title: High prevalence of silicosis among stone carvers in Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the city of Petrópolis, Brazil, artisans carve souvenirs from a variety of silica-containing minerals. The finding of pulmonary massive fibrosis in one of the workers motivated an investigation of the prevalence of silicosis in this group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2000 and June 2002, a cross-sectional study was performed. We obtained clinical and occupational histories, spirometry, lung volumes, and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity measurements. Chest radiographs and high-resolution computed tomographies (HRCT) were evaluated. Personal air samples were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-two stone carvers were examined. The prevalence of silicosis was 53.7%. HRCT better characterized silicotic lesions compared to chest radiographs. Early coalescence of small opacities was associated with lung function impairment. The concentration of dust exceeded permissible limits in 91% of the workplaces.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exposure to high levels of silica dust was associated with an increased prevalence of silicosis among stone carvers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:194-201, 2004.
authors.affiliation: Reference Center for Occupational Lung Diseases, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. vfc1@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Vinícius Cavalcanti dos Santos
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Antão
authors.forename: Germania Araujo
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kavakama
authors.forename: Mário
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Terra-Filho
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009790:Occupations; D015995:Prevalence; D011791:Quartz / Q000633:toxicity*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012613:Sculpture; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000633:toxicity*; D012829:Silicosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D011791:Quartz; D012822:Silicon Dioxide