Pneumoconiosis, lung function and exposure to airborne dust: epidemiological research to compare responses of working coalminers with responses of ex-miners. Part 2. Final report
The relationship between dust exposure and disease for miners was compared with that for ex-miners, in order to determine whether relationships found in other studies on miners alone could be applied to both groups. 17,738 men examined in the 1950s were followed up approximately 22 years later. Sixty one per cent of the survivors were examined, being 40% of the original sample. Records were made of respiratory symptoms, smoking habit, lung spirometry and chest radiograph findings. Radiographs were interpreted according to the International Labour Office Classification of Pneumoconiosis. Lifetime dust exposure was calculated for each subject. The dust/disease relationship was found to be the same for both groups. Ex-miners were found to have more pneumoconiosis and fibrosis and to be in worse health than miners. Pneumoconiosis progression was shown to be related to continued dust exposure; fibrosis progression was related to the presence of dust in the lungs. Dust exposure was shown to cause a mainly restrictive pattern of lung disease in contrast to the obstructive pattern caused by smoking. Colliery-related differences were found in lung disease which it was felt needed further investigation.
- Research Organization:
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh (UK)
- OSTI ID:
- 5419265
- Report Number(s):
- PB-83-254946; TM-82/5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
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