Lung function decrease in relation to pneumoconiosis and exposure to quartz-containing dust in construction workers

✍ Scribed by Evelyn Tjoe-Nij; Gea de Meer; Jet Smit; Dick Heederik

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 120 KB
• Volume: 43
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0271-3586
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.10229

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background

Prevalence of exposure related respiratory symptoms and decreases in lung function are unknown among quartz dust exposed construction workers.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study (n = 1,335), the occurrence of respiratory symptoms, was recorded and spirometric lung function was measured. Results were associated with exposure data and presence of radiographic abnormalities and compared with a reference population.

Results

Pneumoconiosis (profusion category 1/1 or greater) was associated with increased risks of FEV~1~ and FVC values in the lowest 5% group, and with group‐based decreases of 270 ml/s and 180 ml, respectively. Average lung function of construction workers was somewhat lower compared to a Dutch reference population. Lung function was not associated with exposure, except for a reduction in FVC of 5 ml per year for those with higher exposure.

Conclusions

In quartz dust exposed construction workers obstructive and restrictive lung function loss was detected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:574–583, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.