Pneumoconioses - 1,356 entries found

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1989

CIS 90-1262 Muir D.C.F., Shannon H.S., Julian J.A., Verma D.K., Sebestyen A., Bernholz C.D.
Silica exposure and silicosis among Ontario hardrock miners: I. Methodology
An epidemiological investigation was undertaken to determine the relationship between silicosis in hardrock miners in Ontario and cumulative exposure to silica (crystalline silica - α quartz) dust. This first report describes the cohort, the method of classifying the radiographs, and the identification of a case of silicosis.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, July 1989, Vol.16, No.1, p.5-11. 15 ref.

CIS 90-921 Weng X.T., Yao J.C., Wang Y.J., Hu T.X., Yu Z.G., Lu Z.Y., Guo J.S.
A study of magnetic field in the lung of workers in an asbestos factory
The magnetic field inside the chest of 93 male workers exposed to asbestos dust in an asbestos products factory in China was studied by local magnetisation and flux-gate gradiometry. The average field intensity at 12 measurement points over the anterior chest wall was compared among workers with and without asbestosis and among workers of different working age. The field intensity in workers with asbestosis and those suspected as having asbestosis on the basis of x-ray findings was significantly higher than that in workers without asbestosis. It was also found that the field intensity increased with working age. It is suggested that dynamic measurement of magnetic field in the lung of workers exposed to dust containing ferrimagnetic particles would at least serve as a quantitative method for estimating lung dust loads and be valuable for pneumoconiosis prevention.
Industrial Health, 1989, Vol.27, No.1, p.9-15. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 90-825 Nakadate T., Yagami T.
Transit time analysis of forced expiration in workers exposed to dust: A cross-sectional study
Maximal expiratory flow at 25% forced vital capacity (V25), V25 divided by height (V25/HT), and mean transit time (MTT) were calculated from the same forced expiratory manoeuvre performed in welding workers. The values were compared to determine variations between individuals and changes with age and chest x-ray findings. The results showed that MTT may be a less variable measurement of the function of peripheral airways than are V25 and V25/HT, and it is just as sensitive. Its usefulness in the detection of early changes due to pneumoconiosis, however, must be further investigated in a prospective cohort study on workers exposed to various kinds of dust.
Industrial Health, 1989, Vol.27, No.1, p.1-7. Illus. 15 ref.

CIS 90-497 White N.W.
Byssinosis in South Africa - A survey of 2,411 textile workers
The first study of the prevalence of byssinosis in the South African cotton textile industry is described. Questionnaires were administered to 2,411 subjects from 6 textile mills. Height and weight were measured and pulmonary function was tested before and after the first shift of a working week. Dust concentrations were measured using a Lumsden-Lynch vertical elutriator sampler. The prevalence of byssinosis (all grades) according to work departments was as follows: spinning 11.2%, winding 6.1%, and weaving 6.4%. Subjects with symptoms of byssinosis had a significantly reduced forced expiratory volume in 1sec (FEV₁) and FEV₁/forced vital capacity ratio when compared with controls matched for age, height and weight. Dust concentrations in many areas of the preparation and spinning processes exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended permissible exposure limit for cotton dust in spinning operations.
South African Medical Journal, May 1989, Vol.75, p.435-442. 29 ref.

CIS 90-531 Forastiere F., Lagorio S., Michelozzi P., Perucci C.A., Axelson O.
Mortality pattern of silicotic subjects in the Latium region, Italy
A mortality study was carried out on 595 workers who were compensated for silicosis in the Latium region, Italy, during the period 1946-84 who died between 1 January 1969 and 31 December 1984. Respiratory disorders, tuberculosis, lung cancer, bone cancer, and cirrhosis of the liver showed significantly increased risk ratios. Lung cancer mortality was further analysed by age, period of compensation, final degree of disability, and occupational activity. The possible confounding role of smoking was assessed by comparing the lifetime smoking habits of a sample of silicotic subjects with those of the general male population as estimated by a national health survey; the prevalence of ever smokers among silicotic subjects (70.7%) was similar to that estimated for the general population (68.5%). The present study indicates that silicosis is associated with lung cancer even though it does not clarify the respective roles of exposure to silica and silicosis.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1989, Vol.46, No.12, p.877-880. 32 ref.

CIS 90-530 Prowse K., Allen M.B., Bradbury S.P.
Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary impairment in male and female subjects with pottery workers' silicosis
Respiratory symptoms, smoking habit, lung function and radiological category of silicosis were assessed in 276 present and former pottery workers who were receiving industrial disablement benefit for silicosis. There were 140 females and 136 males. The proportion with conglomerate disease (massive fibrosis) was similar in both sexes. The FEV₁ declined with increasing X-ray category of silicosis irrespective of smoking habit and was most marked in subjects with symptomatic chronic bronchitis. In females who had never smoked the average decline of FEV₁ in those with simple silicosis was 18mL year^-1 and for those with conglomerate disease 38mL year^-1. Symptomatic chronic bronchitis was common and only partly related to smoking, occurring in 69% of 101 non-smoking female silicotic patients. No significant changes were observed in vital capacity, lung volume or transfer factor for carbon monoxide.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 1989, Vol.33, No.3, p.375-385. 28 ref.

