A review and critique of U.S. EPA's risk assessments for asbestos

References

• Aguilar-Madrid G, Robles-Perez E, Juarez-Perez CA, Alvarado-Cabrero I, Rico-Mendez FG, Javier KG. (2010). Case-control study of pleural mesothelioma in workers with social security in Mexico. Am J Ind Med, 53, 241–51.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Albert RE, Train RE, Anderson E. (1977). Rationale developed by the Environmental Protection Agency for the assessment of carcinogenic risks. J Natl Cancer Inst, 58, 1537–41.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Amandus HE, Althouse R, Morgan WK, Sargent EN, Jones R. (1987b). The morbidity and mortality of vermiculite miners and millers exposed to tremolite-actinolite: Part III. Radiographic findings. Am J Ind Med, 11, 27–37.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Amandus HE, Wheeler R. (1987a). The morbidity and mortality of vermiculite miners and millers exposed to tremolite-actinolite: Part II. Mortality. Am J Ind Med, 11:15–26
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• American Thoracic Society (ATS). (2004). Diagnosis and initial management of nonmalignant diseases related to asbestos. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 170, 691–715.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Andrion A, Pira E, Mollo F. (1984). Pleural plaques at autopsy, smoking habits, and asbestos exposure. Eur J Respir Dis, 65, 125–30.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Armitage P, Doll R. (1954). The age distribution of cancer and a multi-stage theory of carcinogenesis. Br J Cancer, 8, 1–12.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• ATSDR. (September 2001). Toxicological Profile for Asbestos. CAS #: 1332-21-4. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
   Google Scholar
• Bateson TF, Kopylev L. (2014). Influence of exposure assessment and parameterization on exposure response. Aspects of epidemiologic cohort analysis using the Libby Amphibole asbestos worker cohort. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol.
   Google Scholar
• Berman DW, Case BW. (2012). Overreliance on a single study: there is no real evidence that applying quality criteria to exposure in asbestos epidemiology affects the estimated risk. Ann Occup Hyg, 56, 869–78.
   Google Scholar
• Berman DW, Case BW. (2013). Quality of evidence must guide risk assessment of asbestos, by Lenters, V; Burdorf, A; Vermeulen, R; Stayner, L; Heederik, D. Ann Occup Hyg, 57, 667–9.
   Google Scholar
• Berman DW, Crump KS. (2008a). Update of potency factors for asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma. Crit Rev Toxicol, 38, 1–47.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Berman DW, Crump KS. (2008b). A meta-analysis of asbestos-related cancer risk that addresses fiber size and mineral type. Crit Rev Toxicol, 38, 49–73.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bourbeau J, Ernst P, Chrome J, Armstrong B, Becklake MR. (1990). The relationship between respiratory impairment and asbestos-related pleural abnormality in an active work force. Am Rev Respir Dis, 142, 837–42.
   Google Scholar
• Broderick A, Fuortes LJ, Merchant JA, Galvin JR, Schwartz DA. (1992). Pleural determinants of restrictive lung function and respiratory symptoms in an asbestos-exposed population. Chest, 101, 684–91.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• BTS. (2011). Pleural plaques. Information for health care professionals. London: British Thoracic Society (BTS).
   Google Scholar
• Budtz-Jorgensen E, Bellinger D, Lanphear B, Grandjean P, International Pooled Lead Study Investigators. (2013). An international pooled analysis for obtaining a benchmark dose for environmental lead exposure in children. Risk Anal, 33, 450–61.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Bussard D. (2012). Memorandum from David Bussard, Director, Washington Division, National Center for Environment Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to Diana Wong, Ph.D., Designated Federal Officer, Science Advisory Board, U.S. EPA. Subject: References Requested by the SAB Review Panel for the peer review of the Draft Toxicological Review of Libby Amphibole Asbestos. 6 February 2012. Available at: http://www.yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/1DE881CF85B748C18525799D004D5278/$File/SAB_LiteratureRequest_EPA_6Feb2012_pub.pdf. Last accessed: January 21, 2014.
