Cause-specific mortality in workers employed in the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing material after the ban

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Asbestos is a human carcinogen and can cause some types of cancer, including mesothelioma. A relevant number of workers are still engaged in asbestos removal and disposal activities, whose actual risk of asbestos-related diseases is still scarcely recognized. The main objective of this study is to assess the cause-specific mortality among workers involved in asbestos removal and disposal after the ban in Italy. Methods Data from the Italian national registry on occupational exposure to carcinogens (SIREP) in the period 1996–2018 were selected. Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) by cause of death were calculated linking exposure occupational information to national mortality statistics (2005–2018), assuming a Poisson distribution of the data. Results A total of 142 deaths were identified among 13,715 asbestos removal and disposal workers. A significant excess (p < 0.05) of mesothelioma deaths was found among male workers, about five fold the expected. A significant increase in the mortality ratio was also found for malignant skin melanoma. Conclusions Epidemiological surveillance and promotion of prevention action plans are highly recommended for workers engaged in asbestos removal and disposal activities, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and reduce the still relevant risk of contracting the related tumour pathology.