Disease | Requirements for recognition |
---|---|
Asbestosis (including complications of asbestosis) | A disease occurring in a worker exposed to asbestos, corresponding to either ① or ② according to the pneumoconiosis management classification (management 1 ~ 4) under the Pneumoconiosis Act. In addition, the occupational disease is judged after determination of the pneumoconiosis management classification by the prefectural labor minister, in principle. · Management 4 asbestosis (pneumoconiosis due to asbestosis) ② Complications of Management 2, Management 3, or Management 4 asbestosis1 |
Malignant mesothelioma | (1) Malignant mesothelioma in the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium or tunica vaginalis testis of a worker exposed to asbestos; it is recognized as an occupational disease in case the chest X-ray images (type 1~4) show asbestosis findings as specified in the Pneumoconiosis Act or the work period with asbestos exposure corresponds to either ① or ②. However, cases with less than 10 years since the first occupational asbestos exposure are excluded. ① Type 1 or higher asbestosis findings in chest X-ray images ②Engaged in work involving asbestos exposure for at least 1 year ※ As it is challenging to diagnose malignant mesothelioma, it is important to confirm malignant mesothelioma with pathology results but in case pathology results are not available, the case should be judged by comprehensively considering clinical test results, imaging findings, clinical course and differentiation with other diseases. |
Lung cancer | 'Primary lung cancer' in an worker exposed to asbestos; it is recognized as an occupational disease if corresponding to any of ① to ⑥. However, cases with less than 10 years since the first occupational asbestos exposure are excluded. · Presence of asbestosis findings2 ② Pleural plaque findings + engaged in work involving asbestos exposure for at least 10 years3 ③ Broad range of pleural plaque findings4 + engaged in work involving asbestos exposure for at least 1 year ④ Findings of asbestos bodies or asbestos fibers5 + engaged in work involving asbestos exposure for at least 1 year ⑤ Complication of diffuse pleural thickening ⑥ Engaged in 3 specific types of work6 + engaged in work involving asbestos exposure for at least 5 years7 |
Positive asbestos pleural fluid | As pleural fluid may be present with various causes (including tuberculous pleurisy and rheumatoid pleurisy) other than asbestos, diagnosis of positive asbestos pleural fluid should rule out the cause of pleural fluid other than asbestos. Since it may make its diagnosis highly challenging, recognition of an occupational disease is judged in discussion between the Labor Standards Inspection Office Director and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Main Office. |
Diffuse pleural change | Diffuse pleural thickening present in a worker exposed to asbestos; the thickness should meet the following standards and be accompanied by apparent respiratory dysfunction. It is recognized as an occupational disease if the work period involving asbestos exposure is at least 3 months (meeting all of ①~③ as follows). ① Engaged in work involving asbestos exposure for at least 3 years ② Apparent respiratory dysfunction: Vital capacity (%VC) of < 60 % ③ Pleural thickening beyond a certain extent: On chest CT images ◆ Unilateral thickening: Involving at least 1/2 of the chest wall ◆ Bilateral thickening: Involving at least 1/4 of the chest wall |