Professional paper

Incidence and Prevalence of Asbestos-Related Diseases in Croatia

Vlasta Dečković-Vukres ; Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Zagreb
Tanja Ćorić ; Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Zagreb
Branimir Tomić ; Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Zagreb
Marijan Erceg ; Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Zagreb
Sandra Mihel ; Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Zagreb
Ana Ivičević Uhernik ; Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Zagreb
Ivan Pristaš ; Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo, Zagreb

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and prevalence of asbestos-related diseases in Croatia, based on the Hospital Morbidity Database and General Mortality Database of the Croatian National
Institute of Public Health. Both databases cover a period from 2002 to 2007), and include information from the Register of Occupational Diseases. Diagnoses in focus were mesothelioma (C45), asbestosis, and pleural plaque (J61 and J92). Yearly rates of inpatients treated for mesothelioma, asbestosis, or pleural plaque that were higher than the Croatian average (2.1) were recorded in the Counties of Split-Dalmatia (5.0), Dubrovnik-Neretva (3.9), Istria (3.7), and Primorje-Gorski kotar (3.1 per 100,000 people). From 2002 to 2007, 649 occupational diseases were reported, out of which 11.7 % were asbestos-related. The most frequent were pleural plaque with asbestosis (38 cases, 50.0 %), pleural plaque (23 cases, 30.3 %),
and mesothelioma (6 cases, 7.9 %). Mortality attributable to asbestos was assessed using offi cial Croatian National Statistics Bureau reports for 2002 to 2007 at the county and national level. During that period, Croatia recorded 312 deaths with the average yearly rate of 1.2 per 100.000 people. Four counties had higher rates than the national average: Primorje-Gorski kotar (3.4), Split-Dalmatia (2.8), Istria (2.8), and Sl. Brod-Posavina (1.5). The number of inpatients treated for asbestos-related diseases was higher than the national average in the counties of Split-Dalmatia, Dubrovnik-Neretva, and Primorje-Gorski Kotar.
Mesothelioma incidence was above the national average in the counties of Split-Dalmatia, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, and Istria. The rates of occupational, asbestos-related diseases were higher than the national average in the counties of Split-Dalmatia and Primorje-Gorski Kotar.
We were aware that the interpretation of data is somewhat limited by the relatively small absolute number of treated persons and deaths for the observed period, by the fact that crude rates have not been adjusted for total numbers and for regional differences in population distribution by age and gender.
The real extent of asbestos-related burden in Croatian general population remains unknown, because only occupational exposure has been monitored. Therefore, the National Public Health Institute and county public health institutes should implement a specifi c monitoring programme in collaboration with government environmental bodies to assess asbestos exposure of the population living in the vicinity of asbestos plants.
It is also necessary to establish the number of exposed persons who have developed an asbestos-related disease. Their health should be monitored and their environment inspected on a regular basis.

Keywords

asbestosis; mesothelioma; mortality; morbidity; occupational dise

Hrčak ID:

42176

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/42176

Publication date:

2.11.2009.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 2.738 *