Regulatory view: health effects caused by exposure to asbestos fiber
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18041/2322-634X/rcso.1.2024.10560Keywords:
asbestos fiber, asbestosis, pleural alterations, pleural mesothelioma, radiation exposure, legislation , medical-legal qualificationAbstract
Introduction: The damage caused by asbestos exposure in humans has been extensively documented, resulting in diseases such as asbestosis, pleural plaques, lung cancer, mesothelioma, pleural thickening, pleural effusions, among others.
Objective: To describe the health effects of asbestos fiber exposure, current legislation regarding handling, the prohibition of Asbestos-Asbestos use in Chile, and how to approach medical-legal qualification for asbestos fiber exposure.
Methods: An exhaustive search was conducted in recognized medical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and the database of the National Congress Library of Chile/BCN, during the years 2022 and 2023.
Results: In Chile, pathologies related to asbestos fibers, such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, have been a cause for concern due to the health risks associated with exposure to this material. Asbestosis is an interstitial lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The pathophysiology leading to pleural alterations by asbestos fibers is due to pleural infiltration and activation of inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, which release inflammatory mediators and growth factors. The occurrence of pleural mesothelioma varies according to asbestos exposure levels in the population.
Conclusions: Avoiding asbestos exposure is the most effective way to prevent the occurrence and/or prevalence of diseases derived from this agent.
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References
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