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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3302.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 3:10 PM

Abstract #116398

Asbestos Update: Medical, ethical, economic and political issues of asbestos exposure

Michael R. Harbut, MD, MPH, FCCP, Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wayne State University/Karmanos Cancer Institute, 118 N. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067, 248.547.9100, M1har@aol.com

Malignant and Non-Malignant asbestos-related diseases and deaths are projected to increase in the coming decade by the Centers for Disease Control. This is consistent with the latency periods of 20-40 years for most asbestos-related diseases, and the fiber's peak use in the United States in 1978. The American Thoracic Society has released updated criteria for diagnosing asbestosis which is in significant disagreement with medical criteria endorsed by the United States Senate and the American Bar Association. The Environmental Protection Agency has recently issued warnings regarding the dangers of tremolite asbestos which contaminate vermiculite, an insulating material estimated to be found in 25-35 million North American homes and buildings. Executives of the WR Grace Company, the mine owner in Libby, Montana where an entire community has been affected, have been indicted on criminal charges stemming from this warning. Economic for victims has become the subject of congressional attention and has great implications in addressing the suffering of many. This session will examine the medical, social, familial, economic, public health and political implications of the sequlae of exposure to asbestos.

This is a submission for a full session.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Asbestos, Occupational Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Legal, Political, and Economic Aspects of OSH

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA