Comparison of proinflammatory potential of needle-shaped materials: aragonite and potassium titanate whisker.

Among the crystal forms of calcium carbonate, aragonite has needle-like shape. Although materials with needle-shaped crystals are associated with pulmonary toxicity, the toxic activity of aragonite is unclear. Therefore, proinflammatory potential of aragonite, neutralized aragonite and potassium titanate whisker was evaluated. The cellular effects of aragonite were weaker than those of potassium titanate whisker. Aragonite treatment induced the expression of chemokines in A549 cells and macrophages. Although aragonite exhibited proinflammatory effects in vitro, pulmonary inflammation was not observed in vivo after intratracheal administration of aragonite in mice. We did not observe the induction of inflammatory cytokine secretion or tissue lesion in the lungs of mice after administration of aragonite. Potassium titanate whisker treatment induced chemokine secretion in vitro. An increase in the number of neutrophils was observed in the mice lung tissue after administration of potassium titanate whisker. Aragonite and neutralized aragonite both induced an increase in the levels of intracellular calcium, but the levels were significantly higher in cells treated with aragonite than in cells treated with neutralized aragonite. These results suggested that intracellular calcium release mediates the cellular effects of aragonite. The toxicity of aragonite based on its needle-like structure was also not observed.

Comparative cytotoxicity of respirable surface-treated/untreated calcium carbonate rock dust particles in vitro.

Calcium carbonate rock dust (RD) is used in mining to reduce the explosivity of aerosolized coal. During the dusting procedures, potential for human exposure occurs, raising health concerns. To improve RD aerosolization, several types of anti-caking surface treatments exist. The aim of the study was to evaluate cytotoxicity of four respirable RD samples: untreated/treated limestone (UL/TL), untreated/treated marble (UM/TM), and crystalline silica (SiO2) as a positive control in A549 and THP-1 transformed human cell lines. Respirable fractions were generated and collected using FSP10 high flow-rate cyclone samplers. THP-1 cells were differentiated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (20 ng/ml, 48 h). Cells were exposed to seven different concentrations of RD and SiO2 (0-0.2 mg/ml). RD caused a slight decrease in viability at 24 or 72 h post-exposure and were able to induce inflammatory cytokine production in A549 cells, however, with considerably less potency than SiO2. In THP-1 cells at 24 h, there was significant dose-dependent lactate dehydrogenase, inflammatory cytokine and chemokine release. Caspase-1 activity was increased in SiO2- and, on a lesser scale, in TM- exposed cells. To test if the increased toxicity of TM was uptake-related, THP-1 cells were pretreated with Cytochalasin D (CytD) or Bafilomycin A (BafA), followed by exposure to RD or SiO2 for 6 h. CytD blocked the uptake and significantly decreased cytotoxicity of all particles, while BafA prevented caspase-1 activation but not cytotoxic effects of TM. Only TM was able to induce an inflammatory response in THP-1 cells, however it was much less pronounced compared to silica.

Pulmonary hypofunction due to calcium carbonate nanomaterial exposure in occupational workers: a cross-sectional study.

