Source: Annual Congress 2002 - Asbestos and silica
Disease area: Airway diseases

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of marble dust on pulmonary functions, respiratory symptoms and chest x-ray.
Methods: 236 marble workers and 102 healthy adults were included in this study. Marble workers were divided into three groups: Marble mine workers (group-a, 42), marble factory workers (group-b, 140), marble workshop workers (group-c, 54) and technician (group d). All subjects underwent a detailed physical examination and pulmonary function tests. Standard chest x-rays of subjects were obtained. Dust concentration in the working environment was measured by gravimetrical method.
Results: There were no significant differences of cigarette packet year between the groups (p>0.05). Total exposure time to marble dust was significantly higher in group-a (p< 0.05). The higher dust concentration was in the marble workshops (11.7 mg/m³).
Cough was more prevalent in all marble workers than group d. On the other hand; sputum and chronic bronchitis in group a and b were significantly higher than group c and group d (p< 0.05). No significant differences were found between groups for pulmonary function test (p> 0.05). According to ILO classification, increase in the 1/0 p densities were detected in 5 subjects of the mine workers, 3 subjects of the marble factory workers and 3 subjects of the marble workshop workers.
Conclusion: Marble dust workers more frequently have respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis.

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Citations should be made in the following way:
A. Orman, M. Unlu, M. Cirit, A. Yucel (Afyon, Turkey). Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function tests of marble workers. Eur Respir J 2002; 20: Suppl. 38, 848

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