CIS 90-524 Sluis-Cremer G.K., Bezuidenhout B.N.
Relation between asbestosis and bronchial cancer in amphibole asbestos miners
In a necropsy series of 339 amphibole asbestos miners, heavy smoking, age, and the presence of asbestosis were significantly associated with the presence of bronchial cancer. Of the 35 cases of bronchial cancer, 24 were associated with asbestosis. Eleven cases of bronchial cancer occurred in men without asbestosis; all were smokers. Standardised proportional mortality rates indicated no excess of bronchial cancer in 302 exposed men without asbestosis whereas these rates were progressively raised in men with slight or moderate/severe asbestosis. Of the four exposure variables introduced separately into a logistic regression model, "years of exposure" made a small but significant contribution; "residence time" marginally failed to achieve a 5% level of significance. Two other exposure variables tested including cumulative fibre exposure (fibre years) made no significant contribution. In the absence of asbestosis at necropsy, bronchial cancer in someone exposed to asbestos is unlikely to be due to asbestos.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 1989, Vol.46, No.8, p.537-540. 12 ref.

CIS 90-36 Cotton dust
Polvo de algodón [in Spanish]
Chemical safety information sheet published by the Consejo Interamericano de Seguridad, 33 Park Place, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. Exposure limits (OSHA, 8h TWA) = 0.2mg/m³ for spinning and washing operations; 0.75mg/m³ for textile and garment production; 0.5mg/m³ for cotton residues from yarn production and low quality washed cotton; 1.00mg/m³ for cotton waste recycling operations. Toxicity: bronchitis; byssinosis.
Noticias de seguridad, Nov. 1989, Vol.51, No.11, 5p. Insert.

CIS 90-108 Eklund A., Arns R., Blaschke E., Hed J., Hjertquist S.O., Larsson K., Löwgren H., Nyström, Sköld C.M., Tornling G.
Characteristics of alveolar cells and soluble components in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from non-smoking aluminium potroom workers
The influence of inhalation of aluminium oxide and fluorides on the alveolar milieu was studied by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in 14 male non-smoking potroom workers; 28 non-smoking healthy volunteers served as controls. The total numbers, concentrations, and proportions of various alveolar cells did not differ between the groups. The concentrations of albumin and fibronectin in BAL fluid were significantly higher (p < 0.01 for both) in the exposed workers, reflecting an increased alveolar capillary permeability and an activation of alveolar macrophages (AMs). The concentration of angiotensin converting enzyme, another AM marker, was, however, decreased (p < 0.01) in the workers. The concentration of hyaluronan, a fibroblast marker, did not differ between the groups. AMs from workers had a decreased capacity (p < 0.05) to interact with yeast C3b particles but not to ingest them. The expression of HLA-DR and OKM1 on the cell surfaces of AMs were equal in the two groups. The BAL findings were not accompanied by restrictive lung disease in the workers. The fact that only a discrete alveolitis was found in the potroom workers may be due to a low grade of exposure to alumina and fluorides to frequent use of respiratory protection equipment.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1989, Vol.46, No.11, p.782-786. Illus. 17 ref.

CIS 90-160
Der Minister für Wirtschaft, Mittelstand und Technologie des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen
Results of search in the area of dust and silicosis control in coal mining
Ergebnisse von Untersuchungen auf dem Gebiet der Staub- und Silikosebekämpfung im Steinkohlenbergbau [in German]
Compilation of the results of dust control and silicosis prevention research conducted in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Federal Republic of Germany) in 1987 and 1988.
Steinkohlenbergbauverein, Franz-Fischer-Weg 61, 4300 Essen 13, Federal Republic of Germany, 1989. Vol.17. 347p. Illus.

CIS 90-175 Chen S., Hayes R.B., Wang J., Liang S.R., Blair A.
Nonmalignant respiratory disease among hematite mine workers in China
The mortality risk of nonmalignant respiratory disease among haematite workers in the Longyan and Taochong mines was investigated in a retrospective cohort study covering the period 1970-1982. The cohort was limited to men and consisted of 5406 underground miners, of whom 1335 (25%) were diagnosed as having silicosis. Among those with silicosis, 560 (42%) were diagnosed as having silicotuberculosis. Among the 490 underground miners who died, 278 (57%) died of nonmalignant respiratory disease. The relative risk for death due to nonmalignant respiratory disease for stage III silicotics compared to nonsilicotics was almost 100-fold. High dust exposure was associated with a statistically significant increase in risk of death due to nonmalignant respiratory disease (relative risk 5.3). The relative risk associated with jobs with high dust exposure before the introduction of industrial hygiene controls was 7.7 and the corresponding value for after their introduction was 2.3. There is a need for continued close monitoring of industrial hygiene in these mines.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Oct. 1989, Vol.15, No.5, p.319-322. 10 ref.

CIS 90-264 Letourneux M., Prévost J.N., Brun J., Rosenberg N.
Respiratory pathology of flax
Pathologie respiratoire du lin [in French]
Like the respiratory pathology due to cotton, hemp and sisal dust, that due to flax is referred to as byssinosis. It is encountered especially in scutching, but is also connected with spinning and weaving, where dust exposure is high at certain work stations. The clinical and paraclinical aspects of flax byssinosis involve 2 types of reaction: a sensation of thoracic constriction and/or dyspnoea, and irritation of the respiratory tract. Pathophysiology, treatment, compensation of victims and prevention (dust control in the workplace and medical surveillance of exposed workers) are also discussed.
Encyclopédie médico-chirurgicale, Intoxications - Maladies par agents physiques, Instantanés médicaux, 1989, p.19-22. 32 ref.

CIS 90-120 Saburi Y., Kumae T., Nasu M., Itoga T., Nagato H.
Neutrophil chemiluminescence in pneumoconiosis
Keihai-kanja ni okeru kōchūkyū 'chemiluminescence' no kentō [in Japanese]
Neutrophilic phagocytic activity and serum opsonic activity were examined in pneumoconiosis patients. 100 patients aged 43 to 81 were classified into 4 types (types 1 to 4) according to the degree of chest X-ray findings. A simultaneous multiple measurement system for lumino-dependent chemiluminescence was used. Neutrophilic phagocytic activity and serum opsonic activity were shown by the time length to reach peak chemiluminescence (PT) and the height of peak chemiluminescence (PH). There was no significant difference in neutrophilic phagocytic activity and serum opsonic activity between normal persons and type 1 cases of mild pneumoconiosis. However, these activities were elevated in the cases with more severe pneumoconiosis, while the most severe type 4 cases tended to show lower activities than type 2 and type 3 cases. PT of total chemiluminescence was influenced by both neutrophilic phagocytic activity and serum opsonic activity, but PH only by neutrophilic phagocytic activity. A statistically significant correlation was observed between serum opsonic activity and serum CH₅₀ levels.
Japanese Journal of Thoracic Diseases, Jan. 1989, Vol.27, No.1, p.57-63. Illus. 20 ref.

CIS 90-119 Yuri T., Kato Y., Shima S., Tachikawa S., Yoshida T., Taniwaki H., Hosoda H., Kuramoto T., Nagai K., Ukai Y., Mori N., Arakawa T., Yamauchi S., Nagaoka K., Tamura A.
Annual change in the development of pneumoconiosis and pulmonary dysfunction
Yōgyō-jinpai no shinten to haikino-shōgai no keinenhenka [in Japanese]
The development of pneumoconiosis and of pulmonary dysfunction accompanying it was studied in 623 workers of the ceramic industry. All of them had been under observation for a period of 4 years or more. Spirometry and flow volume curve measurements were carried out to chart the annual changes in various pulmonary function indicators. It was observed that the decline in %VC/Ht (mainly used as an indicator of constrictive impairment) remained at about the same level throughout all the stages of the development in radiographic findings. On the other hand, the decline in %FEV_1.0/Ht or %V₅₀/Ht (chiefly indicative of obstructive dysfunction) was greater in the PR₃ and PR₄ groups than in other groups, and was shown to increase rapidly with more advanced stages found in radiographic findings. Where the stage of the disease in terms of radiographic findings was within the PR₁ - PR₃ range, small-airway dysfunction was greater than central airway dysfunction.
Journal of Science of Labour - Rōdō Kagaku, Feb. 1989, Vol.65, No.2, p.146-156. Illus. 14 ref.

CIS 90-118 Ebihara I., Kawami M.
Carcinoma of the lung and silicosis: A pathological study
The relationship between silicosis and lung carcinoma was approached from a morphological point of view. Carcinoma of the lung was seen in 25 out of 140 autopsies performed on patients with silicosis, representing an incidence of 17.9%. The predominant cancer was squamous cell carcinoma (54.2%) followed by small cell carcinoma (22.9%) and adenocarcinoma (14.6%). There was a clear trend of squamous cell carcinomas arising in the larger airways, whereas the adenocarcinoma was found only in peripheral lung tissues. The majority of the tumours in peripheral lung tissues was associated with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). Among these cases, there were 3 cases of scar cancer arising from scar tissues caused by silicosis. Diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lung (5 cases of lung cancer) was often associated with silicosis. These data demonstrate the close relationship between pathological changes of lung tissues due to dust exposure and carcinoma of the lung.
Journal of Science of Labour - Rōdō Kagaku, Jan. 1989, Vol.65, No.1, p.10-16. Illus. 38 ref.

CIS 89-1602 Seldén A.I., Belin L., Wass U.
Isocyanate exposure and hypersensitivity pneumonitis - Report of a probable case and prevalence of specific immunoglobin G antibodies among exposed individuals
A car painter experienced three episodes of a hypersensitivity pneumonitis-like disease after exposure to two-component acrylic lacquers with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as the curing agent. High titres of HDI-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies were found in the patient's serum by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the ELISA, 5 to 10% of the sera from 455 isocyanate-exposed but asymptomatic workers were positive, depending on the criterion used for a positive test, whereas 0% of the sera from 157 unexposed referents was found to be positive. Among 10 subjects with isocyanate-induced asthma and isocyanate-specific IgE antibodies, 50% had specific IgG. It was concluded that the presence of isocyanate-specific IgG antibodies in serum is correlated with isocyanate exposure rather than with symptoms of isocyanate induced disease.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 1989, Vol.15, No.3, p.234-237. 21 ref. Illus.

CIS 89-1569 Myers J.E., Garisch D., Louw S.J.
Respiratory health of brickworkers in Cape Town, South Africa - Radiographic abnormalities
A cross-sectional study utilising internal controls based on dust exposure determinations was performed on 268 brickworkers. Smoking, age, and other information from a detailed respiratory questionnaire and results from a physical examination and pulmonary function tests were investigated in relation to radiographic abnormality. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis was near 4%. The roles of smoking, workplace dust exposure, and age as factors predicting radiographic abnormality are discussed.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, June 1989, Vol.15, No.3, p.195-197. 11 ref.

