Occupational Exposure to Asbestos and Mesothelioma Risk: A Protocol of Meta-Analysis and Systematic Literature Review in Germany

Background: Occupational exposure to asbestos is a known risk factor for mesothelioma, a rare but deadly cancer with a prolonged latency period. This study focuses on the association between occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk within the German context, reflecting the country’s unique industrial legacy and regulatory framework. Methods: This protocol outlines a systematic meta-analysis and literature review targeting studies related to occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma risk in Germany. The review incorporates comprehensive searches of major databases, focusing on studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Data extraction will emphasize study characteristics, exposure assessment, and confounder adjustments. Quality assessment tools will evaluate study reliability and biases. Results: The meta-analysis aims to quantify mesothelioma risk linked to occupational asbestos exposure in Germany. The analysis will include pooled risk estimates adjusted for exposure levels, fiber types, and industry-specific contexts. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will enhance the robustness of findings. Conclusion: The findings are expected to offer evidence-based insights into the risks of occupational asbestos exposure in Germany, informing health policies and strategies to mitigate the burden of asbestos-related diseases.