Calcium carbonate nanomaterials (nano-CaCO3) are widely used in both manufacturing and consumer products, but their potential health hazards remain unclear. The objective of this study was to survey workplace exposure levels and health effects of workers exposed to nano-CaCO3. Personal and area sampling, as well as real-time and dust monitoring, were performed to characterize mass exposure, particle size distribution, and particle number exposure. A total of 56 workers (28 exposed workers and 28 unexposed controls) were studied in a cross-sectional study. They completed physical examinations, spirometry, and digital radiography. The results showed that the gravimetric nano-CaCO3 concentration was 5.264 ± 6.987 mg/m3 (0.037-22.192 mg/m3) at the workplace, and 3.577 ± 2.065 mg/m3 (2.042-8.161 mg/m3) in the breathing zone of the exposed workers. The particle number concentrations ranged from 8193 to 39 621 particles/cm3 with a size range of 30-150 nm. The process of packing had the highest gravimetric and particle number concentrations. The particle number concentration positively correlated with gravimetric concentrations of nano-CaCO3. The levels of hemoglobin, creatine phosphokinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the nano-CaCO3 exposure group increased significantly, but the white blood cell count (WBC), Complement 3 (C3), total protein (TP), uric acid, and creatinine (CREA) all decreased significantly. The prevalence rate of pulmonary hypofunction was significantly higher (p = 0.037), and the levels of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory flow 25% (FEF 25%), FEF 25-75% were negatively correlated with gravimetric concentrations of nano-CaCO3 (p < 0.05). Logistic analysis showed that nano-CaCO3 exposure level was associated with pulmonary hypofunction (p = 0.005). Meanwhile, a dose-effect relationship was found between the accumulated gravimetric concentrations of nano-CaCO3 and the prevalence rate of pulmonary hypofunction (p = 0.048). In conclusion, long-term and high-level nano-CaCO3 exposure can induce pulmonary hypofunction in workers. Thus, lung function examination is suggested for occupational populations with nano-CaCO3 exposure. Furthermore, future health protection efforts should focus on senior workers with accumulation effects of nano-CaCO3 exposure.

Fine chalk dust induces inflammatory response via p38 and ERK MAPK pathway in rat lung.

Chalk teaching is widely used in the world due to low cost, especially in some developing countries. During teaching with chalks, a large amount of fine chalk dust is produced. Although exposure to chalk dust is associated with respiratory diseases, the mechanism underlying the correlation between chalk dust exposure and adverse effects has not fully been elucidated. In this study, inflammation and its signal pathway in rat lungs exposed to fine chalk dust were examined through histopathology analyses; pro-inflammatory gene transcription; and protein levels measured by HE staining, RT-PCR, and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that fine chalk dust increased neutrophils and up-regulated inflammatory gene mRNA levels (TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-ß1, iNOS, and ICAM-1), and oxidative stress marker (HO-1) level, leading to the increase of inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory injury on the lungs. These inflammation responses were mediated, at least in part, via p38 and extracellular regulated proteinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling mechanisms. In contrast, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) supplement significantly ameliorated these changes in inflammatory responses. Our results support the hypothesis that fine chalk dust can damage rat lungs and the NAC supplement may attenuate fine chalk dust-associated lung inflammation.

Transcriptome of Pterospermum kingtungense provides implications on the mechanism underlying its rapid vegetative growth and limestone adaption.

Pterospermum kingtungense C.Y.Wu ex Hsue is a typical tree species living in the relatively adverse limestone habitat. Due to its excellent wood quality and big size, it is an important timber resource which caused its endangered. We firstly provide the data resources by reporting an annotated transcriptome assembly. 203 million unique Illumina RNA-seq reads were produced with totally 50,333 transcripts, among which 48,778 transcripts were annotated. By a global comparison of homology between P. kingtungense and cacao, we identified 9,507 single copy orthologues and 990 P. kingtungense specific genes. GO enrichment analyses indicate that P. kingtungense specific genes are enriched in defense response, implying potential adaptation to limestone environment. As to cell compartment, the genes are enriched in thylakoid component. Consistently, KEGG enrichment indicates that genes are enriched in photosynthesis. In addition, we identified two genes under positive selection in P. kingtungense species. These results suggest that P. kingtungense have strong photosynthetic capacity, which related to vegetation growth. Our work provides the genomic resources of a limestone specific tree with economic importance to local society and suggests possible mechanism on its characteristics on the limestone adaption and excellent wood properties, which will be important for its conservation and sustainable utilization.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in a marble worker.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rarely seen disease of the alveoli, characterized by accumulation of proteinous material, which stains positive with periodic acid Schiff, in the alveoli. Secondary PAP may develop as a result of occupational exposure to materials such as silica and indium. In the paper, together with a review of the relevant literature, we present an uncommon case of a 47-year old male, marble worker who was diagnosed with PAP associated with a 12-year history of exposure to marble dust. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(5):871-876.

