# A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach for identifying asbestos exposure among underground workers

## TL;DR

This study identifies asbestos-related diseases in underground workers, showing that long-term exposure increases risk.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the prevalence and risk factors of asbestos-related diseases in a specific occupational group.

## Key findings

- 2.8% of participants had asbestos-related diseases, with 0.22% diagnosed with lung cancer.
- Occupational exposure exceeding 20 years significantly increased the risk of asbestos-related diseases.
- Findings align with other surveillance programs on asbestos-exposed workers.

## Abstract

Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to a range of diseases, including
asbestosis, pleural plaques, lung cancer, and malignant mesothelioma.
Despite regulatory efforts, asbestos-related diseases remain a significant
public health issue.

This study aimed to assess the characteristics and prevalence of
asbestos-related diseases among exposed workers.

We conducted a descriptive cohort study with underground workers in Buenos
Aires, Argentina, from March 2018 to March 2023. A comprehensive screening
and surveillance program, including medical examinations, was implemented to
identify exposure-related signs and symptoms. Histological sections from
paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were analyzed using light and polarization
microscopy for lung cancer cases.

A total of 2,690 participants were included, of whom 2.8% (n = 77) had
asbestos-related diseases and 0.22% (n = 6) had lung cancer. Occupational
exposure exceeding 20 years was significantly associated with an elevated
risk of asbestos-related diseases (odd ratio: 3.02; 95%CI 1.7-5.3).

The prevalence of occupational diseases among underground workers was
consistent with findings from other surveillance programs for
asbestos-exposed workers. Occupational exposure exceeding 20 years emerged
as a significant risk factor, markedly increasing the likelihood of
asbestos-related diseases