Asbestos-related diseases in Italy: epidemiologic evidences and public health issues.

Epidemiologic information about asbestos-related diseases in Italy, derived from mortality data, epidemiologic surveillance, and analytical studies, is presented. These systems evidence exposures to asbestos and relative risks for populations exposed in work environments and also in the general environment, and provide objective data to identify sources of exposure and for risk management. Limitations and perspectives of Italian studies are considered, and public health issues evaluated: the risk for migrants, social security aspects, and asbestos-related disease in the courts. Although asbestos use was banned in 1992, information and risk communication efforts should be implemented to empower affected individuals and communities and to pursue equitable allocation of resources for primary prevention and health surveillance.