Case Contents

Table of Contents

How to Use the Course

What is Asbestos

Who Is At Risk?

Biological Fate

Pathogenic Changes

Respiratory Conditions

Other Conditions

Clinical Evaluation

Diagnostic Tests

Patients' Instructions

More Information

Literature Cited

Education Sheet

Printer-Friendly

Environmental Medicine

Continuing Education

Online Registration

Patient Education

Community Education

Related Documents

Exposure Registry

Exposure Review

Naturally Ocurring

Public Health Statement

Toxicological Profile

ATSDR Resources

ATSDR en Español

Case Studies (CSEM)

Exposure Pathways

HazDat Database

Health Assessments

Health Statements

Interaction Profiles

Interactive Learning

Managing Incidents

Medical Guidelines

Minimal Risk Levels

ToxFAQs™ CABS

Toxicological Profiles

Toxicology Curriculum

External Resources

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM)

Asbestos Toxicity

Course: WB 1093
CE Original Date: April 19, 2007
CE Expiration Date: April 19, 2010

Cover Page

Key Concepts

Notes

Authorship

Disclaimer

How to Use This Course

Introduction

Available Versions

Instructions

Instructional Format

Learning Objectives

Initial check

Instructions

Case

Initial Check Questions

Initial Check Answers

What Is Asbestos?

Learning Objectives

Definition

Classes

Properties

Key Points

Where Is Asbestos Found?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Current Commercial Uses

Former Commercial Uses

Contaminated Commercial Products

Homes and Buildings

The Natural Environment

Key Points

Progress Check

How Are People Exposed to Asbestos?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Inhalation

Ingestion

Skin

Key Points

Who Is at Risk of Exposure to Asbestos?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Past Occupational Exposure

Past Secondary Occupational Exposure

Past Paraoccupational Exposures

Current Occupational Exposures

Direct Domestic Exposures

Exposure at School

Background Exposures

The Libby Vermiculite Example

Key Points

Progress Check

What Are the U.S. Standards for Asbestos Levels?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Workplace Standards

Environmental Standards

Schools

Key Points

Progress Check

What Is the Biological Fate of Asbestos?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Penetration of Lungs

Fate in Lungs

Movement out of Lungs

Half-Life in the Lungs

Fate of Ingested Asbestos

Key Points

Progress Check

How Does Asbestos Induce Pathogenic Changes?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Interaction with Cellular Macromolecules

Release of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Other Cell-Mediated Mechanisms

Primary Sites Affected

Carcinogenicity

Key Points

Progress Check

What Respiratory Conditions Are Associated with Asbestos?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Parenchymal Asbestosis

Asbestos-Related Pleural Abnormalities

Lung Carcinoma

Pleural Mesothelioma

Key Points

Progress Check

What other Conditions Are Associated with Asbestos?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Other Extrathoracic Cancers

Cardiovascular Conditions

Key Points

Progress Check

How Should Patients Exposed to Asbestos Be Evaluated?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Clinical Presentation

Exposure History

Medical History

Physical Examination

Differential Diagnosis

Key Points

Progress Check

What Tests Can Assist with Diagnosis of Asbestos Toxicity?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Screening Pulmonary Function Tests

Chest Radiograph

CT and HRCT Scans

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) and Lung Biopsy

Blood Studies

Colon Cancer Screening

False Positives and False Negatives

Attribution of Asbestos-Related Cause

Key Points

Progress Check

How Should Patients Exposed to Asbestos Be Managed and Treated?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

All Exposed Patients

Parenchymal Asbestosis

Pleural Abnormalities

Mesothelioma

Lung Cancer

Key Points

Progress Check

What Instructions Should Be Given to Patients?

Learning Objectives

Introduction

Self Care

Clinical Follow Up

Key Points

Progress Check

Where Can I Find More Information?

For More Information

Suggested Reading

Others CSEMs

Posttest

Introduction

CE Credits Offered

Disclaimer

Online Instructions

Posttest

Relevant Content

Literature Cited

References

Next Section

Revised 2007-04-19.