title: Polyvinyl chloride pneumoconiosis: epidemiological study of exposed workers.
abstract: Among 1216 workers who were employed in a polyvinyl chloride production factory and who had had no previous dust exposure elsewhere, 20 cases of pneumoconiosis were found. Chest x-ray abnormalities were characterized by limited profusion, irregular type and low gravity. All 20 workers had been exposed to high PVC dust levels. The chest x-ray changes were observed after a minimum exposure of five years and, in a small percentage of cases, were associated with slight restrictive respiratory function impairments. Moreover, in the whole group of workers 388 cases (31.9%) were found with non-specific x-ray abnormalities mainly related to age and smoking.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011859:Radiography; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D011145:Polyvinyls; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride