In the German Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt 1082 cases of malignant mesothelioma were detected from 1960 until 1990 on the basis of the best available information and international diagnostic standards. In 843 cases (77,9%) former exposure to asbestos was perfectly proved, and in 498 such cases the kind of asbestos could be ascertained: 72 (14,5%) had indisputably been exposed to Canadian
... [Show full abstract] asbestos only, 142 (28,5%) showed exposure exclusively to amphibole asbestos, and 284 individuals (57%) were found to have been exposed to both types either simultaneously or after each other. The clinical data of mesothelioma resulting from chrysotile exposure do not differ in principle from parameters obtained from exposure to amphibole. The results largely correspond to those of other authors. Thus from practical experience it becomes evident that chrysotile asbestos shows a latant oncogenous capacity and that consequently efficient prophylactic measure are necessary.