BACKGROUND: The present cross-sectional study was carried out among 136 quartz stone grinders with the objective of studying the peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the associated epidemiological factors. METHODS: Interview technique was used to record demographic characteristics and occupational history on a predesigned proforma, which included questionnaires regarding demographic, occupational and clinical characteristics. This was followed by complete medical examination and measurement of PEF using Spirovit SP-10. The study included 75 (55.1%) male and 61 (44.9%) female silica-exposed workers. The mean age of the subjects was 31.77 +/- 9.99 years whereas the mean duration of exposure was 2.74 +/- 1.65 years. The mean PEF was found to be 5.16 +/- 2.1 L/min. RESULTS: In the present study the PEF was significantly reduced in those having respiratory morbidity on both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that along with the restrictive pathology caused by free silica dust, obstructive changes are also encountered in silica-exposed workers.
BACKGROUND: The present cross-sectional study was carried out among 136 quartz stone grinders with the objective of studying the peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the associated epidemiological factors. METHODS: Interview technique was used to record demographic characteristics and occupational history on a predesigned proforma, which included questionnaires regarding demographic, occupational and clinical characteristics. This was followed by complete medical examination and measurement of PEF using Spirovit SP-10. The study included 75 (55.1%) male and 61 (44.9%) female silica-exposed workers. The mean age of the subjects was 31.77 +/- 9.99 years whereas the mean duration of exposure was 2.74 +/- 1.65 years. The mean PEF was found to be 5.16 +/- 2.1 L/min. RESULTS: In the present study the PEF was significantly reduced in those having respiratory morbidity on both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that along with the restrictive pathology caused by free silica dust, obstructive changes are also encountered in silica-exposed workers.
Authors: David M Brass; Sean P McGee; Mary K Dunkel; Sarah M Reilly; Jacob M Tobolewski; Tara Sabo-Attwood; Cheryl L Fattman Journal: Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol Date: 2010-08-20 Impact factor: 5.464