Effect of High-Calcium Diet on Coronary Artery Disease in Ossabaw Miniature Swine With Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Calcium is a shortfall essential nutrient that has been a mainstay of osteoporosis management. Recent and limited findings have prompted concern about the contribution of calcium supplementation to cardiovascular risk. A proposed mechanism is through the acceleration of coronary artery calcification. Determining causality between calcium intake and coronary artery calcification has been hindered by a lack of sensitive methodology to monitor early vascular calcium accumulation. The primary study aim was to assess the impact of high calcium intake on coronary artery calcification using innovative calcium tracer kinetic modeling in Ossabaw swine with diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Secondary end points (in vitro wire myography, histopathology, intravascular ultrasound) assessed coronary disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pigs (n=24; aged ≈15 months) were fed an atherogenic diet with adequate calcium (0.33% by weight) or high calcium (1.90% from calcium carbonate or dairy) for 6 months. Following 5 months of feeding, all pigs were dosed intravenously with (41)Ca, a rare isotope that can be measured in serum and tissues at a sensitivity of 10(-18) mol/L by accelerator mass spectrometry. Kinetic modeling evaluated early coronary artery calcification using (41)Ca values measured in serial blood samples (collected over 27 days) and coronary artery samples obtained at sacrifice. Serum disappearance of (41)Ca and total coronary artery (41)Ca accumulation did not differ among groups. Secondary end points demonstrated no treatment differences in coronary artery disease or function. CONCLUSION: There was no detectable effect of high calcium diets (from dairy or calcium carbonate) on coronary artery calcium deposition in metabolic syndrome swine.

Effects of coarse chalk dust particles (2.5-10 µm) on respiratory burst and oxidative stress in alveolar macrophages.

The main aim of the present study was to examine in vitro responses of rat alveolar macrophages (AMs) exposed to coarse chalk dust particles (particulate matter in the size range 2.5-10 µm, PM(coarse)) by respiratory burst and oxidative stress. Chalk PM(coarse)-induced respiratory burst in AMs was measured by using a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) method. Also, the cell viability; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release; levels of cellular superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and acid phosphatase (ACP); plasma membrane ATPase; and extracellular nitric oxide (NO) level were determined 4 h following the treatment with the different dosages of chalk PM(coarse). The results showed that chalk PM(coarse) initiated the respiratory burst of AMs as indicated by strong CL, which was inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium chloride and L-N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride. It suggested that chalk PM(coarse) induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in AMs. This hypothesis was confirmed by the fact that chalk PM(coarse) resulted in a significant decrease of intracellular SOD, GSH, ACP, and ATPase levels and a notable increase of intracellular CAT, MDA content, and extracellular NO level, consequently leading to a decrease of the cell viability and a increase of LDH release. It was concluded that AMs exposed to chalk PM(coarse) can suffer from cytotoxicity which may be mediated by generation of excessive ROS/RNS. Graphical Abstract The possible mechanism of coarse chalk particles-induced adverse effects in AMs.

Comparative cytotoxicity of dolomite nanoparticles in human larynx HEp2 and liver HepG2 cells.

Dolomite is a natural mineral of great industrial and commercial importance. With the advent of nanotechnology, natural minerals including dolomite in the form of nanoparticles (NPs) are being utilized in various applications to improve the quality of products. However, safety or toxicity information of dolomite NPs is largely lacking. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of dolomite NPs in two widely used in vitro cell culture models: human airway epithelial (HEp2) and human liver (HepG2) cells. Concentration-dependent decreased cell viability and damaged cell membrane integrity revealed the cytotoxicity of dolomite NPs. We further observed that dolomite NPs induce oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent manner, as indicated by depletion of glutathione and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Quantitative real-time PCR data demonstrated that the mRNA level of tumor suppressor gene p53 and apoptotic genes (bax, CASP3 and CASP9) were up-regulated whereas the anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 was down-regulated in HEp2 and HepG2 cells exposed to dolomite NPs. Moreover, the activity of apoptotic enzymes (caspase-3 and caspase-9) was also higher in both kinds of cells treated with dolomite NPs. It is also worth mentioning that HEp2 cells seem to be marginally more susceptible to dolomite NPs exposure than HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity induced by dolomite NPs was efficiently prevented by N-acetyl cysteine treatment, which suggests that oxidative stress is primarily responsible for the cytotoxicity of dolomite NPs in both HEp2 and HepG2 cells. Toxicity mechanisms of dolomite NPs warrant further investigations at the in vivo level.

