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Lung function in silica exposed workers.

Begin R; Ostiguy G; Cantin A; Bergeron D

Proceedings of the VIIth International Pneumoconioses Conference, August 23-26, 1988, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 90-108, 1990 Sep; (Part I):518-519

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/90-108/

00198455

Ninety four long term silica (14808607) exposed workers were examined concomitantly by standard clinical, radiographic and pulmonary function tests. These workers had either been employed in the granite (80 workers) or foundry (ten workers) industries, or gold mines (four workers) of Quebec for an average of 29 years. Ninety percent were either current or former cigarette smokers and they had smoked an average of 21 pack years. This evaluation of lung function in long term silica exposed workers documented that the disease severity which was better defined radiographically by CT scan, was also reflected on lung function as restrictive change. The disease severity also appeared to be associated with excessive airflow limitation. The authors conclude that early coalescence/conglomeration in silicosis as noted often only on CT scan, is associated with worsened lung functions, an observation which strengthens the prior recommendations for the CT scan examination in radiographic simple silicosis. These data also support the concept of a relationship of disease severity, loss of lung function and airflow limitation in silicosis.

Diagnostic techniques; Clinical diagnosis; Respiratory system disorders; Quarry workers; Occupational exposure; Pulmonary function tests; Radiographic analysis; Airway resistance; Cigarette smoking

14808-60-7

19900901

Conference/Symposia Proceedings

1990

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 90-108

Proceedings of the VIIth International Pneumoconioses Conference, August 23-26, 1988, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

PA