CIS 89-902 Barbers R.G., Abraham J.L.
Asbestosis occurring after brief inhalational exposure: usefulness of bronchoalveolar lavage in diagnosis
A case of clinically and radiologically typical asbestosis manifesting in a 55 year old man occurred 36 years after a brief exposure period of less than one year. A transbronchial lung biopsy was performed but the samples were considered non-diagnostic. The diagnosis was supported by the use of bronchoalveolar lavage to obtain alveolar samples and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis of fibres found in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid which showed a predominance of amosite.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Feb. 1989, Vol.46, No.2, p.106-110. Illus. 26 ref.

1988

CIS 92-1892 Bégin R., Massé S., Cantin A., Bisson G., Bergeron D.
New methods for the early detection of pulmonary fibrosis in asbestosis and silicosis
Nouvelles méthodes de détection précoce de la fibrose pulmonaire dans l'asbestose et la silicose [in French]
Comparative study of new medical diagnostic methods, such as axial chest tomography, pulmonary scintigraphy with Ga-67, and bronchoalveolar lavage. These methods were also compared with traditional clinical examination methods, such as the taking of chest X-rays and the performance of respiratory function tests. Each method is evaluated from the viewpoint of its usefulness in early diagnosis, in the detection of fibrosis of the lung, in the staging of the disease, and in its ability to predict fibrogenic potential.
Revue des maladies respiratoires, 1988, Vol.5 (special issue), p.417-427. Illus. 42 ref.

CIS 91-944 Proceedings of the VIIth International Pneumoconioses Conference - Part I.
Part 1 of the Proceedings of the 7th International Pneumoconioses Conference held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, 23-26 August 1988. Papers cover: exposure monitoring and control in coal mines; epidemiology of workers exposed to coal dust, asbestos, silica and fibres; animal models of pneumoconiosis, the lung fibre burden and asbestos pleural pathology; radiology; toxicity and surface characterisation of dusts; health effects of metal exposures; characteristics of coal mine dust; hazard evaluation and clinical studies; bronchoalveolar lavage/treatment; medical methods, including exercise tests and lung function; general occupational lung disease; instrumentation for dust measurement; pathology standards with reference to microorganisms and occupational dust; prevention and intervention, including respiratory health programmes in various countries; surveillance, screening and health reviews.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA, Sep. 1990. 834p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

CIS 91-140 Banić N., Hajnić V.
Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, University of Zagreb, 1948-1988
This book marking the 40th anniversary of the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health (University of Zagreb), introduces its structure, research, training and publishing activities, and presents the Institute collection of scientific articles on various aspects of occupational health.
The Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Yugoslavia, 1988. 198p. Bibl.

CIS 90-1557 Polzik E.V., Močneva M. Ju., Kazancev V.S., Hodyrev V.N., Hal'fina M.E.
HLA antigens and silicosis
Antigeny sistemy HLA i silikoz [in Russian]
Similar exposure to fibrogenic dust does not necessarily induce pneumoconiosis in every exposed person, even in one and the same undertaking. Genetic predisposition seems to play an important part in the triggering of the pneumoconiotic process. This study investigated the contribution of the HLA system antigens (loci A and B) to the emergence of silicosis and silicotuberculosis. A multifactor analysis of the whole human phenotype was employed using image recognition and discriminant analysis algorithms with subsequent computer processing of the data. The study cohort was composed of silica brick factory workers on a case-control basis (1 patient - 2 non-patients), with the elimination of some potentially confounding factors (chronic bronchitis history, age, nationality, etc.). There were significant differences in the HLA antigens between silicosis and silicotuberculosis patients, on the one hand, and non-patients, on the other, which shows the relevance of the genetic component.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Aug. 1988, No.8, p.28-31. 20 ref.

CIS 90-951 Miller B.G., Kinnear A.G.
Pneumoconiosis in coalminers and exposure to dust of variable quartz content
This report describes the design and execution of a study in which existing radiographs for man at a Scottish colliery were re-examined with the objective of relating any abnormalities to the men's histories of exposure to respirable dust and its components, particularly quartz. The relationships between exposure, progression of radiographic abnormalities and lung function were also examined. Data analysis confirmed that appearances of small pneumoconiotic shadows were associated most strongly with estimates of exposure to respirable dust, and particularly with estimates of exposure to the quartz component of these dusts. There was no evidence of a relationship between apparently dust related lung function effects and the radiographic abnormalities ascribed to quartz exposures in the same men.
Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh EH8 9SU, United Kingdom, 1988. 120p. Price: GBP 20.00 (UK); GBP 25.00 (Overseas).

CIS 90-517 Le Bouffant L.
Health in mines - Community research into the relationship between epidemiological data and the toxicity of mine dusts
Hygiène dans les mines - Recherche communautaire d'une relation entre les données épidémiologiques et la nocivité des poussières de mine [in French]
Evidence of major differences in the frequency of pneumoconiosis between coal fields has been gathered in all the coal producing countries of the EC. Since these differences could not be explained simply by differences in the dust levels, it was decided to look into "dust quality" in addition to "dust quantity". Dust samples were taken in the coal mines of each country and sent to laboratories for physical and chemical analysis and biological tests. The present report summarises the main results obtained by each laboratory and presents the statistical conclusions drawn.
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2985 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, 1988. 201p. Illus.

