Exposure-response estimate for lung cancer and asbestosis in a predominantly chrysotile-exposed Chinese factory cohort.

BACKGROUND

Cumulative fiber exposures, predominantly chrysotile, were estimated in a Chinese asbestos worker cohort and exposure-response relationships with lung cancer mortality and cumulative incidence of asbestosis were determined.

METHODS

Individual time-dependent cumulative exposures were estimated for 577 asbestos workers, followed prospectively for 37 years. Occupational history and smoking data were obtained from company records and personal interviews; vital status and causes of death were ascertained from death registries and hospital records. Hazard ratios were generated for disease outcomes, with adjustments for smoking and age.

RESULTS

Median cumulative fiber exposure for the cohort was 132.6 fiber-years/ml (IQR 89.3-548.4). Exposure-response relationships were demonstrated for both disease outcomes, with nearly sixfold and threefold increased risks seen at the highest exposure level for lung cancer deaths and asbestosis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Evidence using quantitative exposure estimates was provided for increased risks of lung cancer mortality and development of asbestosis in a predominantly chrysotile-exposed cohort.