Lung function

Abstract

The biological effects of asbestos exposure on lung function may be measured by a variety of techniques depending on the purpose for which the measurements are to be made. If the purpose is to study an asbestos exposed population with a view to defining whether or not a health hazard exists, it is appropriate to measure VC or IC alone or together with RV, and D(LCO)(SB) (transfer factor). If the purpose is health surveillance, VC, IC or FVC appear to be the most satisfactory measurements; although it is likely (and remains to be tested) that measurements reflecting the state of the small airways will be most sensitive to the earliest effects of asbestos dust exposure. If the purpose is descriptive, i.e., to document the patho physiological changes which characterise asbestosis in its various stages, any or all of the many available tests for the study of overall or regional lung function may be used. If the purpose is to evaluate the effect of pulmonary malfunction due to asbestos exposure on the overall function of the individual, a detailed study of adaptation to progressively increasing exercise loads is called for. (Journal received: Oct. 1976)