Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116398

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:

• 1.Understand the current medical and ethical controversies in diagnosing asbestos disease.
• 2.Understand the economic issues being proposed for victims of exposure.
• 3.Understand the ramifications for families and communities of asbestos exposure and disease.
• 4.Understand the implications of the use of science to address policy decisions.

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.