[Possibilities and limits of epidemiology in the evaluation of carcinogenic effect].

The epidemiological studies dealing with the effect of man-made mineral fibres are evaluated. They serve as an example for the possibilities and also the limitations of epidemiology. The factors are discussed, which complicate this evaluation. Criteria are mentioned which can be used the demonstrate no effect of the exposure. Finally some methods are proposed which can improve the use of epidemiology especially in occupational medicine.