Comparative study of lung function in Iranian factory workers exposed to silica dust.
The study compared lung function among 322 workers in pottery, ceramic, stone-cutter and stone-grinder factories in the west of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Concentrations of silica particles <2 microm were measured in the ambient air of factories. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly lower in stone-grinders compared with pottery, ceramic or stone-cutter workers and a control group. No difference in lung function was found in pottery and stone-cutter workers with less than 20 years occupation compared with controls. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms in stone-grinders was higher than other workers. The concentration of silica particles of stone-grinder factories was 40-110 times higher than in ceramic and potteries factories. More attention is needed to ventilation systems and health care of stone-grinders.
Bahrami
A R
AR
Department of Occupational Health, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamadan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mahjub
H
H
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002516:Ceramics; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D003297:Cooking and Eating Utensils; D003371:Cough / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D016272:Occupational Health; D015995:Prevalence; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D012829:Silicosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D013183:Sputum; D018881:Suburban Health; D014504:Urban Health; D014797:Vital Capacity
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004391:Dust; D012822:Silicon Dioxide