Journal article
Challenges in defining thresholds for health effects: some considerations for asbestos and silica
Frontiers in Epidemiology (Online), v 5, 1557023
17 Mar 2025
PMID: 40166649
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
This paper summarizes several presentations in the Thresholds in Epidemiology and Risk Assessment session at the Monticello III conference. These presentations described evidence regarding thresholds for particles, including asbestos and silica, and cancer (e.g., mesothelioma) and noncancer (e.g., silicosis) endpoints. In the case of exposure to various types of particles and malignancy, it is clear that even though a linear non-threshold model has often been assumed, experimental and theoretical support for thresholds exist (e.g., through particle clearance, repair mechanisms, and various other aspects of the carcinogenic process). For mesothelioma and exposure to elongate mineral particles (EMPs), there remains controversy concerning the epidemiological demonstration of thresholds. However, using data from the Québec mining cohort studies, it was shown that a “practical” threshold exists for chrysotile exposure and mesothelioma. It was also noted that, in such evaluations, measurement error in diagnosis and exposure assessment needs to be incorporated into risk analyses. Researchers were also encouraged to use biobanks that collect specimens and data on mesothelioma to more precisely define cases of mesothelioma and possible variants for cases of all ages, and trends that may help define background rates and distinguish those mesotheliomas related to EMP exposures from those that are not, as well as other factors that support or define thresholds. New statistical approaches have been developed for identifying and quantifying exposure thresholds, an example of which is described for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure and silicosis risk. Finally, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to considering the multiple factors influencing risk and thresholds may prove useful.
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Details
- Title
- Challenges in defining thresholds for health effects: some considerations for asbestos and silica
- Creators
- Julie E. GoodmanLorenz R. RhombergSamuel M. CohenKenneth A. MundtBruce CaseIgor BurstynMichael J. BecichGraham Gibbs
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in Epidemiology (Online), v 5, 1557023
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- ENACT
We thank Anna Engel and Yazmin Mercado for their editorial assistance.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001536268400001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105001799527
- Other Identifier
- 991022041490004721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health