The Effect of Silica Dust on Ventilatory Function of Foundry Workers

Abstract

The Effect of Silica Dust on Ventilatory Function of Foundry Workers: Jung Wan Koo, et al. Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea-In order to study the exposure level of silica dust and the effects of silica dust on ventilatory function, respirable dust samples were collected with personal air samplers by means of NIOSH method 0500 in selected foundry operations, and ventilatory function tests were performed on 209 male foundry workers and 239 male control subjects. The average quartz concentrations of respirable dust were the highest in melting (0.079 Mg/M3) and followed by molding (0.051 mg/m3), finishing (0.041 mg/m3) and coremaking (0.023 mg/m3) in descending order. No significant differences in mean values for all ventilatory indices expressed as a percentage of the predicted value were demonstrated between smokers and nonsmokers in foundry workers and control subjects. Mean values for all ventilatory indices except FVC in foundry workers were significantly lower than those in control subjects. Mean values for FEV,%, MMF, FEF25, FEF50 and FEF75 expressed as a percentage of the predicted value tended to decrease with increasing cumulative dust exposure. In foundry workers, proportions of workers with low MMF, FEF50 and FEF75 were noticeably higher than those for other indices, and were significantly increased with increasing cumulative dust exposure. With the above considerations in mind, it suggested that increasing exposure to silica dust be associated with progressive deterioration in ventilatory function of an obstructive nature and that MMF, FEF50 and FEF75 be sensitive indices in the detection of early obstructive changes in air flow of workers exposed to silica dust. (J Occup Health 2000; 42:251-257)

Comparative study of pulmonary impairment among diverse working groups in coal mine

“…The deterioration of lung parameters observed in active mine workers of the study is consistent with several previous studies [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. To ascertain whether the difference is related to duration of exposure, the two groups were compared with work exposure <30 years and >30 years.…”

Occupational Exposure to Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter and Lung Functions Deterioration of Steel Workers: An Exploratory Study in India

“…Various studies reported lower FVC, FEV 1 , FEV 1 /FVC ratio, PEFR, and PIFR [4,[7][8][9]. The lowering in FVC, FEV 1 , and FEV 1 /FVC% suggests a combination of obstructive and restrictive patterns in their lungs.…”

“…In another cross-sectional study, the quartz stone workers exposed to approximately 100% free silica were found to have deteriorated lung function which could be attributed mainly to respiratory disorders along with other epidemiological factors such as sex, age, duration of exposure, and smoking [3]. Koo et al [4] reported that mean values for all ventilatory indices except FVC in foundry workers were significantly lower than those in control subjects. The increasing exposure to silica dust is associated with progressive deterioration in ventilatory function of an obstructive nature [4].…”

“…Koo et al [4] reported that mean values for all ventilatory indices except FVC in foundry workers were significantly lower than those in control subjects. The increasing exposure to silica dust is associated with progressive deterioration in ventilatory function of an obstructive nature [4]. In another study in Hong Kong, Law et al [5] reported that silica dust exposure in the construction industry is a major cause of silicosis.…”

Modeling of Respiratory System Dysfunction among Nuclear Workers: A Preliminary Study

“…Relative values were calculated as a ratio of the measured value and the predicted value, and were expressed as a percent (%) of the predicted value (Koo et al 2000;Mustajbegovic et al 2003).…”