CIS 90-624 Flechsig R.
What do we know today about welding-fume effects on the respiratory system?
The purpose of this review of the last 10 years' publications was to show present knowledge about welding-fume effects on the respiratory system. Welding generates particles and gases which are characteristic for the method used and the material welded. Various investigations to determine if respiratory system diseases occur more often in welders than in others not exposed have yielded diverging results. One explanation of this may be that the exposure of welders in the various studies may not be directly comparable and the majority of authors did not take into consideration the impact of other conditions of the working environment. This review represents all known respiratory symptoms, such as siderosis, chronic bronchitis, fibrosis of the lung, asthma, lung cancer and diseases of the upper respiratory tract, which can occur in welders. Furthermore, the legal base is given for the declaration of these diseases as an occupational disease and the fitness rules for welders in the German Democratic Republic.
Industrial Health, 1988, Vol.26, No.2, p.93-100. 36 ref. Bibl.

CIS 90-659 Lacey J., Crook B.
Fungal and actinomycete spores as pollutants of the workplace and occupational allergens
Heaviest exposure to airborne spores is often found in the workplace. Important sources are agricultural crops, mushrooms, wood for timber or pulping, composts, food processing and, increasingly, biotechnological processes. Many of the spores concerned are 1-5µm in diameter and they may number up to 10¹⁰ spores/m³ air. Many of the organisms found are well-known allergens and have been implicated in occupational asthma or extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Some may also cause infection, e.g. Aspergillus fumigatus, or carry mycotoxins, e.g. Aspergillus flavus, while very intense exposure may cause "organic dust toxic syndrome". Important factors in the development of occupational asthma and allergic alveolitis are predisposition and the nature, intensity and duration of exposure. Examples of exposure to fungal and actinomycete spores in different occupational environments are described.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene, 1988, Vol.32, No.4, p.515-533. Bibl.

CIS 90-104 Hodgson M.J., Parkinson D.K., Sabo S., Owens G.R., Feist J.H.
Asbestosis among electricians
In a cross-sectional study of a small group of non-shipyard electricians the prevalence of asbetosis, defined as irregular opacities of at least 1/0 profusion, was found to be 15% overall and 25% after 20 years of service. Irregular opacities occurred more frequently among smokers. Cost estimates for asbestos-related disease should include construction electricians in the populations at risk.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Aug. 1988, Vol.30, No.8, p.638-640. 16 ref.

CIS 90-121 Cavalleri A., Gobba F., Bacchella L., Luberto F., Ziccardi A.
Serum type III procollagen peptide in asbestos workers: An early indicator of pulmonary fibrosis
Serum type III procollagen peptide (PIIIP) concentrations were determined in 36 male workers exposed to asbestos fibres in the production of asbestos cement items in 13 healthy male controls. Mean (SD) PIIIP serum concentrations were 9.3 (1.5) ng/mL (range 7-12) in the controls and 13.7 (3.5) ng/mL (range 7.5-20) in the asbestos workers; the difference was statistically significant (p<0.01). The exposed workers were subdivided according to presence or absence of radiological signs of asbestosis and intensity and duration of exposure. PIIIP serum values of workers with asbestos related interstitial fibrosis were the highest of the groups at 14.6 (2.3) ng/mL. In workers with heavy exposure the PIIIP values were significantly related to duration of exposure (r = 0.95; p<0.01). PIIIP serum values may be a useful index for the early diagnosis of asbestos induced pulmonary fibrosis and biological monitoring of exposed workers.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1988, Vol.45, No.12, p.818-823. Illus. 34 ref.

CIS 90-326 Takam J., Nemery B.
Byssinosis in a textile factory in Cameroon: A preliminary study
To assess the risk of byssinosis in a cotton textile factory in Cameroon a preliminary study was conducted on a random sample of 125 men from production areas and 68 men from non-production areas. Exposed subjects had significantly more symptoms (particularly in smokers) and lower peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) values than controls. 23 exposed subjects (18%) reported chest tightness. Subjects with byssinosis had lower PEF values than those without chest tightness, more chronic bronchitis, they were more often smokers, and came generally, though not exclusively, from the opening carding spinning department with the highest concentrations of total dust (8±2mg/m³) and an estimated prevalence of byssinosis of 28%. There were no significant differences in sleep related symptoms between the exposed and controls, though the 23 subjects with byssinosis tended to report more snoring (48%), early morning headache (48%), and sleep improvement over the working week (44%) than all the other subjects (28%, 24%, and 24% respectively, p<0.1).
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Dec. 1988, Vol.45, No.12, p.803-809. Illus. 26 ref.

CIS 89-1884 Cinkotai F.F., Rigby A., Pickering C.A.C., Seaborn D., Faragher E.
Recent trends in the prevalence of byssinotic symptoms in the Lancashire textile industry
A respiratory symptoms questionnaire was completed for 4,656 volunteers employed in 31 textile factories engaged in spinning or weaving man-made fibre or cotton of various qualities. Sets of airborne dust and bacteria samples were collected in work-zones and personal breathing zones in the workrooms where the volunteers were employed. A total of 182 people indicated experiencing byssinotic symptoms. Logistic regression model, the prevalence of byssinotic symptoms was found to be statistically significantly related to years worked in the cotton industry, exposure to dust, quality of cotton used, workroom of employment, ethnic origin, and smoking habits. Symptoms of chronic bronchitis were found to be significantly related to smoking habit and to factors connected with occupation, such as exposure to dust, workroom, and the quality of fibre processed.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1988, Vol.45, No.11, p.782-789. Illus. 6 ref.

