Pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in potash workers
Over 94% of the workers in each of four Saskatchewan potash mines participated in a respiratory health surveillance program that included a questionnaire and pulmonary function tests. Compared with a nonexposed control group, potash workers had higher prevalences of cough, dyspnea, and chronic bronchitis but better pulmonary function. Prevalences of symptoms and pulmonary function abnormalities were similar among workers at the four mines tested and at the various job locations. Potash dust, diesel fumes, and other air contaminants may have an irritant effect that leads to the increased prevalences of cough and chronic bronchitis. Although no adverse effects of the potash mine environment on pulmonary function were found, these findings reflect a healthy worker effect or some selection process that makes the potash workers appear healthier in a cross-sectional study.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon
- OSTI ID:
- 6237765
- Journal Information:
- JOM, J. Occup. Med.; (United States), Vol. 26:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
AIR POLLUTION
HEALTH HAZARDS
DUSTS
EXHAUST GASES
POTASSIUM CARBONATES
BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS
DIESEL ENGINES
LUNGS
MINERS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
STATISTICAL DATA
SYMPTOMS
WORKING CONDITIONS
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
BODY
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONATES
DATA
DISEASES
ENGINES
FLUIDS
FUNCTIONS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HAZARDS
HEAT ENGINES
INFORMATION
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERSONNEL
POLLUTION
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
WASTES
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)