High prevalence of silicosis among stone carvers in Brazil.
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.
Antão
Vinícius Cavalcanti dos Santos
VC
Reference Center for Occupational Lung Diseases, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. vfc1@cdc.gov
Pinheiro
Germania Araujo
GA
Kavakama
Jorge
J
Terra-Filho
Mário
M
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
D011791:Quartz; D012822:Silicon Dioxide