Estimate of the previous exposure to asbestos through mineralogical examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in a population working in a sugar industry [Stima della pregressa esposizione ad asbesto mediante esame mineralogico del liquido di lavaggio broncoalveolare in una popolazione di lavoratori di uno zuccherificio]

In this study the past professional exposure and the health state of sugar refinery workers in Arezzo (Italy) are reviewed. The medical examinations, confirmed by chest CT, showed asbestos pleural thickening and one asbestosis case. Mineralogical analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was carried out in this population to measure the pulmonary burden. Total fiber's concentration was not different in either subjects with or without asbestos-related disease. Notably, comparison between total fiber's concentration in sugar refinery workers and subjects employed in other industries, revealed a lower professional exposure of the former with respect to shipyard workers and electric plants. In other groups of Italian sugar refinery workers, a concentration of asbestos fibers higher than in the studied population was found. Thus, the study highlights the necessity to develop standardized methodologies to carry out health intervention programmes in workers previously exposed to asbestos.