The list of individuals who are especially at risk regarding COVID-19 infection is oft-cited in the media and well-known to many. Some common examples included on this list are the elderly, the immunocompromised and those with preexisting lung diseases. However, there is relatively little information on the intersection of asbestos exposure and COVID-19 infection, despite the clear connection in risk factors. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlights lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis as the three major health effects of asbestos exposure; all of which can be classified as preexisting lung diseases. Moreover, in 2017, the CDC reported that the number of mesothelioma related deaths increased from 1999 to 2015 with significant increases among persons aged 85 years and above. The latency period for asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma is 20 to 71 years. The CDC study indicates that many who were exposed to asbestos years ago are only now developing health effects.

Who Should Get Screened?

Due to the ubiquitous use of asbestos in the mid-20th century and the latency period for developing asbestos-related medical conditions, many are unsure if they should get screened for asbestos. However, certain occupations have been linked to higher levels of asbestos exposure due to the workplace environment and products being made. For example, researchers for the American Academy of Family Physicians noted key sources of asbestos exposure, indicating that some industrial workers and veterans may be at higher risk. These cases of occupational exposure occur from working with asbestos-containing products such as: flight materials, electrical products, shipping materials, brake linings, building materials and others. Although the EPA has reduced the number of asbestos containing products since the 1970s, many have been exposed prior to EPA regulation, while others are exposed through legacy uses. It is more likely that industrial workers and veterans have been exposed years ago because environments such as shipyards, steel mills and refineries are related to “past direct occupational exposures.”

How COVID-19 Affects Screening