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Indoor and Built Environment, Vol. 6, No. 2, 119-124 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/1420326X9700600211

Medico-Legal Aspects of Asbestos-Induced Pleural Plaques: The Issue of Worker's Compensation

M. Rüegger

Occupational Medical Department, Suva, Lucerne, Switzerland

R. Schütz

Occupational Medical Department, Suva, Lucerne, Switzerland

As pleural plaques are the most frequent sequela found in individuals formerly exposed to asbestos, and as asbestos is a known carcinogen, there is debate as to whether they are an occupationally related condition which should be com pensated. In order to get an idea on how the issue of compensation is dealt with in a series of European countries, we have carried out an enquiry by questionnaire. Those responding included not only the Scandinavian coun tries but also British, French, German, Austrian and Italian Institutions. With the exception of Great Britain, all the countries accept asbestos-induced pleu ral plaques (APP) as occupationally related. However, compensation is only paid in those cases where there is significant clinical impairment. This means a restrictive disease with a loss of pulmonary volume of at least 20%; a situa tion which is extremely rare in individuals with APP. All those countries who responded to our questionnaire, except Norway and Sweden, are undertaking a legal survey of their asbestos-exposed workers, the goal of which practice differs from country to country. Finally, all but the Finns would allow individ uals with APP to continue in their job even if it involved a degree of further asbestos exposure.

Key Words: Europe • Compensation • Legislation • Medico-legal aspects


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