CIS 89-1948 Rossiter C.E., Browne K., Gilson J.C.
International classification trial of AIA set of 100 radiographs of asbestos workers
A series of 100 full-size radiographs illustrating the range of asbestos-related radiographic changes was collected by the Asbestos International Association to provide a demonstration and teaching supplement to the ILO 1980 International Classification of the Radiographic Appearances of Pneumoconioses. Each film was read by 12 experienced readers from 10 countries. It is proposed that, in the use of this set, readers should classify each film using the ILO classification rules. Comparing the individual readings by the 12 readers, most of the variation in reading the profusion of small opacities was ascribable only to random variation, with little consistent bias between readers. By contrast, 2 readers recorded pleural changes much more frequently than their colleagues. This illustrated a major problem with the ILO 1980 Classification.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Aug. 1988, Vol.45, No.8, p.538-543. 5 ref.

CIS 89-2064 Cinkotai F.F., Emo P., Gibbs A.C.C., Jouany J.M.
Low prevalence of byssinotic symptoms in 12 flax scutching mills in Normandy, France
The concentrations of airborne dust and bacteria were determined in 12 flax scutching mills and in 2 milk processing plants in Normandy, France. A total of 308 of 340 flax workers and 111 of 113 milk processors volunteered to answer a respiratory questionnaire. Personal exposure to airborne dust in the scutching mills varied from 22.2mg/m³ to 144mg/m³ and areal concentrations from 8.92mg/m³ to 47.1mg/m³. The concentration of Gram negative bacteria ranged from 3,970 (colony forming units) cfu/m³ to 67,900cfi/m³ and that of total bacteria from 12,900cfu/m³ to more than 600.000cfu/m³. 20% of the flax scutchers were found to suffer from persistent cough and 25% from chronic phlegm production. The corresponding figures among milk processors were 3.6% and 4.5%. Only 12.5% of the scutchers appeared to suffer from byssinotic symptoms even though they were heavily exposed to airborne dust and bacteria. The low prevalence of byssinosis might be due to self selection of the workforce or a relatively low concentration of the causative agent despite high airborne contamination.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 1988, Vol.45, No.5, p.325-328. 13 ref.

CIS 89-1934 Wagner J.C., Newhouse M.L., Corrin B., Rossiter C.E.R., Griffiths D.M.
Correlation between fibre content of the lung and disease in east London asbestos factory workers
The lungs from 36 former workers at an east London asbestos factory who had died from asbestos related disease were compared with lung tissue from 56 matched control patients being operated on in east London for carcinoma of the lung, correlating the severity of asbestos and the presence of pulmonary carcinoma or mesothelioma of the pleura or peritoneum with an asbestos exposure index and type and amount of mineral fibre in the lungs. Asbestosis was associated with far heavier fibre burdens than mesothelioma. There was also a striking difference in the degree of asbestosis between the subjects with mesothelioma and those with carcinoma of the lung, the asbestosis being more severe in the latter. A further finding was that crocidolite and amosite were strongly associated with asbestosis, carcinoma of the lung complicating asbestosis, and mesothelioma, whereas no such correlation was evident with chrysotile or mullite. It is suggested that more emphasis should be placed on the biological differences between amphibole and serpentine asbestos fibre.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 1988, Vol.45, No.5, p.305-308. 12 ref.

CIS 89-1990 Mandal A.S.
Pneumoconiosis in Indian mines
This book devoted almost entirely to the radiological aspects of pneumoconiosis is supplemented by case studies, direct findings and the great experience of the author. Contents: radiological aspects of pneumoconiosis; differential diagnosis; the ILO classifications; epidemiology of pneumoconiosis in Indian mines; compensation; rehabilitation and job placement of pneumoconiosis victims; complications.
East End Medical Publishers, c/o Dr. M.K. Saha, P.O. Gobindpur, Dt. Dhanbad (Bihar), Pin: 828109, India, 1988. 104p. Illus. Prices: INR 200.00; GBP 13.50; USD 25.00.

CIS 89-1855 Petsonk E.L., Storey E., Becker P.E., Davidson C.A., Kennedy K., Vallyathan V.
Pneumoconiosis in carbon electrode workers
Pneumoconiosis was diagnosed in five workers involved in the manufacture of carbon electrodes. Possible aetiologies are discussed. It is generally believed that pneumoconiosis ceased to be a problem in this industry after World War II; however, the reported cases all resulted from exposures after 1940. These findings question the efficacy of recent and current engineering controls and suggest the need for further study of this industry.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Nov. 1988, Vol.30, No.11, p.887-894. Illus. 18 ref.

CIS 89-1565 Dobreva M.
Some aspects of methodology of measuring and hygienic evaluation of dust in the air of the working environment
Njakoi aspekti na metodologijata za izmervane i higienna ocenka na praha văv văzduha na rabotnata sreda [in Bulgarian]
The cumulative dose of respirable dust, quartz, asbestos or some other fibrogenic component is the most authentic criterion for the hygienic evaluation of the risk of pneumoconiosis among workers exposed to fibrogenic dusts. Since the real cumulative dose, apart from the objective conditions of the working environment, also depends on many subjective, individual factors, its determination is very complicated. That is why determination of the so-called "exposure cumulative dose" is recommended; this can be established by objective methods. It is expressed as a mean value with definite confidence limits. The methodology of its determination as a function of the strenuousness of work and the variability of dust concentrations (assuming a log-normal distribution of dust concentrations) is given.
Higiena i zdraveopazvane, Sep. 1988, Vol.31, No.5, p.12-15. 13 ref.

