Routes of asbestos exposure consist of occupational and non-occupational exposures, and furthermore the latter is classified as para-occupational, neighborhood or true general environmental exposure. Consequently, in order to evaluate health risk caused by neighborhood exposure to asbestos, it is necessary to exclude risk due to the other exposure routes from overall risk. We reviewed epidemiological studies on the relationship between neighborhood asbestos exposure and risk of mesothelioma. In studies on a crocidolite mine in South Africa and a chrysotile mine in Canada, occupational exposure was not excluded. In studies on a crocidolite mine in Australia and an asbestos manufacturing factory in U.S.A., risk caused by non-occupational exposure was evaluated, but the risk was not classified as para-occupational and neighborhood exposures. In a study on an asbestos cement factory in Italy, first, occupational and para-occupational exposures were excluded, and next, the incidence rate of mesothelioma in neighborhood residents was calculated, so that risk caused by neighborhood exposure could be evaluated. In case-control studies in Italy, South Africa, three European countries and the U.K., risks caused by occupational, para-occupational and neighborhood exposures were evaluated separately. As a whole, relative risk (RR) of neighborhood exposure in crocidolite and amosite mines was about 10 to 30 and RR in major asbestos factories was about 5 to 20. On the other hand, statistically significant RR of neighborhood exposure was not observed in chrysotile mines and some asbestos facilities.
(San Ei Shi 2007; 49: 77-88)

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As a method of reducing lifestyle-related diseases and guidance in small- and medium-sized enterprises where blood examination by blood collection from the upper arm cannot be performed, we developed a program for reducing lifestyle-related diseases by blood analysis using a fingertip collection kit and a small centrifuge, and evaluated this program in small- and medium-sized enterprises. During a 6-month period, a total of 7 interviews and a total of 3 own blood collections were performed by workers showing abnormalities in items associated with lifestyle-related diseases, such as lipids and glucose, in a periodic medical examination. Many of the participants in this program showed improvement in blood analysis data (triglyceride), abdominal circumference, and body weight. The cost of the examination was low. This self-monitoring method, which is based on objective data and can be readily and easily performed in the workplace, may be useful for reducing lifestyle-related diseases.
(San Ei Shi 2007; 49: 89-97)

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Chronic disease has a significant impact on workers' productivity. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of chronic health conditions, the work impairment score, and the total lost working hours absent at companies in Japan. Eligible participants were all 544 workers of 4 manufacturing companies in the Kanto area. The Stanford Presenteeism Scale that was developed by Merck & Co., Inc and Stanford University was translated into Japanese and was given to the workers at a periodic health examination between April and June 2006. A total of 433 workers completed the questionnaire, and 48.9% of the participants reported having one or more chronic health conditions which affected their work performance. Allergy (13.3%) was the highest primary chronic health condition followed by back/neck disorders (9.7%). The work impairment score was higher for individuals with depression and migraine/chronic headache. The total lost working hours due to the primary chronic health conditions were 1.4% of the total working hours among the participants. The total lost working hours was highest for those with allergy followed by back/neck disorders and depression. These results should make it possible to develop an occupational health program that can reduce the effects of chronic health conditions on work performance.
(San Ei Shi 2007; 49: 103-109)

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