NYC-WTC_000195068

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

ASBESTOS MEDITEXT ® - Medical Management Page 1 of 2

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ASBESTOS MEDITEXT ® - Medical Management

6.0 TREATMENT

6.1 LIFE SUPPORT

A. Support respiratory and cardiovascular function.

6.4 MONITORING

A. Chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests should be monitored in asbestos-exposed patients.

6.5 INHALATION EXPOSURE

6.5.1 DECONTAMINATION

A. ACUTE EXPOSURE- 1. Most asbestos exposures are of a chronic nature, such that traditional first aid is not appropriate. In the event of a heavy ACUTE exposure - 2. INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols. 3. Chest x-ray may be indicated. B. CHRONIC/OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE- 1. OSHA mandates active medical surveillance programs in worksites where asbestos is present. Refer to the Micromedex, Inc REGSLINK(R) Information System for more information. 2. Institute aggressive "no smoking" policies for employees in such worksites. It has been shown that smoking increases the risk of developing cancer (Newhouse, 1983) by producing a synergistic effect between tobacco smoke and asbestos fibers (ATSDR, 1995). 3. Minimize exposure of the general populace by decreasing the use of asbestos and by substituting other products. 4. Abatement of asbestos in existing structures should be accomplished only by an EPA- certified contractor.

6.5.2 TREATMENT

A. SYMPTOMATIC/SUPPORTIVE CARE 1. ASBESTOSIS - Since there is no effective therapy for an established case of asbestosis, treatment is aimed at maintaining vital capacity and reducing respiratory work load

http://www.tomescps.com/DATA7TM/TM356-6.htm 1/4/2002

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