   Google Scholar
• Christensen KY, Kopylev L. (2012). Localized pleural thickening: smoking and exposure to Libby vermiculite. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol, 22, 320–3.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Clarke CC, Mowat FS, Kelsh MA, Roberts MA. (2006). Pleural plaques: a review of diagnostic issues and possible nonasbestos factors. Arch Environ Occup Health, 61, 183–92.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Clin B, Paris C, Ameille J, Brochard P, Conso F, Gislard A, et al. (2011). Do asbestos-related pleural plaques on HRCT scans cause restrictive impairment in the absence of pulmonary fibrosis?Thorax, 66, 985–91.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Copley SJ, Wells AU, Rubens MB, Chabat F, Sheehan RE, Musk AW, Hansell DM. (2001). Functional consequences of pleural disease evaluated with chest radiography and CT. Radiology, 220, 237–43.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Cox DR. (1972). Regression models and life-tables. J Roy Stat Soc Ser B, 34, 187–220.
   Google Scholar
• Crump KS. (1984). A new method for determining allowable daily intakes. Fundam Appl Toxicol, 4, 854–71.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Crump KS, Van Landingham C, Shamlaye C, Cox C, Davidson PW, Myers GJ, Clarkson TW. (2000). Benchmark concentrations for methylmercury obtained from the Seychelles Child Development Study. Environ Health Perspect, 108, 257–63.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Dave SK, Ghodasara NB, Mohanrao N, Patel GC, Patel BD. (1997). The relation of exposure to asbestos and smoking habit with pulmonary function tests and chest radiograph. Indian J Public Health, 41, 16–24.
   Google Scholar
• Davis JA, Gift JS, Zhao QJ. (2011). Introduction to benchmark dose methods and U.S. EPA's benchmark dose software (BMDS) version 2.1.1. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 254, 181–91.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Delclos GL, Wilson RK, Bradley BL. (1990). Influence of smoking on radiographic profusion and pleural changes in asbestos-exposed subjects. J Occup Med, 32, 577–81.
   Google Scholar
• European Commission. (1997). Commission Directive 97/69/EC of 5 December 1997. Off J Eur Communities L, 343, 19–24.
   Google Scholar
• Garcia-Closas M, Christiani DC. (1995). Asbestos-related diseases in construction carpenters. Am J Ind Med, 27, 115–25.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Glass DC, Sim MR, Fritschi L, Gray CN, Jolley DJ, Gibbons C. (2004). Leukemia risk and relevant benzene exposure period-Re: follow-up time on risk estimates, Am J Ind Med 42:481–489, 2002. Am J Ind Med, 45, 222–3. author reply 24–5.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Hazelton WD, Clements MS, Moolgavkar SH. (2005). Multistage carcinogenesis and lung cancer mortality in three cohorts. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 14, 1171–81.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hein MJ, Stayner LT, Lehman E, Dement JM. (2007). Follow-up study of chrysotile textile workers: cohort mortality and exposure-response. Occup Environ Med, 64, 616–25.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hernan MA. (2010). The hazards of hazard ratios. Epidemiology, 21, 13–5.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hillerdal G. (1983). Malignant mesothelioma 1982: review of 4710 published cases. Br J Dis Chest, 77, 321–43.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Hillerdal G. (1994). Pleural plaques and risk for bronchial carcinoma and mesothelioma. A prospective study. Chest, 105, 144–50.
   Google Scholar
• Hillerdal G. (1997). Pleural plaques: incidence and epidemiology, exposed workers and the general population: a review. Indoor Built Environ, 6, 86–95.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hillerdal G, Henderson DW. (1997). Asbestos, asbestosis, pleural plaques and lung cancer. Scand J Work Environ Health, 23, 93–103.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Hodgson JT, Darnton A. (2000). The quantitative risks of mesothelioma and lung cancer in relation to asbestos exposure. Ann Occup Hyg, 44, 565–601.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Huncharek M. (2002). Non-asbestos related diffuse malignant mesothelioma. Tumori, 88, 1–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• International Labour Organization (ILO). (2011). Guidelines for the use of the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses, revised edition 2011.
   Google Scholar
• Jurek AM, Greenland S, Maldonado G, Church TR. (2005). Proper interpretation of non-differential misclassification effects: expectations vs observations. Int J Epidemiol, 34, 680–687.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Kilburn KH, Warshaw RH. (1991). Abnormal lung function associated with asbestos disease of the pleura, the lung, and both: a comparative analysis. Thorax, 46, 33–8.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Kopylev L, Sullivan PA, Vinikoor LC, Bateson TF. (2011). Monte Carlo analysis of impact of underascertainment of mesothelioma cases on underestimation of risk. Open Epidemiol J, 4, 45–53.
