respiratory field of ASBESTOS exposed workers was about 80 times over standard limit (39.75 f/ml; TLV= 0.5 f/ml). HRCT finding demonstrates parenchymal involvement in 39 individuals (69.63%) & pleural involvement in form of pleural plaque or pleural thickening in 30 individuals (53.55%). But, according to ILO classification, C.X.ray shows parenchymal involvement in 6 individuals 00.9%) without any pleural involvement. There is a significant difference between HRCT & CX.Ray in detection of the PULMONARY CHANGES (both parenchymal and pleural involvement) (p<0.01).Discussion: The results demonstrate no significant correlation between increases of pleural involvement and rise of ASBESTOS fibers in workers, respiratory field. But there is notification that, pleural plaque may be occurred without any respiratory sign & symptom. Also, this study demonstrates that, in evaluation of ASBESTOS PULMONARY CHANGES (especially pleural involvement), CX.ray isn't valuable, but HRCT can plays an important role; especially when there is pleural lesions without parenchymal involvement.

Background: ASBESTOSis, a disorder arising from fibrillar mineral compounds of hydrose silicat, damages lungs and causes respiratory signs. ASBESTOSis is a risk factor for pleural neoplasm, and tuberculosis has been proposed as a risk factor for progression of ASBESTOSis and a complication in advanced ASBESTOSis. We have surveyed the association between ASBESTOS exposure and PULMONARY tuberculosis in a group of Iranit factory workers in Tehran. Material and Methods: During this single-blind historical cohort study, 202 ASBESTOS- exposed workers (case group) and 201 non-exposed workers (control group) were compared regarding the clinical and paraclinical studies, including CBC,ESR, PPD, CXR, sputum and BAL fluid smear and culture for mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results: Groups were matched according to the sex, age, duration of exposure and smoking habit. Of the case and control groups, 7 (3.5%) and 1 (0.5%) subjects were revealed to be infected by TB, respectively. Cumulative Incidence Risk (CIR) was 6.96 showing ASBESTOS-exposure predisposes subjects to TB. Positive PPD of more than 15 mm in case and control groups was 14.4% and 21.9%, respectively. It means that ASBESTOS-exposure decreases reactivity to PPD. (p< 0.05) Conclusion: Exposure to ASBESTOS predisposes subjects to secondary tuberculosis, possibly by reactivation of dormant foci of TB in lung. So periodic examination of exposed subjects is strongly suggested and is indicated for early detection and management

Background: In periodical occupational examination, for detection of PULMONARY involvement, chest x-ray with ILO classification is used. This protocol is carried out on ASBESTOS workers as well. However, chest x- ray is not valuable for early detection of ASBESTOS related PULMONARY CHANGES. This study evaluated HRCT vs. chest x- ray in early detection of ASBESTOS related PULMONARY CHANGES.Materials and Methods: This study was performed in November 2002 among "Hajat Chrysotile ASBESTOS Factory" and mine workers located in Nehbandan-Birjand, Khorasan province.A total of 49 ASBESTOS mine workers with minimal respiratory symptoms were chosen. The level of ASBESTOS in different areas of the factory and mine was measured. All workers were interviewed and underwent clinical examination, chest x-ray and HRCT.Results: The mean value of ASBESTOS in the respiratory field of ASBESTOS exposed workers was about 80 times over the standard limits (39.75 f/ml; TLV= 0.5 f/ml). On chest x-ray based on ILO classification, 3 individuals (6.1%) showed reticulonodular involvement. The most common intensity of involvement was generally I/I in bases of the lungs. HRCT findings demonstrated PULMONARY parenchymal involvement in 32 cases (65.3%). In 29 cases, there was no abnormality in chest x-Ray, while it was present in HRCT. In 17 cases both tests were negative. There was no positive chest x-ray in HRCT negative cases. Sensitivity of chest x-ray was 9.5% and specificity was 100%.Conclusion: According to sensitivity, use of chest x-ray as a diagnostic test for evaluation of ASBESTOS related PULMONARY diseases does not have enough value for detection of patients. Therefore, in the evaluation of occupational disorders and law suits (in those cases with the most simple sign and symptoms), HRCT should be performed.

