Asbestos Diagnosis Criteria
Factors in Diagnosing Asbestos Disease:
- History of asbestos exposure: direct, bystander, household, schools, offices
- Symptoms appearing 15 plus years after first exposure (latency).
- Shortness of breath on exertion or at rest.
- History of decreased exercise capability.
- Dry cough.
- Stethoscope examination showing bilateral crackles or rales in both lungs.
- Chest film evidence of asbestos scarring
- Progression of scarring on films over time.
- Pulmonary function tests showing a restrictive defect and/or an obstructive defect in non-smoker.