[Chronic background and pretumorous diseases of the respiratory organs in manufacturing contingents in contact with industrial carcinogens].

The authors have carried out hygienic, clinical and epidemiological studies among workers engaged in graphite and asbestos industries. Occupational diseases--carboconioses and dust bronchitis that occur in workers engaged in graphite industry may be attributed to the preceding diseases conducive to the development of lung carcinoma. Among patients with asbestosis, the risk for lung carcinoma is 2 times higher than in workers exposed to asbestos-containing dust, who do not suffer from asbestosis. The latter condition can also be regarded as a preceding illness that contributes to the development of lung carcinoma in workers engaged in asbestos industry. To enhance the efficacy of preventing cancer diseases of the respiratory organs, it is suggested that examinations for oncological diseases be included into the screening programs for workers exposed to carcinogenic agents.