[Prevalence of pneumoconiosis in workers exposed to phosphate rocks].
The occurrence of pneumoconiosis among workers at a phosphate rock mill in Paulinia, S. Paulo (Brazil), is analysed. Among the 73 exposed workers the occurrence of 20 cases of pneumoconiosis (27.4%) is registered. Beyond the physical examination, the investigation included spirometric examination, thorax X-rays, and lung biopsies during thoracotomy. The majority of the pneumoconiotic workers were assymptomatic with mild alterations in the spirometric pattern, mainly in the maximal medium expiratory flow, with 2 cases of restrictive pattern. The two lung biopsies did not reveal any degree of fibrosis and the analysis of the inhaled material, using X-ray spectrometry and colorimetric method, did not show enough SiO2 to promote fibrosis. It is concluded that the pneumoconiosis in question must be included in the non-fibrogenic group until further investigation can be made, by prospective research.
De Capitani
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D000328:Adult; D001031:Apatites; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011009:Pneumoconiosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D014937:Work / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
D001031:Apatites; D004391:Dust
Prevalência de pneumoconiose em trabalhadores expostos a rocha fosfática.