Background:

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare disease and the identification of a cluster of cases suggests a possible presence of an asbestos contamination source.

Study Objectives:

To describe 3 cases of malignant mesothelioma (2 pleural and 1 peritoneal) that occurred in workers employed in the same thermostat factory.

RESULTS:

From the first inspection of the plant, an environmental asbestos contamination (ropes covering an oven handle and gasket) was found. But the greatest source of exposure was identified in the melamine resin reinforced with asbestos that constituted some internal parts of thermostats and that were sheared and perforated by the workers. So the 3 cases of mesothelioma were defined as occupational diseases.  Legal procedures were initiated.

CONCLUSION:

The results underline the importance of a close cooperation within Local Occupational Health Units and Mesothelioma Registry in the identification and evaluation of asbestos occupational exposure which is otherwise not recognized 

Aiani, M.R., L. Settimi, R. Festa, M. DeStefani, C. Mensi.  Cluster of Malignant Mesothelioma Cases in a Thermostat Manufacturing Industry. La Medicina de Lavaro. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.
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17219766&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum.

Nov-Dec. 2006.  Feb. 22, 2007.

*** POSTED FEBRUARY 23, 2007 ***