Background: lining is made up of different materials, the most important and dangerous one being ASBESTOS. With the increasing knowledge and awareness of lining workers (men who repair brake linings) in regard to ASBESTOS and its associated dangers, this concept is induced in their mind that they might be affected by ASBESTOS-related lung diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ASBESTOS-related PULMONARY diseases among the lining workers and lining makers of Isfahan. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 47 workers (18 from Gort lining factory, and 29 from lining workshops of Isfahan) were evaluated. They underwent history taking, clinical examination, chest x-ray (CXR), spirometry, CT-scan (HRCT), bronchoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) examinations. Since there were no reports measuring the number of ASBESTOS fibers in the air of the working places (factory and workshops), the mean number of ASBESTOS fibers in these areas was calculated. Result: A total of 47 male workers were studied. The age range was 35-75 years, mean± SD=47.96±10.33, and 95% CI=45.01, 50.91. Also, they had an occupational history of 20-69 years, mean± SD=29.57± 8, and 95% CI=27.28, 31.86. The frequency of ASBESTOS related PULMONARY diseases (PULMONARY fibrosis, PULMONARY plaque, peribronchial thickening) was 21.28% (17.03% among smokers) with relative frequencies of smoking 64%, cough 31.92%, sputum 48.94%, dyspnea 72.34%, and wheezing 19.15%. The frequencies of abnormal CXR, spirometry, and HRCT were 27.6%, 23.5% and 19.2% respectively.The number of ASBESTOS fibers in the air of the working place was mean±SD=0.36±0.1 fbr/cc (p value<0.05, t=3.26).Conclusion: Exposure to ASBESTOS without considering the safety measures and principles of occupational health and security results in a number of ASBESTOS-related lung diseases among the lining workers and lining makers. It is notable that smoking augmentates the harmful effects of ASBESTOS: the fact which has been confirmed by clinical and para-clinical examinations of this research. Oue to short mean duration of occupational history, ASBESTOS-related malignant PULMONARY disease was not detected. As a conclusion, in addition to abstaining from smoking, obeying the health-security measures present at work and finding a suitable replacement for ASBESTOSis in lining industries as well as follow-up and regular screening of the workers are also recommended.

In 2007, research was carried out to determine the type and amount of ASBESTOS fibers in a Croatian factory with a long history of making ASBESTOS-containing products.Since the 1970s, ASBESTOS fibres have been considered carcinogenic in humans i.e as a known cancer-causing agent. In the environment, ASBESTOS fibres are inactive and naturally resist biodegradation.In time, fibres can only be ground into smaller particles by mechanical force.These small particles in the air present a health hazard. Because of their small size, shape and durability, ASBESTOS fibres can easily be inhaled and stick to the lung tissue, causing serious respiratory problems. Among these are diseases with long latency periods of 10 to 40 years such as: ASBESTOSis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. ASBESTOS is the generic, industrial name for a group of six minerals determined by common size and inherent physical properties. Crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite are all ASBESTOS minerals from the amphibole mineral group. The sixth mineral, chrysotile, is a mineral from the serpentine mineral group.ASBESTOS fibres are particles longer than, or equal to, five mm with a length to width ratio greater than or equal to 3:1; however, the ratio can be higher than 20 or even 1000. They are inflammable, thermally stable, resistant to biodegradation, chemically inert to most chemicals and have low electrical conductivity. Because of these attributes, ASBESTOS was heartily embraced in industrial production.Different methods are used to determine the type and quantity of ASBESTOS fibres in the air. Some of the most common methods and instruments are: polarizing light microscopy (PLM), phase contrast optical microscopy (PCM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), analysis with electron diffraction spectra (SAED) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), powder X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Some of above-mentioned methods (PCM, PLM, XRD) are currently popular due to their low cost, but using these methods exclusively could lead to false estimates of ASBESTOS levels. It is hard to distinguish ASBESTOS fibres from certain other fibres like artifacts, organic or inorganic.Therefore, it is important to observe not only the habit of minerals, but also the chemical composition of them. A combination of SEM and EDS gives information about both the habit and the chemical composition of the observed fibers, and so is suitable for ASBESTOS analysis. Different methods of analysis are displayed and compared in this paper.Analyses were made using SEM with EDS and XRD. All samples were collected in working areas of a factory which used ASBESTOS in production.Presence of different types of ASBESTOS was confirmed.