Physicochemical analysis and repeated-dose 90-days oral toxicity study of nanocalcium carbonate in Sprague-Dawley rats.

In our previous studies of nanocalcium carbonate, in which we performed physicochemical analysis, genotoxicity, acute single-dose and repeated-dose 14-day oral toxicity testings in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, nanocalcium carbonate did not show a difference in toxicity compared to vehicle control. Here, we provide the first report of a repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity test of nanocalcium carbonate in Sprague-Dawley rats, with physicochemical comparison of micro and nanocalcium carbonate. We find that the two particles differ in size, hydrodynamic size, and specific surface area, with no differences in components, crystalline structure and radical production. In terms of ionization ability, nanocalcium carbonate was slightly more ionized within 1% than microcalcium carbonate at pH 5 and pH 7. In the repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity test of nanocalcium carbonate, there was no significant toxicity, and similar blood concentrations of Ca(2+) compared to the vehicle control group. Based on our results, although nanocalcium carbonate has different physicochemical properties, nanocalcium carbonate does not differ from microcalcium carbonate in terms of toxicity. Based on the results, we suggest that the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of nanocalcium carbonate is 1000 mg kg(-1) day(-1) in SD rats according to the maximum dose (OECD guideline 408). However, the NOAEL might be higher than 1000 mg kg(-1) day(-1) because there were no adverse effects revealed by consistent pathological findings or biochemical parameter changes. To justify a safe concentration of nanocalcium carbonate, which is a low toxicity chemical, more data is required on dose levels above 1000 mg kg(-1). Our findings may be useful for creating safety guidelines for the use nanocalcium carbonate.

Investigation of fine chalk dust particles' chemical compositions and toxicities on alveolar macrophages in vitro.

The aim of the study is to investigate chemical compositions of fine chalk dust particles (chalk PM2.5) and examine their adverse effects on alveolar macrophages (AMs) in vitro. Morphologies and element concentrations of individual chalk particles were analyzed by using the quantitative energy-dispersive electron probe X-ray microanalysis (ED-EPMA). The oxidative response of AMs and the potential to generate nitric oxide (NO) by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) and nitrate reductase method were assessed 4h following the treatment of AMs with differing dosages of fine chalk particles, respectively. Oxidative stress and cytotoxicity elicited by chalk PM2.5 were also examined. The results showed that fine chalk particles were mainly composed of gypsum, calcite, dolomite and a little amount of organic adhesives. Exposure to chalk PM2.5 at 100 µg mL(-1) or 300 µg mL(-1) significantly increased intracellular catalase, malondialdehyde, and NO levels and decreased superoxide dismutase level in AMs, leading to leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reduction of the cell viability. Furthermore, luminol-dependent CL from respiratory burst in AMs was enhanced. It was suggested that chalk PM2.5 could make oxidative damages on AMs and result in cytotoxicity, being likely attributed to excessive reactive oxygen species or reactive nitrogen species induced by mixture of fine gypsum and calcite/dolomite particles.

