TY  - BOOK
AU  - Diaz,Dina V.
TI  - Asbestos-related diseases in the Philippines : : the Lung Center of the Philippines asbestos screening program 
KW  - Asbestos
KW  - adverse effects
KW  - Asbestosis
N2  - Adverse health effects from asbestos are well known and are due to the inhalation of fibers in concentrations that overwhelm the normal pulmonary defense and clearance mechanisms. Asbestos-related diseases include an interstitial lung disease termed asbestosis, pleuralbased abnormalities, such as diffuse pleural thickening, pleural plaques, pleural effusions, and malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure also significantly increases the risk of developing lung carcinoma. Despite the hazards borne from exposure to this mineral, asbestos is still commonly used in the developing world, putting workers at risk of developing these diseases. The Lung Center of the Philippines' Asbestos Screening Program (1992 to 1996) examined former workers from the Subic Naval Base in Zambales for the presence of asbestos-related disease. Out of the 1,542 screened, 58.75 % demonstrated asbestos-related interstitial lung or pleural disease. There is a need to recognize the health risks from asbestos exposure in the past which continue up to the present. Until a total asbestos ban is in place, efforts should be directed towards the elimination of asbestos-related diseases through prevention of exposures, raising awareness on health effects, establishing registries, early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of those affected, and more stringent monitoring and control of asbestos use
ER  -