Occupational asbestos exposure after the ban: a job exposure matrix developed in Italy

Abstract

Abstract Background Asbestos is a well-known carcinogen for humans. The aim of this study is to develop a tool to estimate occupational asbestos exposure in Italy after the ban using information collected in a national dataset. Methods Data were collected from firm registries of workers exposed to asbestos in the period 1996–2016. Descriptive statistics (arithmetic mean, standard deviation, geometric mean and geometric standard deviation) were calculated for the main exposure-related variables (activity sector, occupational group and exposure period). An estimate of workers potentially exposed to asbestos was also performed. Results A total of 19 704 airborne measurements of asbestos exposure was selected from the national database of occupational exposures in the sectors of asbestos abatement. Overall, a geometric mean of 7.93 f l−1 was found, and chrysotile was the asbestos type that had more exposures (41%). A total of 46 422 workers was estimated to be potentially at asbestos exposure risk. Exposure data were summarized by calendar period, activity sector and occupational group. Conclusions The construction of a job exposure matrix for different occupation/industry combinations may allow the assessment of occupational exposure to asbestos in several removal and disposal activities, and the estimate of the risks associated with asbestos-related diseases in epidemiological studies.