Search and rescue response to a large-scale rockfall disaster.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prehospital management and safety of search and rescue (SAR) teams involved in a large-scale rockfall disaster and monitor the acute and chronic health effects on personnel with severe dolomitic dust exposure. METHODS: SAR personnel underwent on-site medical screening and lung function testing 3 months and 3 years after the event. RESULTS: The emergency dispatch center was responsible for central coordination of resources. One hundred fifty SAR members from multidisciplinary air- and ground-based teams as well as geotechnical experts were dispatched to a provisionary operation center. Acute exposure to dolomite dust with detectable silicon and magnesium concentrations was not associated with (sub)acute or chronic sequelae or a clinically significant impairment in lung function in exposed personnel. CONCLUSIONS: The risk for personnel involved in mountain SAR operations is rarely reported and not easily investigated or quantified. This case exemplifies the importance of a multiskilled team and additional considerations for prehospital management during natural hazard events. Safety plans should include compulsory protective measures and medical monitoring of personnel.

Compare study CaCO3 crystals on the cellulose substrate by microwave-assisted method and ultrasound agitation method.

The purposes of this article were to investigate the influences of synthesis strategy on the CaCO(3) crystals on the cellulose substrate. In this study, CaCO(3) crystals were synthesized using cellulose as matrix by the microwave-assisted method and ultrasound agitation method, respectively. The CaCO(3) crystals on the cellulose substrate were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental results demonstrated that the synthesis strategy had a dramatically influences on the phase, microstructure, morphology, thermal stability, and biological activity of the CaCO(3) crystals. The pure phase of vaterite spheres with the diameter of about 320-600nm were obtained by ultrasound agitation method, meanwhile, the mixed phases of calcite and vaterite with the diameter of about 0.82-1.24µm were observed by microwave-assisted method. In view of experimental results, one can conclude that the ultrasound agitation method do more favors to the synthesis of CaCO(3) crystals with uniform morphology and size, compared with microwave-assisted method. Furthermore, cytotoxicity experiments indicated that the CaCO(3) crystals on the cellulose substrate had good biocompatibility and could be a candidate for the biomedical applications.

Two flushing-like reaction cases from calcium pidolate who tolerated calcium carbonate

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Evaluation of cytotoxic, oxidative stress, proinflammatory and genotoxic responses of micro- and nano-particles of dolomite on human lung epithelial cells A(549).

Dolomite is a natural mineral of great industrial importance and used worldwide, thus millions of workers are at risk of occupational exposure. Its toxicity is however, meagerly documented. In the present investigation, a dolomite powder obtained from its milling unit was analyzed by some standard methods namely, optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. Results showed that dolomite powder contained particles of different shapes and size both microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs), suggesting potential occupational exposure of these particles. An attempt was therefore, made to investigate dolomite toxicity in a particle size-dependent manner in human lung epithelial cells A(549). The comparative toxicity evaluation of MPs and NPs was carried out by assessing their effects on cell viability, membrane damage, glutathione, reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), micronucleus (MN) and proinflammatory cytokines, namely tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These markers of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and inflammation were assayed in cells exposed to MPs and NPs in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Invariably, their toxic effects were dose-and time-dependent while NPs in general were significantly more toxic. Notably, NPs caused oxidative stress, genotoxicity and inflammatory responses, as seen by significant induction of ROS, LPO, MN, TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6. Thus, the study tends to suggest that separate health safety standards would be required for micrometer and nanometer scale particles of dolomite.

Toxicity and elemental composition of particulate matter from outdoor and indoor air of elementary schools in Munich, Germany.

UNLABELLED: Outdoor particulate matter (PM(10)) is associated with detrimental health effects. However, individual PM(10) exposure occurs mostly indoors. We therefore compared the toxic effects of classroom, outdoor, and residential PM(10). Indoor and outdoor PM(10) was collected from six schools in Munich during teaching hours and in six homes. Particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Toxicity was evaluated in human primary keratinocytes, lung epithelial cells and after metabolic activation by several human cytochromes P450. We found that PM(10) concentrations during teaching hours were 5.6-times higher than outdoors (117 ± 48 µg/m(3) vs. 21 ± 15 µg/m(3), P < 0.001). Compared to outdoors, indoor PM contained more silicate (36% of particle number), organic (29%, probably originating from human skin), and Ca-carbonate particles (12%, probably originating from paper). Outdoor PM contained more Ca-sulfate particles (38%). Indoor PM at 6 µg/cm(2) (10 µg/ml) caused toxicity in keratinocytes and in cells expressing CYP2B6 and CYP3A4. Toxicity by CYP2B6 was abolished with the reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetylcysteine. We concluded that outdoor PM(10) and indoor PM(10) from homes were devoid of toxicity. Indoor PM(10) was elevated, chemically different and toxicologically more active than outdoor PM(10). Whether the effects translate into a significant health risk needs to be determined. Until then, we suggest better ventilation as a sensible option. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Indoor air PM(10) on an equal weight base is toxicologically more active than outdoor PM(10). In addition, indoor PM(10) concentrations are about six times higher than outdoor air. Thus, ventilation of classrooms with outdoor air will improve air quality and is likely to provide a health benefit. It is also easier than cleaning PM(10) from indoor air, which has proven to be tedious.