   Google Scholar
• Kouris SP, Parker DL, Bender AP, Williams AN. (1991). Effects of asbestos-related pleural disease on pulmonary function. Scand J Work Environ Health, 17, 179–83.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Lacourt A, Rolland P, Gramond C, Astoul P, Chamming's S, Ducamp S, et al. (2010). Attributable risk in men in two French case-control studies on mesothelioma and asbestos. Eur J Epidemiol, 25, 799–806.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Larson TC, Antao VC, Bove FJ. (2010a). Vermiculite worker mortality: estimated effects of occupational exposure to Libby amphibole. J Occup Environ Med, 52, 555–60.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Larson TC, Antao VC, Bove FJ, Cusack C. (2012a). Association between cumulative fiber exposure and respiratory outcomes among Libby vermiculite workers. J Occup Environ Med, 54, 56–63.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Larson TC, Lewin M, Gottschall EB, Antao VC, Kapil V, Rose CS. (2012b). Associations between radiographic findings and spirometry in a community exposed to Libby amphibole. Occup Environ Med, 69, 361–6.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Larson TC, Meyer CA, Kapil V, Gurney JW, Tarver RD, Black CB, Lockey JE. (2010b). Workers with Libby amphibole exposure: retrospective identification and progression of radiographic changes. Radiology, 255, 924–33.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lenters V, Vermeulen R, Dogger S, Stayner L, Portengen L, Burdorf A, Heederik D. (2011). A meta-analysis of asbestos and lung cancer: is better quality exposure assessment associated with steeper slopes of the exposure-response relationships?Environ Health Perspect, 119, 1547–55.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lewis RW, Billington R, Debryune E, Gamer A, Lang B, Carpanini F. (2002). Recognition of adverse and nonadverse effects in toxicity studies. Toxicol Pathol, 30, 66–74.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lilis R, Miller A, Godbold J, Chan E, Benkert S, Selikoff IJ. (1991a). The effect of asbestos-induced pleural fibrosis on pulmonary function: quantitative evaluation. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 643, 162–8.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Lilis R, Miller A, Godbold J, Chan E, Selikoff IJ. (1991b). Radiographic abnormalities in asbestos insulators: effects of duration from onset of exposure and smoking. Relationships of dyspnea with parenchymal and pleural fibrosis. Am J Ind Med, 20, 1–15.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lockey JE, Brooks SM, Jarabek AM, Khoury PR, McKay RT, Carson A, et al. (1984). Pulmonary changes after exposure to vermiculite contaminated with fibrous tremolite. Am Rev Respir Dis, 129, 952–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lubin JH, Alavanja MC, Caporaso N, Brown LM, Brownson RC, Field RW, et al. (2007a). Cigarette smoking and cancer risk: modeling total exposure and intensity. Am J Epidemiol, 166, 479–89.
   Google Scholar
• Lubin JH, Caporaso N, Wichmann HE, Schaffrath-Rosario A, Alavanja MC. (2007b). Cigarette smoking and lung cancer: modeling effect modification of total exposure and intensity. Epidemiology, 18, 639–48.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Lubin JH, Caporaso NE. (2006). Cigarette smoking and lung cancer: modeling total exposure and intensity. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 15, 517–23.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Mastrangelo G, Ballarin MN, Bellini E, Bicciato F, Zannol F, Gioffre F, et al. (2009). Asbestos exposure and benign asbestos diseases in 772 formerly exposed workers: dose-response relationships. Am J Ind Med, 52, 596–602.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McDonald JC, Harris J, Armstrong B. (2002). Cohort mortality study of vermiculite miners exposed to fibrous tremolite: an update. Ann Occup Hyg, 46, 93–4.
   Google Scholar
• McDonald JC, Harris J, Armstrong B. (2004). Mortality in a cohort of vermiculite miners exposed to fibrous amphibole in Libby, Montana. Occup Environ Med, 61, 363–6.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• McDonald JC, McDonald AD, Armstrong B, Sebastien P. (1986b). Cohort study of mortality of vermiculite miners exposed to tremolite. Br J Ind Med, 43, 436–44.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• McDonald JC, Sebastien P, Armstrong B. (1986a). Radiological survey of past and present vermiculite miners exposed to tremolite. Br J Ind Med, 43, 445–9.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Meza R, Hazelton WD, Colditz GA, Moolgavkar SH. (2008). Analysis of lung cancer incidence in the Nurses’ Health and the Health Professionals’ Follow-Up Studies using a multistage carcinogenesis model. Cancer Causes Control, 19, 317–28.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Miller A, Lilis R, Godbold J, Chan E, Wu X, Selikoff IJ. (1994). Spirometric impairments in long-term insulators. Relationships to duration of exposure, smoking, and radiographic abnormalities. Chest, 105, 175–82.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Miller JA, Zurlo JV. (1996). Asbestos plaques in a typical Veteran's hospital population. Am J Ind Med, 30, 726–9.
