[The effects of environmental exposure to asbestos dust on health].

Pleural mesothelioma is an extremely rare neoplasm. Its etiology is related to professional or environmental exposure to asbestos dust. In the present research, the analysis of frequency and causes of death due to asbestos-related cancers in the district polluted with asbestos in comparison with the district free of such pollution has been performed. The increase has been highlighted in the mortality rate because of pleural mesothelioma among inhabitants of the area polluted with asbestos wastes.