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), Journal Name: JOM, J. Occup. Med.; (United States) Vol. 26:3; ISSN JJOMD
- 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.
AIR POLLUTION
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS
BODY
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONATES
DATA
DIESEL ENGINES
DISEASES
DUSTS
ENGINES
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
FUNCTIONS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEAT ENGINES
INFORMATION
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
LUNGS
MINERS
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERSONNEL
POLLUTION
POTASSIUM CARBONATES
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
STATISTICAL DATA
SYMPTOMS
WASTES
WORKING CONDITIONS