   Google Scholar
• Moolgavkar SH. (2014). Multistage carcinogenesis and epidemiologic studies of cancer. In: Almudevar AL, Hall WJ, Oakes D, eds. Modeling and Inference in Biomedical Science - In Memory of Andrei Yakovlev. Institute of Mathematical Statistics Collections Series.
   Google Scholar
• Moolgavkar SH, Holford TR, Levy DT, Kong CY, Foy M, Clarke L, et al. (2012). Impact of reduced tobacco smoking on lung cancer mortality in the United States during 1975–2000. J Natl Cancer Inst, 104, 541–8.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Moolgavkar SH, Meza R, Turim J. (2009). Pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas in SEER: age effects and temporal trends, 1973–2005. Cancer Causes Control, 20, 935–44.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Moolgavkar SH, Turim J, Alexander DD, Lau EC, Cushing CA. (2010). Potency factors for risk assessment at Libby, Montana. Risk Anal, 30, 1240–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Muravov OI, Kaye WE, Lewin M, Berkowitz Z, Lybarger JA, Campolucci SS, Parker JE. (2005). The usefulness of computed tomography in detecting asbestos-related pleural abnormalities in people who had indeterminate chest radiographs: the Libby, MT, experience. Int J Hyg Environ Health, 208, 87–99.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• National Research Council (NRC). (1983). Committee on the Institutional Means for Assessment of Risks to Public Health, Commission on Life Sciences. Risk Assessment in the Federal Government: Managing the Process. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.
   Google Scholar
• National Research Council (NRC). (2011). Committee to Review EPA's Draft IRIS Assessment of Formaldehyde. Review of the Environmental Protection Agency's Draft IRIS Assessment of Formaldehyde. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.
   Google Scholar
• Oliver LC, Eisen EA, Greene R, Sprince NL. (1988). Asbestos-related pleural plaques and lung function. Am J Ind Med, 14, 649–56.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pairon JC, Laurent F, Rinaldo M, Clin B, Andujar P, Ameille J, et al. (2013). Pleural plaques and the risk of pleural mesothelioma. J Natl Cancer Inst, 105, 293–301.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Paris C, Thierry S, Brochard P, Letourneux M, Schorle E, Stoufflet A, et al. (2009). Pleural plaques and asbestosis: dose- and time-response relationships based on HRCT data. Eur Respir J, 34, 72–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Pearle JL. (1982). Smoking and duration of asbestos exposure in the production of functional and roentgenographic abnormalities in shipyard workers. J Occup Med, 24, 37–40.
   Google Scholar
• Peipins LA, Lewin M, Campolucci S, Lybarger JA, Miller A, Middleton D, et al. (2003). Radiographic abnormalities and exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite in the community of Libby, Montana, USA. Environ Health Perspect, 111, 1753–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Peto J. (2012). That the effects of smoking should be measured in pack-years: misconceptions 4. Br J Cancer, 107, 406–7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Peto J, Seidman H, Selikoff IJ. (1982). Mesothelioma mortality in asbestos workers: implications for models of carcinogenesis and risk assessment. Br J Cancer, 45, 124–35.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Petrovic P, Ostojic L, Peric I, Mise K, Ostojic Z, Bradaric A, et al. (2004). Lung function changes in pleural asbestosis. Coll Antropol, 28, 711–5.
   Google Scholar
• Poole C. (2010). On the origin of risk relativism. Epidemiology, 21, 3–9.
   Google Scholar
• Price B, Ware A. (2004). Mesothelioma trends in the United States: an update based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data for 1973 through 2003. Am J Epidemiol, 159, 107–12.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Price B, Ware A. (2009). Time trends of mesothelioma incidence in the United States and projection of future cases: An update based on SEER data from 1973 through 2005. Critical Reviews of Toxicology, 39, 576–588.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rake C, Gilham C, Hatch J, Darnton A, Hodgson J, Peto J. (2009). Occupational, domestic and environmental mesothelioma risks in the British population: a case-control study. Br J Cancer, 100, 1175–83.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Renwick AG, Barlow SM, Hertz-Picciotto I, Boobis AR, Dybing E, Edler L, et al. (2003). Risk characterisation of chemicals in food and diet. Food Chem Toxicol, 41, 1211–71.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Richardson DB. (2008). Temporal variation in the association between benzene and leukemia mortality. Environ Health Perspect, 116, 370–4.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Richardson DB. (2009). Lung cancer in chrysotile asbestos workers: analyses based on the two-stage clonal expansion model. Cancer Cause Control, 20, 917–23.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rogan WJ, Gladen BC, Ragan NB, Anderson HA. (1987). US prevalence of occupational pleural thickening. A look at chest X-rays from the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Am J Epidemiol, 126, 893–900.