CIS 89-1169 Precautions against humidifier fever in the print industry
Training booklet.
Health and Safety Executive, St Hugh's House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 3QY, United Kingdom, 1988. 5p.

CIS 89-1209 Martin J.R., Muir D.C.F., Moore E., Edwards A.C., Becklake M., Morgan K.W., Anderson H., Edstrom H., Rusted I.E., Segovia J.
Pneumoconiosis in iron ore surface mining in Labrador
A cross-sectional survey of the work force at an iron ore surface mine and benefication plant identified cases with a radiologic diagnosis compatible with simple pneumoconiosis by the International Labour Organization (ILO) classification (1980). Their distribution by ILO categories 1, 2, and 3, after excluding those with confounding diagnoses for pneumoconiosis, was 30, 10, and 2 cases, respectively. ILO category was related to age, duration of current employment, and cumulative respirable dust and quartz levels, as well as to decrement in ventilatory function.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, Oct. 1988, Vol.30, No.10, p.780-784. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 89-818 Musk A.W., de Klerk N.H., Cookson W.O.C., Morgan W.K.C.
Radiographic abnormalities and duration of employment in Western Australian iron-ore miners
Plain chest radiographs of 788 Pilbara iron-ore miners from Western Australia were examined by two independent observers for evidence of pneumoconiosis. The prevalence of any radiographic abnormality (a profusion grade of 0/1 or greater on the International Labour Office [ILO] scale) was 6.7% for Reader 1 and 9.9% for Reader 2. The prevalence of a definite radiographic abnormality (a profusion grade of 1/0 or greater on the ILO scale) was 1.9% for Reader 1 and 2.8% for Reader 2. The prevalence of any abnormality, as identified by either or by both observers, was significantly related to age. The relationship between a radiographic abnormality and the duration of employment was less clear. The results indicate a need for more detailed and comprehensive studies of the effects of iron-ore dust in this industry.
Medical Journal of Australia, 4 Apr. 1988, Vol. 148, No.7, p.332-334. Illus. 28 ref.

CIS 89-1016 Woodard E.D., Friedlander B., Lesher R.J., Font W., Kinsey R., Hearne F.T.
Outbreak of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in an industrial setting
Symptoms consistent with hypersensitivity pneumonitis developed in several workers in two multistory buildings in an industrial complex. A health questionnaire survey was conducted to determine the extent of the problem. Eighty-seven percent of the population of 1050 employees completed the health questionnaire. Serological testing identified 152 positive precipitin reactors to the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans; 115 reactors were symptomatic. The clinical and laboratory features at the time of the acute illness and during four years of follow-up are described. The agent, A pullulans, was identified as a contaminant of the heating-cooling ventilation units containing open water-spray chambers. Control was accomplished by replacement of the ventilation systems. A secondary source of antigen was found to be corrugated cardboard. Some sensitised employees required removal from work exposure to corrugated cardboard to prevent recurrent symptoms.
Journal of the American Medical Association, 1 Apr. 1988, Vol. 259, No.13, p.1965-1969. Illus. 25 ref.

CIS 89-315 Bertolini R.
Animal and vegetable dusts as a cause of deep lung inflammation
This report discusses extrinsic allergic alveolitis. Covered are: sources of dust; development, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment; occupations at risk; and recommended preventive measures.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 250 Main Street East, Hamilton Ontario L8N 1H6, Canada, Feb. 1988. 5p.

CIS 88-1868 Collins H.P.R., Dick J.A., Bennett J.G., Pern P.O., Rickards M.A., Thomas D.J., Washington J.S., Jacobsen M.
Irregularly shaped small shadows on chest radiographs, dust exposure, and lung function in coalworkers' pneumoconiosis
Chest radiographs of 895 British coalminers were studied to determine whether irregular small opacities can be identified reproducibly, whether their occurrence is related to dust exposure, and whether they are associated with impairment of lung function. The 1980 ILO classification of pneumoconiosis was used. 39 films showed predominantly irregular small opacities, 131 small rounded opacities and 587 no small opacities. There was no general opinion about the presence and shapes of shadows on the other 138 films. The presence of irregular (but not rounded) small shadows was associated with an impairment in respiratory function. The presence and profusion of small irregular opacities should be taken into consideration when assessing the severity of coalworkers' simple pneumoconiosis.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Jan. 1988, Vol.45, No.1, p.43-55. Illus. 25 ref.

CIS 88-1493 Silicosis
Silicosis [in Spanish]
Well-illustrated training booklet aimed at workers exposed to silica dust in their work.
Asociación Chilena de Seguridad, Bandera 84, Santiago, Chile, 1988. 14p. Illus.

1987

CIS 90-1602 Kogan F.M., Gusel'nikova N.A., Popova T.V., Gladkova E.V., Gurvič E.V., Kuzina L.E.
Epidemiologic study of chronic background, pretumour and oncologic diseases in workers exposed to low concentrations of asbestos-containing dust
Ob ėpidemiologii hroničeskih fonovyh, predopuholevyh i onkologičeskih zabolevanij u rabotajuščih pri nizkih koncentracijah asbestosoderžaščej pyli [in Russian]
Complex hygienic, clinical and oncoepidemiological investigations at a plant manufacturing asbestos-containing products were carried out. Despite the dust content of workplace air being close to the MAC (2mg/m³) for 20 years, the incidence of upper respiratory tract diseases and functional respiratory disorders was high. The oncoepidemiological study indicated that the established MACs ensuring the prevention of asbestosis and dust-induced bronchitis cannot be considered oncologically safe.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Mar. 1987, No.3, p.37-40. 8 ref.

