What type of health monitoring is recommended for workers exposed to asbestos?

The recommended type of health monitoring for workers exposed to asbestos includes regular health screenings and chest X-rays. This approach is vital because asbestos exposure can lead to serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Regular screenings are essential in identifying any early signs of these diseases, which is crucial for timely intervention and management.

Chest X-rays play a significant role in monitoring lung health, particularly in detecting pleural abnormalities or lung diseases related to asbestos exposure. This proactive monitoring allows for better outcomes if any issues are identified early, enabling healthcare providers to implement necessary medical interventions and educate workers on further exposure risks.

In contrast, the other options provided do not align as well with recommended practices for those exposed to asbestos. Annual physical examinations may be part of a broader health assessment, but they do not focus specifically on asbestos-related conditions as thoroughly as regular screenings and chest X-rays do. Monthly blood tests may provide useful health information in certain contexts but are not standard practice for monitoring asbestos-related health effects. Lastly, self-assessments could miss critical health changes and should not replace the need for professional medical evaluations and diagnostic imaging.