[Occupational pneumoconiosis and x-ray check-ups performed by the National Board of Occupational Protection].

In Norway the Directorate of Labour Inspection's pneumoconiosis panel consists of two radiologists. Pneumoconioses are notifiable diseases, and doctors are required by law to notify suspected and confirmed cases to the Directorate of Labour Inspection. Chest films are sent to the Directorate. The pneumoconiosis panel reads and classifies the cases according to ILO-standards. During a 9 months' period, 177 chest films were examined, 162 of which were from persons exposed mainly to asbestos. In this group of 162, 96 persons had parietal pleural plaques only, and 21 or 17% had pleuropulmonary asbestosis with visceral pleural thickening from which fibrous streaks radiated into the lung. Ten persons had pulmonary asbestosis alone or combined with pleural plaques. This group included one mesothelioma. The notification form used by the doctors demands adequate information on occupational history and exposures. More specific information would facilitate the work of the panel.