Abstract

Associations between exposure to asbestos and carcinoma of the lung, diffuse mesothelioma of the pleura, and diffuse abdominal tumours have been demonstrated. Only by an epidemiological approach can the total risks of exposure to asbestos be estimated, and such a study is reported here. This suggests that white asbestos (chrysotile) may not be a serious hazard as far as mesothelioma or abdominal tumours are concerned, though there is some evidence of an excess in the number of deaths from carcinoma of the lung and bronchus.