by W.J. Hunter In 1977 a report of a Working Group of experts prepared for the Commission of the European Communities was published entitled 'Public Health Risks of Exposure to Asbestos' (EUR 5653e )1. This report contained several conclusions and recommendations; one of the latter stated that 'a mesothelioma register should be set up in those countries of the EEC where none exist, in accordance with criteria and procedures agreed upon by a panel of pathologists'. Acting upon this recommendation, the Commission established a C.E.C. Mesothelioma Panel, which has as one of its basic objec tives the standardization of the pathological diagnosis of mesotheliomas, by exchange of information between members of National Panels. Since its establishment, several meetings have been held, and much useful information has been exchanged. This work has been underlined by the adoption by the Council of Ministers of a Direc tive on the protection of workers from the risks related to asbestos at 2 work which requires Member States to keep a register of recognized cases of mesothelioma. To assist Member States in the establishment of such registers, the Commission of the European Communities considered it would be useful for an illustrated book on mesotheliomas to be prepared. Three pathologists who are members of the C.E.C. Mesothelioma Panel have undertaken this task and this publication is the result.