   Google Scholar
• Rohs AM, Lockey JE, Dunning KK, Shukla R, Fan H, Hilbert T, et al. (2008). Low-level fiber-induced radiographic changes caused by Libby vermiculite: a 25-year follow-up study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 177, 630–7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Rosenstock L, Barnhart S, Heyer NJ, Pierson DJ, Hudson LD. (1988). The relation among pulmonary function, chest roentgenographic abnormalities, and smoking status in an asbestos-exposed cohort. Am Rev Respir Dis, 138, 272–7.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Schoenfeld DA. (1982). Partial residuals for the proportional hazards regression model. Biometrika, 69, 239–41.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Science Advisory Board (SAB) Asbestos Committee. (November 14, 2008).SAB Consultation on EPA's Proposed Approach for Estimation of Bin-Specific Cancer Potency Factors for Inhalation Exposure to Asbestos. EPA-SAB-09-004. Letter to The Honorable Stephen L. Johnson, Administrator, U.S. EPA.
   Google Scholar
• Singh B, Eastwood PR, Finucane KE, Panizza JA, Musk AW. (1999). Effect of asbestos-related pleural fibrosis on excursion of the lower chest wall and diaphragm. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 160, 1507–15.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Soulat JM, Lauque D, Esquirol Y, Déprés M, Giron J, Claudel R, Carles P. (1999). High-resolution computed tomography abnormalities in ex-insulators annually exposed to asbestos dust. Am J Ind Med, 36, 593–601.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Spirtas R, Heineman EF, Bernstein L, Beebe GW, Keehn RJ, Stark A, et al. (1994). Malignant mesothelioma: attributable risk of asbestos exposure. Occup Environ Med, 51, 804–11.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Spyratos D, Chloros D, Haidich B, Dagdilelis L, Markou S, Sichletidis L. (2012). Chest imaging and lung function impairment after long-term occupational exposure to low concentrations of chrysotile. Arch Environ Occup Health, 67, 84–90.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Staples CA, Gamsu G, Ray CS, Webb WR. (1989). High resolution computed tomography and lung function in asbestos-exposed workers with normal chest radiographs. Am Rev Respir Dis, 139, 1502–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Sullivan PA. (2007). Vermiculite, respiratory disease, and asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana: update of a cohort mortality study. Environ Health Perspect, 115, 579–85.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Tammemagi CM, Pinsky PF, Caporaso NE, Kvale PA, Hocking WG, Church TR, et al. (2011). Lung cancer risk prediction: prostate, lung, colorectal and ovarian cancer screening trial models and validation. J Natl Cancer Inst, 103, 1058–68.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Thomas DC. (1995). When will nondifferential misclassification of an exposure preserve the direction of a trend?Am J Epidemiol, 142, 782–783.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Thomas DC. (2014). Invited commentary: is it time to retire the “pack-years” variable? Maybe not!Am J Epidemiol, 179, 299–302.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (June 1986). Airborne Asbestos Health Assessment Update. EPA/600/8–84/003F. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (2012b). Appendix C: Glossary of Terms. Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS) Tutorial. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ncea/bmds/bmds_training/appendices/glossary.htm. Last updated: 07/31/2012.
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (2013a). Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS). Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ncea/bmds/index.html. Last updated: 04/25/2013.
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (June 2012). Benchmark Dose Technical Guidance. EPA/100/R-12/001. Washington, DC: Risk Assessment Forum, United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (September 2011). Exposure Factors Handbook 2011 Edition (Final). EPA/600/R-09/052F. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (October 2003). Final Draft: Technical Support Document for a Protocol to Assess Asbestos-Related Risk. Prepared for: Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. EPA #9345.4-06. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (September 2008).Framework for Investigating Asbestos-Contaminated Superfund Sites. OSWER Directive #9200.0-68: Asbestos Committee of the Technical Review Workgroup of the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (2012a). Integrated Risk Information System. Asbestos (CASRN 1332-21-4). Available at: http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0371.htm#revhis. File first on-line: 09/26/1988. Carcinogenicity assessment last revised: 07/01/1993. Last updated: 08/09/2012.
