SPUTUM ASBESTOS BODIES AND RADIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN RESIDENTS OF WITTENOOM, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Abstract

Sputum was collected for examination for asbestos bodies from residents in Wittenoom Gorge in December 1980. The chest radiographs of Wittenoom residents who had participated voluntarily in a radiological survey in July 1980 were examined for evidence of asbestos‐induced pleural or parenchymal disease which may have resulted from environmental exposure to crocidolite. The results indicate no measurable health effect of previous environmental exposure of current residents. However as there are serious limitations in the methods for indicating the level of past asbestos exposure and the size of the township has declined markedly in recent years with changing population structure, this study does not exclude the presence of an environmental health hazard. The ultimate measure of effect will depend on continuing surveillance of ex‐residents for deaths from malignant disease. 1983 Public Health Association of Australia