Lung function in silica exposed workers.
Authors
Begin-R; Ostiguy-G; Cantin-A; Bergeron-D
Source
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
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Diagnostic-techniques; Clinical-diagnosis; Respiratory-system-disorders; Quarry-workers; Occupational-exposure; Pulmonary-function-tests; Radiographic-analysis; Airway-resistance; Cigarette-smoking
Document Type
Conference/Symposia Proceedings
Identifying No.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 90-108
Source Name
Proceedings of the VIIth International Pneumoconioses Conference, August 23-26, 1988, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
