Methodology for quantitative assessment of risks from chronic respiratory damage: Lung function decline and associated mortality from coal dust

Technical Report · Wed May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:6039029

Silver, K; Hattis, D

The one second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was used as a predictor of excess general mortality and as an indicator of progressive deterioration to respiratory impairment as a result of exposure to coal dust. Data on 1,362 coal miners who had never smoked were used. The adequacy of nine different linear regression models for representing the effects of coal dust, age and height on FEV1 were compared. The data regarding the effects of working lifetime exposures to concentrations of coal dust up to and including the current mandated maximum level of United States mines were summarized. It was noted that the mortality and morbidity effects projected were appreciable in relation to those that have motivated previous efforts toward additional control of other occupational health hazards. Relatively large amounts of interindividual variability were noted in susceptibility for the processes leading to chronic bronchitis. Moderate amounts of interindividual variability in susceptibility to the production of the radiographic changes that define various grades of coal workers' pneumoconiosis were noted. Inconclusive evidence was gained for interindividual variability in the chronic cumulative reduction of FEV1 in response to coal dust. The authors conclude that significant additional public health benefits are likely to result from reducing exposures to below 2mg/m3.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA (United States). Center for Technology, Policy and Industrial Development
• OSTI ID: 6039029
• Report Number(s): PB-92-115658/XAB; CTPID-90-9
• Resource Relation: Other Information: See also PB91-152751. Prepared in cooperation with Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA., and Clark Univ., Worcester, MA. Center for Technology, Environment, and Development. Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
DUSTS
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
COAL FINES
COAL MINES
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MINING
ORGANS
PERSONNEL
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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
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