In his 1966 Wyers Memorial Lecture Dr J. C. Gilson emphasized the main areas where further research was needed into the health hazards of asbestos. Since 1966 many of his recommendations have been carried out. This review attempts to examine recent trends in the study of asbestos and its effects on health by comparing them with the points made by Gilson and the action points documented by the Working Group on Asbestos Cancer (UICC, 1965). The relationship of the physical-chemical properties of asbestos fibres to the epidemiology of meso-thelioma is discussed. The role of fibre shape and size is also referred to with regard to carcinogenesis. The main facts established by means of epidemiological investigation of exposed workers are examined. The theme throughout is that in the investigation of this problem the major achievements have been accomplished by a multi-disciplinary approach. The important role of the industrial medical officer as an epidemiologist and the practical application of his observations in the future control of the hazard are emphasized.
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