Ostapenko T. "State of the bronchopulmonary system in workers of asbestos-cement production and ways of preventing its disorders".

A theoretical generalization and a new solution of the actual problem of occupational medicine are highlighted, based on improvement of the system of diagnostics of early changes in the respiratory system of asbestos-cement production workers, exposed to the chrysotile dust. The state of health of workers of main occupational groups at enterprises of the asbestos-cement production of Ukraine was studied. A specific pathology in workers exposed to the chrysotile dust was found. The efficiency of a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in comparison with X-ray was studied and the most spread HRCT-changes due to the chrysotile asbestos dust exposure were found. The indications of HRCT examinations for workers of asbestos-cement production have been developed. The dependency of ventilation disorders on the length of service in conditions of the exposure to the chrysotile dust and smoking has been revealed. Molecular-genetic markers of the hereditary predisposition and resistence to chrysotile-related pathology in workers of the asbestos-cement production have been determined. An algorythm of diagnostics of the respiratory system patology and surveilance of workers, exposed to chrysotile asbestos dust, has been recommended for practical use. A combination of preventive measures has been developed, directed at health promotion of workers of the industry concerned.