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (May 19, 1976).Interim Procedures and Guidelines for Health Risk and Economic Impact Assessments of Suspected Carcinogens. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (October 1994). Methods for Derivation of Inhalation Reference Concentrations (RfCs) and Application of Inhalation Dosimetry. EPA/600/8–90/066F. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Office of Research and Development, Office of Health and Environmental Assessment.
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (July 12, 2010). OMB Staff Working Comments on EPA's Toxicological Review of Hydrogen Cyanide and Cyanide Salts and draft IRIS Summary (dated June 2010). Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (June 12, 2008).Proposed Approach for Estimation of Bin-Specific Cancer Potency Factors for Inhalation Exposure to Asbestos. Draft Report. United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (May 2010). Record of Decision for Libby Asbestos Superfund Site. The Former Export Plant Operable Unit 1. Lincoln County, Montana. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (December 2002). A Review of the Reference Dose and Reference Concentration Processes. EPA/630/P-02/00F. Final Report. Prepared for the Risk Assessment Forum. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (February 9, 2009). Summary of Outdoor Ambient Air Monitoring for Asbestos at the Libby Asbestos Site, Libby, Montana (October 2006 to June 2008). Denver, CO: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Region 8, Denver, CO, with Technical Assistance from SRC, Denver, CO.
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (2010). Technology Transfer Network. 1996 National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment. Frequently Asked Questions. Available at: http://www.epa.gov/ttnatw01/nata/natsafaq.html#B3. Last updated: 04/15/2010.
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (August 2011).Toxicological Review of Libby Amphibole Asbestos. In Support of Summary Information on the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS). External Review Draft. Washington, DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).
   Google Scholar
• U.S. EPA. (2013b). Vocabulary Catalog List Detail - Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) Glossary. Available at: http://ofmpub.epa.gov/sor_internet/registry/termreg/searchandretrieve/glossariesandkey wordlists/search.do?details = &glossaryName = IRIS%20Glossary. Last updated: 08/09/2013.
   Google Scholar
• Van Cleemput J, De Raeve H, Verschakelen JA, Rombouts J, Lacquet LM, Nemery B. (2001). Surface of localized pleural plaques quantitated by computed tomography scanning: no relation with cumulative asbestos exposure and no effect on lung function. Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 163, 705–10.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Venzon DJ, Moolgavkar SH. (1988). A method for computing profile-likelihood-based confidence intervals. Appl Stat, 37, 87–94.
   Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Vlaanderen J, Portengen L, Schuz J, Olsson A, Pesch B, Kendzia B, et al. (2014). Effect modification of the association of cumulative exposure and cancer risk by intensity of exposure and time since exposure cessation: a flexible method applied to cigarette smoking and lung cancer in the SYNERGY study. Am J Epidemiol, 179, 290–8.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Wang XR, Yano E, Wang M, Wang Z, Christiani DC. (2001). Pulmonary function in long-term asbestos workers in China. J Occup Environ Med, 43, 623–9.
   PubMedGoogle Scholar
• Weill D, Dhillon G, Freyder L, Lefante J, Glindmeyer H. (2011). Lung function, radiological changes and exposure: analysis of ATSDR data from Libby, MT, USA. Eur Respir J, 38, 376–83.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar
• Weiss W, Levin R, Goodman L. (1981). Pleural plaques and cigarette smoking in asbestos workers. J Occup Med, 23, 427–30.
   Google Scholar
• Weiss W, Theodos PA. (1978). Pleuropulmonary disease among asbestos workers in relation to smoking and type of exposure. J Occup Med, 20, 341–5.
   Google Scholar
• Weinberg CR, Umbach DM, Greenland S, Weinberg, et al. (1995). Am J Epidemiol, 142, 784.
   Google Scholar
• WTO. (September 18, 2000). European Communities – Measures Affecting Asbestos and Asbestos-Containing Products. Report of the Panel. WT/DS135/R. Geneva: World Trade Organization (WTO).
   Google Scholar
• Zitting AJ, Karjalainen A, Impivaara O, Kuusela T, Maki J, Tossavainen A, Jarvisalo J. (1996). Radiographic small lung opacities and pleural abnormalities in relation to smoking, urbanization status, and occupational asbestos exposure in Finland. J Occup Environ Med, 38, 602–9.
   PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar