RESUMEN
Occupational pneumoconiosis in the coal industry is an occupational disease that seriously endangers coal miners' health. Early diagnosis and prevention techniques are significant in controlling its incidence rate and reducing its harm. This article takes the patent data related to the early diagnosis and prevention of occupational pneumoconiosis in the coal industry, published from 1985 to 2021, as the research object. It uses tools such as the Derwent Data Analyzer (DDA) software, the Patyee Database, and the PatSnap Database to analyze the technological development trend and characteristics in this field from aspects of growth trend, primary patent holders, IPC classification layout, value, and research and development hotspots. The results show that the number of patent applications in this field indicates a rapid growth trend, mainly in the hands of Shandong Energy Group Co. Ltd., Shandong University of Science and Technology, China University of Mining and Technology, and other institutions or enterprises. Patent technology mainly involves spray dust reduction, dust removal fans, dust masks, and other aspects with high patent value and innovation ability. This article provides a new perspective and reference for preventing, diagnosing, and treating occupational pneumoconiosis in the coal industry.
Asunto(s)
Industria del Carbón , Neumoconiosis , Humanos , Neumoconiosis/diagnóstico , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Diagnóstico Precoz , Polvo , ChinaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Pneumoconiosis prevalence and severity among US coal miners has been increasing for the past 20 years. An examination of the current approaches to primary and secondary prevention efforts is warranted. One method of secondary prevention is the Mine Safety and Health Administration-administered part 90 option programme where US coal miners with radiographic evidence of pneumoconiosis can exercise their right to be placed in a less dusty area of the mine. This study focuses on characterising the progression of disease among US coal miners who participated in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-administered Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Programme (CWHSP) and exercised their part 90 job transfer option. METHODS: Chest radiograph classifications of working underground coal miners who exercised their part 90 job transfer option during 1 January 1986 to 21 November 2016 and participated in the CWHSP during 1 January 1981 to 19 March 2019 were analysed. RESULTS: 513 miners exercised their part 90 option and participated in the CWHSP at least once during this time period. Of the 149 miners with ≥2 radiographs available, 48 (32%) showed progression after exercising part 90 and had more severe disease prior to exercising, compared with miners who did not progress (severity score of 2.8 vs 1.7, p=0.0002). CONCLUSION: The part 90 job transfer option programme is not routinely used as intended to prevent progression of pneumoconiosis among US coal miners. The one-third of miners who participated in part 90 and continued to progress, exercised their part 90 option at a later stage of disease compared with non-progressors.
Asunto(s)
Movilidad Laboral , Minas de Carbón , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Adulto , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neumoconiosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Vigilancia en Salud Pública , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Estados UnidosRESUMEN
Pneumoconiosis is an incurable disease. An online educational booklet for South Asian construction workers has been developed to provide them with knowledge of the disease and its preventive measures. As eye tracking has long been applied to assess users' preferences with regard to the content of commercial products, this approach would likely offer a promising opportunity for an objective assessment of the usability of the developed booklet. This was a mixed-methods study that combined eye tracking and interviews to explore the usability of the educational booklet among South Asian construction workers. Twelve construction workers were invited to read the booklet individually on a laptop computer. An eye-tracking device was placed under the computer screen to collect eye tracking data of the participants to measure their attention to the contents of the booklet. Afterward, the participants were invited to attend a semistructured interview to explore their acceptance of and satisfaction with the booklet. Results showed that participants gazed more often and for a longer duration at the working environment that increases pneumoconiosis risk and the preventive measures for pneumoconiosis, and they paid more attention to the pictures. The workers reported that the booklet was useful and informative, and they were satisfied with its design and layout.
Asunto(s)
Industria de la Construcción , Tecnología de Seguimiento Ocular/estadística & datos numéricos , Internet , Folletos , Educación del Paciente como Asunto , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Adulto , Asia , Humanos , Entrevistas como Asunto , Masculino , Factores de Riesgo , Encuestas y CuestionariosAsunto(s)
Neumoconiosis/epidemiología , Antracosis/epidemiología , Antracosis/prevención & control , Australia/epidemiología , Polvo/prevención & control , Humanos , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Exposición Profesional/prevención & control , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Vigilancia de la Población , Silicosis/epidemiología , Silicosis/prevención & controlRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Pneumoconiosis which is one of the ancient diseases, still affects many workers throughout the world despite "existing" control programs. We add data from a single center reviewing risk factors for pneumoconiosis; evaluate functional and radiological findings in different sectors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed medical records of patients diagnosed with pneumoconiosis who were admitted to our center between the years 2013 and 2015. Several personal and occupational features, together with functional and radiologic data, were collected. RESULT: 60 were young males. Twenty-four of the cases (39.3%) worked at dental technician, 24 cases (39.3%) were ceramic workers, 5 cases (8.2%) were sandblasters, 2 cases (3.3%) were welders, 3 cases (4.9%) were miners, and 3 cases (4.9%) were marble cutters. The sectors in which the exposure started at the earliest ages were dental technicians and sandblasters, while the shortest working time was in sandblasting. The dental technicians were younger than the ceramic workers at the age of diagnosis (Kruskall-Wallis p= 0.003). The exposure time of the sandblasters was significantly shorter, especially than the ceramic workers (Kruskall-Wallis p= 0.002). The cases have been referred to us with pneumoconiosis suspicion based on the radiographic findings in the PA chest roentgenogram performed during the periodic examinations at their work place; but unlike other studies, in our study, following the HRCT assessment, cases which did not present any visible pathology in the re-evaluation of their PA chest roentgenogram, but had HRCT findings have been diagnosed as pneumoconiosis. Among the 44 cases in which micro-nodules had been detected at their HRCT, 15 of them had been previously classified as profusion of small opacities 0/1 according to their PA chest roentgenogram findings. It has been seen that the HRCT findings differ among sectors. Ceramics workers and sandblasters had significantly more micro-nodules, while dental technicians had significantly more mediastinal lymphadenopathies (Chi square, p= 0.004 and p= 0.007 respectively). When the relationship between the existence of big opacities and complaints was studied, statistically significant weight loss was detected in cases which had C opacities (chi square p= 0.01). Statistically significant FEV1 decrease was observed in cases which had weight loss (independent samples t-test p= 0.046). It has been observed that when the profusion of small opacities increased, while there was no statistically significant functional status change in non-smokers, a significant functional impairment was observed in smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumoconiosis still exists in Turkey. Even a short exposure time as 2 years can cause pneumoconiosis. Workers in different sectors had different functional, radiological properties and smoking can affect the diseases' course. There are serious limitations related to the surveillance of both the workplace environment and the employees' health in Turkey. Without institutional preventive measures, personal protection and surveillance examinations, occupational hazards will continue to cause premature deaths. Pneumoconiosis in different sectors is a prototype of uncontrolled industry in the developing world.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Neumoconiosis/epidemiología , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Técnicos Dentales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/etiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/prevención & control , Neumoconiosis/etiología , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Radiografía Torácica , Factores de Riesgo , Fumar , Turquía/epidemiología , Lugar de Trabajo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Objective: To investigate the health status of workers exposed to zircon sand and silica dust in a precision casting enterprise, and to provide a basis for the development of prevention and control measures. Methods: Occupational health examination, questionnaire survey, and field investigation of occupational health were performed for 176 male workers (18 workers in the zirconium dust exposure group, 109 in the non-zirconium dust exposure group, and 49 in the non-dust exposure group) in a precision casting enterprise, and a statistical analysis was performed for the data obtained. Results: Dust and noise were major hazard factors for occupational diseases in this enterprise. The abnormal rate of physical examination was 71.02%. Compared with the non-zirconium dust exposure group, the zirconium dust exposure group had significantly higher detection rates of restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, increased immunoglobulin IgE, increased alanine aminotransferase, and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (P<0.05) ; compared with the non-dust exposure group, the zirconium dust exposure group had a significantly higher detection rate of increased ALP (P<0.05) . Of all workers, 15 were found to have pneumoconiosis-like changes (11 had pneumoconiosis and 4 needed observation) , among whom 4 were in the zirconium dust exposure group (3 had pneumoconiosis and 1 needed observation) and 11 were in the non-zirconium dust exposure group (8 had pneumoconiosis and 3 needed observation) . The detection rate of pneumoconiosis-like changes showed no significant differences between the two groups (20.22% vs 10.09%) . Conclusions: There was a severe dust hazard in this enterprise. Inhalation of dust containing zirconium is associated with respiratory system injury, especially the development of pneumoconiosis, and it may also cause immune dysfunction and liver impairment.
Asunto(s)
Polvo , Exposición por Inhalación/efectos adversos , Enfermedades Profesionales , Estado de Salud , Humanos , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular , Enfermedades Pulmonares , Masculino , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , ARN Polimerasa I , Estudios Retrospectivos , Silicatos/efectos adversos , Dióxido de Silicio/efectos adversos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Circonio/efectos adversosRESUMEN
The purpose of development of this clinical practice guidelines was to provide evidence-based protocols that help the practitioner and the patient make the right decision for the health assessment, treatment and prevention of pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis is the interstitial lung disease of occupational origin caused by prolonged inhalation of inorganic dust, characterized by chronic diffuse aseptic inflammation in lung tissue with the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Currently, thereare no treatment that provide a cure pulmonary fibrosis and changes in the dynamics of decline in lung function. Regular, individually tailored treatment should be directed to the pathogenic mechanisms and some clinical symptoms of pneumoconiosis, as well as the prevention of complications. To enhance the effect of pharmacotherapy is recommended to use non-drug therapies that enhance the functionality of the respiratory system.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Profesionales , Neumoconiosis , Guías de Práctica Clínica como Asunto/normas , Humanos , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Profesionales/prevención & control , Enfermedades Profesionales/terapia , Neumoconiosis/diagnóstico , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Neumoconiosis/terapia , Federación de RusiaRESUMEN
This review provides an update on literature published over the past 5 years that is relevant to using chest computed tomography (CT) as a tool for preventing occupational respiratory disease. An important area of investigation has been in the use of low-dose CT (LDCT) to screen asbestos-exposed populations for lung cancer. Two recent systematic reviews have reached conclusions in support of screening. Based on the limited evidence that is currently available, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health has recommended LDCT screening in asbestos-exposed individuals if their personal combination of risk factors yields a risk for lung cancer equal to that needed for entry into the National Lung Screening Trial. It has also recommended further research, such as to document the optimal frequency of screening and the effectiveness of screening. Recent literature continues to support high-resolution CT (HRCT) as being more sensitive than chest radiography in detecting pneumoconiosis. However, there are insufficient data to determine the effectiveness of HRCT screening in improving individual outcomes if used in screening for pneumoconiosis and its routine use for this purpose cannot be recommended. However, if HRCT is used to evaluate populations, recent literature shows that the International Classification of HRCT for Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Diseases provides an important tool for reproducible evaluation and recording of findings. HRCT is an important tool for individual patient management and recent literature has documented that chest HRCT findings are significantly associated with outcomes such as pulmonary function and mortality.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Profesionales/prevención & control , Enfermedades Respiratorias/prevención & control , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X/métodos , Asbestosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Asbestosis/prevención & control , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Pulmonares/etiología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/prevención & control , Tamizaje Masivo/métodos , Enfermedades Profesionales/diagnóstico por imagen , Neumoconiosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Enfermedades Respiratorias/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades Respiratorias/etiología , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
In Japan, an employer of a workplace with 50 or more employees is legally required to assign an occupational health physician. The assignment rate in 2010 was reported as 87.0%. This policy started with the provision of "factory physician"in the Factory Law in 1938, then the Labour Standard Law stipulated "physician hygienist" in 1947, and finally the Industrial Safety and Health Law defined "occupational health physician" in 1972. In 1996, a revision of the law then required those physicians to complete training courses in occupational medicine, as designated by an ordinance. Historically, an on-site physician was expected to cure injuries and to prevent communicable diseases of factory workers. The means of occupational hygienic management by working environment measurements, etc., and of health management by health examinations, etc., were developed. Localized exhaust ventilation and personal protection equipment became widely utilized. Qualification systems for non-medical experts in occupational hygiene were structured, and relationships between employers and occupational health physicians were stipulated in the legislative documents. Currently, the Japan Medical Association and the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan educate and train occupational health physicians, and the Japan Society for Occupational Health maintains a specialized board certification system for these physicians. In the future, additional efforts should be made to strengthen the expertise of occupational health physicians, to define and recognize the roles of non-medical experts in occupational hygiene, to incorporate occupational health services in small enterprises, to promote occupational health risk assessment in the workplace, and to reorganize the current legislation, amended repeatedly over the decades.
Asunto(s)
Médicos Laborales/historia , Salud Laboral/legislación & jurisprudencia , Certificación , Historia del Siglo XX , Historia del Siglo XXI , Humanos , Japón , Legislación como Asunto/tendencias , Salud Laboral/educación , Salud Laboral/historia , Médicos Laborales/legislación & jurisprudencia , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Calidad de la Atención de Salud/normas , Sociedades MédicasRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Improving the hygienic quality of forages for horse nutrition seems to be a reasonable target for decreasing the prevalence of pulmonary diseases. The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of different agricultural practices on the main aero-allergens contained in forages, including breathable dust, fungi, mycotoxins and pollens. RESULTS: Results showed that the late harvest of hay, a second crop or a haylage production provides a good alternative to increase hygienic quality by reducing fungi contamination and breathable dust content. Barn drying of hay, while having no effect on breathable dust, similarly reduced fungi contamination. In contrast, when hay was harvested at a lower dry mass content (750 g DM kg⻹ versus 850 g DM kg⻹), both breathable dust and fungi contaminations were increased, which could at least be reversed by adding propionic acid just before baling. Zearalenone was detected in different hays, and even in one case, in breathable dust. CONCLUSION: Overall, our data suggest that different approaches can be used to increase forage hygienic quality for horse feeding and thus reduce their exposure to factors involved in equine pulmonary disease.
Asunto(s)
Agricultura/métodos , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Alimentación Animal/microbiología , Contaminación de Alimentos/prevención & control , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Caballos/prevención & control , Enfermedades Pulmonares/veterinaria , Alimentación Animal/efectos adversos , Animales , Polvo/análisis , Polvo/prevención & control , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/inmunología , Enfermedades Transmitidas por los Alimentos/prevención & control , Francia , Hongos/crecimiento & desarrollo , Hongos/inmunología , Hongos/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades de los Caballos/inmunología , Caballos , Lactobacillaceae/crecimiento & desarrollo , Lactobacillaceae/aislamiento & purificación , Enfermedades Pulmonares/inmunología , Enfermedades Pulmonares/prevención & control , Enfermedades Pulmonares Fúngicas/inmunología , Enfermedades Pulmonares Fúngicas/prevención & control , Enfermedades Pulmonares Fúngicas/veterinaria , Viabilidad Microbiana , Micotoxinas/análisis , Micotoxinas/toxicidad , Neumoconiosis/inmunología , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Neumoconiosis/veterinaria , Polen/efectos adversos , Estaciones del Año , Tiempo (Meteorología)RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China from 2006 to 2009. METHODS: Statistical analysis was performed on the types, populations, ages, and geographic distribution of the pneumoconiosis cases in Ningxia from 2006 to 2010, as reported in China Information System for Diseases Control and Prevention. RESULTS: A total of 625 new cases of pneumoconiosis (4 death cases) occurred throughout Ningxia from 2006 to 2010. Of the new cases, 538 (86.1%) suffered stage I pneumoconiosis, 70 (11.2%) stage II pneumoconiosis, and 17 (2.72%) stage III pneumoconiosis. Silicosis and coal-workers' pneumoconiosis were the dominant types of pneumoconiosis, accounting for 97.44% (609/625) of all cases. Of the 625 cases, 557 (89.12%) were distributed in Shizuishan City, and 563 (90.08%) were engaged in coal and metallurgical industries. Most cases were in the 35-year-old group and 45-year-old group, and the lengths of dust-exposed service mostly ranged from 10 to 29 years. CONCLUSION: In Ningxia, pneumoconiosis control should focus in the state-owned, middle-sized coal enterprises in Shizuishan City. Health surveillance should be enhanced in the workers with more than 10 years of dust-exposed service or aged more than 35 years, so as to reduce the incidence of occupational diseases.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Neumoconiosis/epidemiología , Adulto , Antracosis/epidemiología , Antracosis/prevención & control , China/epidemiología , Humanos , Incidencia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/prevención & control , Neumoconiosis/prevención & controlRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate and assess the incidence of silicosis cases acknowledged as occupational diseases in Poland in 2000-2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cases of all medically recognized pneumoconioses, including silicoses, certified as occupational diseases were studied. The records were extracted from the Central Register of Occupational Diseases, the only official Polish central electronic data base of occupational diseases. RESULTS: During the period 2000-2019, 2066 confirmed cases of silicoses and 10 665 cases of other pneumoconioses including asbestosis and coal workers' pneumoconiosis were reported to the Central Register of Occupational Diseases. Silicoses accounted for 12.8-21.2% of all pneumoconioses. The number of confirmed silicoses cases was growing along with the length of latency period and was the highest for the period of ≥40 years (513 cases). Over 70% of silicoses cases occurred after occupational exposure >20 years. The most workers who evolved silicosis were employed in manufacturing, predominantly casting of iron, mining and quarrying and construction. CONCLUSIONS: The number of confirmed cases of silicosis in Poland decreased in 2000-2019 but the disease still remains an important health problem. Prevention is crucial to reduce further disease incidence. The medical monitoring standards of exposed workers should be improved. Developing new diagnosing guidelines with the use of other imaging examinations, like high-resolution computed tomography, has to be considered. The analysis should contribute into the implementation of silicosis preventative programmes, both at the enterprise and national level. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(5):561-70.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades Profesionales , Exposición Profesional , Neumoconiosis , Silicosis , Carbón Mineral , Humanos , Hierro , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Neumoconiosis/diagnóstico , Neumoconiosis/epidemiología , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Polonia/epidemiología , Silicosis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Oxidants such as superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and myeloperoxidase from activated inflammatory cells in the lower respiratory tract contribute to inflammation and injury. Etiologic agents include inorganic particulates such as asbestos, silica, or coal mine dust or mixtures of inorganic dust and combustion materials found in World Trade Center dust and smoke. These etiologic agents are phagocytosed by alveolar macrophages or bronchial epithelial cells and release chemotactic factors that recruit inflammatory cells to the lung. Chemotactic factors attract and activate neutrophils, eosinophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes and further activate macrophages to release more oxidants. Inorganic dusts target alveolar macrophages, World Trade Center dust targets bronchial epithelial cells, and eosinophils characterize tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) caused by filarial organisms. The technique of bronchoalveolar lavage in humans has recovered alveolar macrophages (AMs) in dust diseases and eosinophils in TPE that release increased amounts of oxidants in vitro. Interestingly, TPE has massively increased eosinophils in the acute form and after treatment can still have ongoing eosinophilic inflammation. A course of prednisone for one week can reduce the oxidant burden and attendant inflammation and may be a strategy to prevent chronic TPE and interstitial lung disease.
Asunto(s)
Bronquiolitis Obliterante/etiología , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/etiología , Oxidantes/toxicidad , Neumoconiosis/etiología , Eosinofilia Pulmonar/etiología , Animales , Bronquiolitis Obliterante/prevención & control , Polvo , Humanos , Enfermedades Pulmonares Intersticiales/prevención & control , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Eosinofilia Pulmonar/prevención & controlRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Workers employed on mining, processing and storage of monazite are at risk of exposure to dust with expected adverse health effects. OBJECTIVES: To study the adverse health effects of monazite particles in experiments on rats and to test the possibility of attenuating these effects. METHODS: Outbred white rats were injected intratracheally with a suspension of ground monazite concentrate (MC) in order to investigate the cellular response of the lower airways 24 hours later and the organism's status 6 months after the injection. The bio-protective complex (BPC) tested in these experiments consisted of glutamate, an iodine preparation, methionine, a polyvitamin-polymineral composition, and/or "Eicosavitol" (fish oil preparation rich in PUFA, predominantly of the omega 3-group). Bio-protectors were administered together with the rat food and drink daily for one month before the MC injection in the short-term experiment, or over 6 months after such injection in the long-term experiment. RESULTS: MC induced manifestations of its cytotoxicity, fibrogenicity and systemic toxicity as well as genotoxicity. The tested BPC attenuated virtually all these effects. Although a similar protective potential of "Eicosavitol" against almost all of them was lower compared with that of BPC, combining BPC with "Eicosavitol" provided, as a rule, the greatest protective effect. CONCLUSION: It may be assumed that the many-sided adverse effects of MC on the organism is due, at least partially, to the presence in its composition of not only rare earth elements but also of natural radioisotopes of the thorium and uranium families. The combination of the bio-protectors tested was highly effective and may be recommended for administering in periodic preventive programmes to exposed workers.
Asunto(s)
Metales de Tierras Raras/toxicidad , Material Particulado/toxicidad , Neumoconiosis/etiología , Animales , Antioxidantes/uso terapéutico , Líquido del Lavado Bronquioalveolar/citología , Vías de Administración de Medicamentos , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos , Femenino , Aceites de Pescado/uso terapéutico , Ácido Glutámico/uso terapéutico , Yodo/uso terapéutico , Metionina/uso terapéutico , Minerales/uso terapéutico , Pruebas de Mutagenicidad , Tamaño de la Partícula , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Premedicación , Ratas , Torio/efectos adversos , Tráquea , Uranio/efectos adversos , Vitaminas/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between change in lung function and cumulative exposure to wood dust. In total, 1,112 woodworkers (927 males, 185 females) and 235 reference workers (104 males, 185 females) participated in a 6-yr longitudinal study. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), height and weight were measured, and questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms, wood dust exposure and smoking habits were collected. Cumulative inhalable wood dust exposure was assessed using a study-specific job exposure matrix and exposure time. The median (range) for cumulative wood dust exposure was 3.75 (0-7.55) mg x year x m(-3). A dose-response relationship between cumulative wood dust exposure and percent annual decrease in FEV(1) was suggested for female workers. This was confirmed in a linear regression model adjusted for confounders, including smoking, height and age. An additional difference of -14.50 mL x yr(-1) and -27.97 mL x yr(-1) was revealed for females exposed to 3.75-4.71 mg x yr x m(-3) or to >4.71 mg x yr x m(-3), respectively, compared with non-/low-exposed females. For females, a positive trend between wood dust exposure and the cumulative incidence proportion of FEV(1)/FVC <70% was suggested. In conclusion, in the present low-exposed cohort, female woodworkers had an accelerated decline in lung function, which may be clinically relevant.
Asunto(s)
Industrias , Exposición por Inhalación/efectos adversos , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Madera/efectos adversos , Adulto , Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire/efectos adversos , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Dinamarca/epidemiología , Polvo , Monitoreo del Ambiente , Monitoreo Epidemiológico , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Volumen Espiratorio Forzado , Humanos , Modelos Lineales , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Probabilidad , Valores de Referencia , Pruebas de Función Respiratoria , Medición de Riesgo , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
To decrease the incidence of pneumoconiosis, we examined dust protective mask performance and its relation to pulmonary function as well as the effects of worker education on the proper wearing of masks. One hundred and seventy-eight workers from 15 factories subject to dust exposure participated in this study. All participants were interviewed to obtain relevant personal information and underwent both a mask leakage and a pulmonary function test. The mask leakage was expressed as a percentage, with under 10% leakage indicating that the dust protective mask worked efficiently. In addition, 23 workers from 2 factories were educated on how to wear masks properly. The average mask leakage was 24.3%, and 58% of workers wore ineffective masks. Though pulmonary function was almost normal, the percent vital capacity (%VC) tended to be lower depending on the mask leakage. Mask education, which was very easy and took only a short time, dramatically decreased average mask leakage from 32.1% to 10.5% (p0.001). Educating workers to wear masks properly might prevent the worsening of pulmonary function in response to dust exposure. Appropriate mask fitness by education could be useful in preventing the development of pneumoconiosis.
Asunto(s)
Polvo , Falla de Equipo , Capacitación en Servicio , Exposición Profesional , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Dispositivos de Protección Respiratoria , Adulto , Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire/efectos adversos , Humanos , Exposición por Inhalación , Entrevistas como Asunto , Japón , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pruebas de Función Respiratoria , Dispositivos de Protección Respiratoria/estadística & datos numéricosAsunto(s)
Enfermedades Pulmonares/epidemiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , China/epidemiología , Polvo , Femenino , Humanos , Enfermedades Pulmonares/prevención & control , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/prevención & control , Neumoconiosis/prevención & control , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The Part 90 program was designed to prevent progression of pneumoconiosis in U.S. coal miners by establishing their right to transfer to a less dusty job in the mine. We calculated the proportion of Part 90-eligible miners who participated during 1986-2016, examined participation by region, and compared characteristics of miners by participation status. Of the 3,547 eligible miners, 14.4% exercised their Part 90 option. Miners working in states outside central Appalachia, and those with more severe pneumoconiosis, were more likely to participate. The primary goal of respiratory health surveillance of coal miners is early detection of disease so that preventive action can be taken. Future studies should seek to better understand factors influencing Part 90 program participation.