Asbestos-related pleural disease due to tremolite associated with progressive loss of lung function: Serial observations in 123 miners, family members, and residents of Libby, Montana

Background The community of Libby, Montana has recently been the focus of national attention secondary to widespread amphibole contamination associated with vermiculite mining and processing. Methods Patients who had occupational and non-occupational exposure to amphibole asbestos in Libby, Montana were evaluated for progressive loss of pulmonary function. Results Of the 123 patients evaluated, 94 demonstrated average age-corrected accelerated loss per year of vital capacity at 3.2%, total lung capacity (TLC) 2.3%, and DLCO 3.3%. All patients all had predominantly pleural changes with minimal to no interstitial disease. Conclusions The study demonstrates a progressive loss of pulmonary function inpatients exposed to tremolite asbestos. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.