Increased number of mesothelioma patients with low pulmonary asbestos and nonasbestos mineral fiber concentrations and its significance

本研究的目的是阐明为什么间皮瘤患者的数量与低肺石棉和非石棉矿物纤维浓度最近有所增加。研究结果表明，这不仅是由于吸入纤维的清除，而且由于工作场所环境的改善和暴露年限的缩短，使纤维的累积暴露量减少。因此，及早发现接触较少石棉的工人患上间皮瘤，以及防止他们在工作场所继续接触石棉，是非常重要的。

This study aimed to elucidate the reason why the number of mesothelioma patients with low pulmonary asbestos and nonasbestos mineral fiber concentrations had increased recently. The results of the study suggested that it was derived from not only the clearance of inhaled fibers but also the decrease of cumulative exposure amounts of fibers due to the improvement of working place environments and shortening of exposed years. It would be very important to pay attention to early detection of mesothelioma among workers exposed to relatively small amount of asbestos and to prevent further asbestos exposure in working places.