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Document ID (ISN)62084
CIS number 94-606
ISSN - Serial title 0047-1879 - Japanese Journal of Industrial Health - Sangyō-Igaku
Year 1993
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Kumagai S., Kurumatani N., Nakachi S., Nakagiri S., Hara K.
Title Occupational dust exposure and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among conduit repair workers
Original title Suidōkyoku shokuin no funjin bakuro jōkyō to kokyūkishō jōshū soritsu [in Japanese]
Bibliographic information Nov. 1993, Vol.35, No.6, p.540-549. Illus. 30 ref.
Abstract Workers engaged in the repair of city water supply conduits are exposed to dust during excavation and the cutting of pavement and pipe. To quantify this exposure and its consequences, ambient dust levels were measured at 20 conduit repair sites in two cities; the concentration and composition of dust was compared with samples collected in 10 offices of the water supply authorities. Questionnaires concerning respiratory symptoms were then distributed to the conduit repair workers and office workers of 119 municipal water supply authorities. The mean dust concentration in conduit repair was 0.91mg/m3, or 4.6 times higher than the level in offices. X-ray analysis showed that soil was the main component, while in offices it was tobacco smoke. Among smokers, the prevalence of cough and phlegm was higher among conduit workers than in clerical or engineering staff; among non- and ex-smokers the difference was not significant.
Descriptors (primary) Japan; smoking; public water supply; dust; exposure evaluation; symptoms
Descriptors (secondary) dust analysis; dust measurement
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceJapan
Subject(s) Dust, aerosols and related diseases
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Smoking
Water and sanitation services
Exposure evaluation