CIS 89-2065 Coscia G.C., Discalzi G., Ponzetti C.
Immunological aspects of farmer's lung - A family study
The behaviour of major cellular and humoral immunity parameters was studied in a farming family with a high incidence of Farmer's Lung. While responses of the I, III and IV type (according to the Gell and Coombs classification scheme) were variable among members of the family, the T helper/suppressor ratio was significantly reduced and the B lymphocyte absolute number and the percentage were significantly increased among members of the same family.
Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1987, Vol.78, No.2, p.112-116. 20 ref.

CIS 89-1566 Ruppe K., Beck B., Irmscher G., Kahle S.
State and development of the struggle against pneumoconiosis in the GDR
Stand und Entwicklung der Bekämpfung von Staublungenkrankheiten in der DDR [in German]
The system of pneumoconiosis prevention and dust suppression in the GDR is an example for the struggle against occupational diseases. Pneumoconiosis research and dust suppression at the workplace are a cooperative task for physicians, engineers and scientists. Their successes show in a continuous decrement of pneumoconiosis incidence.
Zeitschrift für die gesamte Hygiene und ihre Grenzgebiete, 1987, Vol.33, No.10, p.490-492. 33 ref.

CIS 89-1598 Levickaja V.L.
Detection of bronchodyskinetic syndrome in patients with dust-related respiratory diseases
Raspoznavanie bronhodiskinetičeskogo sindroma u bol'nyh s pylevymi zabolevanijami organov dyhanija [in Russian]
Medical examinations of 69 Donbass miners with chronic bronchitis in its 1st and 2nd stages and 70 miners with pneumoconiosis in its 1st stage were carried out. The examination included inhalation tests with a salbutamol bronchodilator (β₂-adrenoreceptor stimulator) with subsequent recording of pulmonary function on a pneumotachograph. The results showed that measurement of respiratory flow rate and volume, with the use of spasmolytic drugs, is rather promising for diagnosis of the functional state of the bronchopulmonary system and selection of treatment policies.
Gigiena truda i professional'nye zabolevanija, Dec. 1987, No.12, p.44-46. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 89-1522 Moore E., Martin J.R., Edwards A.C., Muir D.C.F.
A case-control study to investigate the association between indices of dust exposure and the development of radiologic pneumoconiosis
A study on employees at an iron ore surface mining plant was undertaken to determine which indices of dust exposure related most closely to radiologic categories for pneumoconiosis. Forty cases, with radiographs compatible with the ILO Categories (1980) for simple pneumoconiosis, were matched for age, smoking habit, and date of entry into the workforce with 80 control subjects whose radiographs were normal. The six indices of dust exposure were cumulative and "peak" respirable dust, quartz, and iron oxide. Both iron oxide indices were not significant at the 5% level for either ILO Category 1 or Categories 2, 3. The association between dust composition and ILO radiologic category for simple pneumoconiosis was consistent, with respirable quartz being the best differentiating index between the case and control groups.
Archives of Environmental Health, Nov.-Dec. 1987, Vol.42, No.6, p.351-355. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 89-1244 Parikh J.R., Venkatakrishna-Bhatt H., Panchal G.M.
Blood histamine levels in cotton-dust exposed workers in a textile mill of Ahmedabad
Blood histamine levels were measured by the bioassay of histamine (on an isolated strip of guinea pig ileum) in workers exposed to cotton dust in a textile mill in Ahmedabad. Byssinotic subjects showed very high levels of blood histamine as compared to non-byssinotic and control subjects. The blood histamine levels were not well correlated to the dust concentrations or duration of exposure but rather to the day of the week (i.e. first, second, third, etc., after weekend break) on which the samples were collected. The blood histamine levels were high on the first day of the work week, when byssinotics complain most of their symptoms.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 1987, Vol.12, No.4, p.439-443. 19 ref.

CIS 89-817 Finkelstein M., Liss G.M., Krammer F., Kusiak R.A.
Mortality among workers receiving compensation awards for silicosis in Ontario 1940-85
The mortality experience of 1,190 miners and 289 surface industry workers receiving workers' compensation awards for silicosis in Ontario since 1940 was studied up to mid-1985. Both groups were found to have a significantly increased mortality from lung cancer (miners' SMR: 230; surface workers' SMR: 302) and stomach cancer (miners' SMR: 188; surface workers' SMR: 366). Adjustment for smoking and country of origin did not explain the excesses observed. The lung cancer findings are consistent with observations from silicosis registries in Europe. Possible explanatory factors are discussed.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 1987, Vol.44, No.9, p.588-594. 25 ref.

CIS 89-930 Rühl B.
Influence of the recrystallisation of ceramic fibres on their effects on men
Der Einfluss der Rekristallisation keramischer Fasern und deren Wirkung auf den Menschen [in German]
The state of the present debate about the biological availability of man-made mineral fibres is described. The behaviour of all these fibres at temperatures up to 800°C and of ceramic fibres up to 2,000°C is shown. The ceramic products heated to more than 1,000°C recrystallise, and only a part of them consists of mineral fibres. These fibres have little mechanical strength, and only a part of the recrystallised material contains cristobalite. The silicogenicity of cristobalite is discussed.
Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz, Prophylaxe und Ergonomie, 1987, Vol.37, No.10, p.302-314. Illus. 45 ref.

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