Use of geological maps in detecting asbestos-related diseases; a new region in Anatolia

Objective: To examine the potential relationship between the presence of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) in the region of Kastamonu, Turkey. Methods: The birthplaces of patients with ARDs and control subjects diagnosed between 2008 and 2019 and identified in a tertiary hospital in Istanbul. Soil samples were taken from plaster surfaces and quarries. The analysis was done with transmission electron microscopy. Results: Of 307 participants, 55 (17,9%) with ARDs . Patients had a mean age of 68±11 years. Residential proximity to ophiolites increased ARD incidence by 6.2% per km (p=0.003). Birthplaces were identified as being inside an ophiolitic unit, or if they weren't, the Google Earth software was used to determine the beeline distance between the settlement's center and the edge of the closest ophiolitic unit. The appropriate threshold for this case is 12.75 kilometers, with 75% sensitivity and 87% specificity. Conclusion: ARDs due to naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) are present in hitherto unknown places. Geological maps including ophiolites can help locate these places.