Elemental analysis of limestone samples from Obajana and Mfamosing limestone deposits, Nigeria, using nuclear techniques.

Six limestone samples were picked from three different points at the Obajana and Mfamosing limestone deposits. The limestone samples were subjected to elemental analysis by Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) analysis. The samples were irradiated by a 4mm diameter beam of protons with energy of 2.5 MeV and beam current of 0.2nA for 0.9 ms. The analysis was carried out with the 1.7MV Tandem accelerator at the Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The NIST geology standard NIST 278 was analysed for quality assurance. The elemental composition and concentration of 14 elements were determined in the two locations. Ten elements were found at the Obajana deposit while 13 elements were found at the Mfamosing deposits. The elements: Mg, Al, Ca and Mn do not differ much at both deposits while others differ. The major elements (Ca, Fe, Al, Si and K) present in the limestones were also found in airborne particulate matter studied by earlier researchers. These observations suggest that all particulate emissions and wastes from the Limestone deposit should be closely monitored to reduce their cumulative effects on both health and the environment.

Nanotoxicity of dolomite mineral of commercial importance in India.

The risk of occupational exposure to dolomite, an important mineral exists both in organized as well as unorganized sectors. Toxicological profiles of bulk dolomite are meagerly known in general and its nanotoxicity in particular. Effects of micro- and nano particles on cell viability, LDH leakage and markers of oxidative stress were observed. The study indicated that cytotoxicity of dolomite nanoparticles is significantly higher than the microparticles. The study thus suggests for the prescription of exposure limit for nanodolomite in the best interest of health of workers at risk of exposure under mining, milling and industrial environment.

Evaluation of the nasal mucociliary transport rate by rhinoscintigraphy in marble workshop workers.

Marble workers are occupationally exposed to intense environmental marble dust in their workplace. We aimed to investigate the effect of occupational marble dust exposure on nasal mucociliary transport rate (NMTR). Seventeen marble workers and 18 healthy controls were studied. In all subjects, NMTRs were measured by (99m)Tc-MAA rhinoscintigraphy. NMTRs of workers and control groups were compared by statistically. Mean NMTR was found as 9 ± 1.8 mm/min in marble workers whereas mean NMTR of healthy controls was 9.6 ± 2.2 mm/min. There was no statistically significant difference between NMTRs of workers and control groups (p > 0.05). This study has shown that occupationally exposured marble dusts may not cause functional impairment on NMTR in marble workshop workers.

Chronic respiratory symptoms among workers at a limestone factory in Zambia.

Limestone processing is a global industry, but few studies have assessed respiratory health among limestone workers. At a limestone factory in Zambia, the authors studied 70 high-exposed workers from the production department, 40 medium-exposed from engineering, and 30 low-exposed from administration. A modified British Medical Research Council respiratory questionnaire was used for recording chronic respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of symptoms was highest among the production workers. After adjusting for age, smoking, previous jobs, and past respiratory diseases, the production workers still had a significantly increased relative risk for cough day and night, cough 4 to 6 times daily in a month, and cough with sputum. The results indicate that exposure to limestone dust is associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Until newer technology is installed, proper use of personal protective equipments should be emphasized.