Abstract

ACCINELLI, Roberto A  and  LOPEZ, Lidia M. Asbesto: la epidemia silenciosaAsbestos: a silent epidemics. Acta méd. peruana [online]. 2016, vol.33, n.2, pp.138-141. ISSN 1728-5917.

Although mankind has been using asbestos for 4500 years or more, it was not until the beginning of the XX century that its use was associated with the occurrence of disease. We review the two mechanisms through which once asbestos fibers reach the lungs they may disseminate all over the body. We briefly review the diseases related to asbestos use and the long latency period from exposure to the development of disease. We also review the history of regulations against asbestos and the impact of their implementation on the reduction of pleural mesothelioma rates. We emphasize on the need of enforcing these regulations in countries all over the world.

Keywords : Asbestos; Asbestosis; Pulmonary fibrosis.

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