Suchergebnisse

AbstractHolton and colleagues have performed a risk assessment after measuring asbestos released from several samples of facial makeup. Unfortunately, it is not possible to interpret or generalize their findings because the authors have not described the source(s) of the talc tested or the asbestos concentrations of the samples. The concentration of amphiboles varies widely between sources, and the authors are urged to divulge the locations of the ore bodies providing the talc for their samples, as well as the asbestos concentration of the samples, so that the results may be interpreted and possibly generalized.

Abstract
There is an ongoing argument about the potency of chrysotile asbestos to cause malignant mesothelioma. Authors of chrysotile risk assessments have relied upon the results of an epidemiologic study, published in 1984, to state that there were no mesotheliomas found among workers at a Connecticut friction products plant. McDonald reported the first two cases in 1986. In 2010, we reported the work histories and pathologic reports of five individuals from the Connecticut plant who were diagnosed with mesothelioma. Despite this, a review of the health effects of chrysotile published in 2018 continued to state that there were no cases of mesothelioma from this plant. We report here two new cases that were diagnosed after the publication of our previous report, bringing the current total to nine cases. We also discuss the results of previously unpublished air sampling data from the plant. Chrysotile, mainly from Canada, was the only asbestos fiber type used until 1957 when some anthophyllite was added in making paper discs and bands. Beyond this original description of the anthophyllite usage from McDonald, there is a dearth of information about the amount of anthophyllite used in the plant, the frequency of its use, and the specific departments where it was used. For over 30 years in the published literature, this factory has alternatively been described as a 'chrysotile' or 'predominantly chrysotile' factory. While it is clear that some anthophyllite was used in the factory (in addition to 400 pounds of crocidolite in the laboratory), given the volume, frequency, and processes using chrysotile, it still seems satisfactory to describe this cohort as a predominantly, but not exclusively, chrysotile-exposed cohort.

ONE OF THE BEST EXAMPLES OF A COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL DRUG POLICY TO BE FOUND IN THE WORLD TODAY IS IN AUSTRALIA. ONE OF THE CORNERSTONES IN THE FORMULATION OF AUSTRALIA'S SUCCESSFUL POLICY WAS THE DECISION IN THE 1950'S TO MAKE A SUPPLY OF LIFE-SAVING DRUGS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO ALL CITIZENS. ANOTHER IMPORTANT BUILDING BLOCK WAS THE PRICE CONTROL MECHANISM ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REACHING AND MAINTAINING A HIGH STANDARD IN PHARMACEUTICALS BY SUBSIDIZING ACCESS TO A BROAD RANGE OF PRODUCTS. HOWEVER, ONE IMPORTANT PROBLEM AREA, NAMELY THE RATIONAL USE OF DRUGS, HAS NOT YET BEEN PROPERLY DEALT WITH. THE TRADITIONAL APPROACHES TO THIS PROBLEM WILL NOT BE SUFFICIENT; THE APPROACHES MUST BE RE-EXAMINED AND SUPPLEMENTED BY CREATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WHICH WILL MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL THE DIFFERENT MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.