EFFECTS OF CUMULATIVE EXPOSURE TO SILICA DUST ON VENTILATORY FUNCTION IN UNDERGROUND MINERS
Keywords:
crystalline silica, estimated cumulative exposure, forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced vital capacity, work tenureAbstract
Introduction: Occupational exposure to crystalline silica is encountered in more workplaces due to its widespread application in multiple industries.
Aim: To assess the impact of estimated cumulative exposure to silica dust on ventilatory function in underground miners.
Methods: А cross-sectional study included 320 underground miners divided in two groups by duration of their work experience (≤ 15 and >>15 years). The study protocol included completion of a questionnaire on demographic and other characteristics, measurements of respirable dust and crystalline silica at the worksite and spirometric measurements.
Results: The mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) in underground miners with work tenure ≤ 15 years was significantly higher compared to the mean value in underground miners with longer work tenure (103.35 ± 9.01 vs. 97.97 ± 9.94, p=0.00001; and 97.06 ± 11.32 vs. 90.84±14.15, p=0.00003; respectively). With increase of work tenure, the values of spirometric parameters significantly decreased, i.e. a significant linear negative correlation between cumulative exposure to silica dust and FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio values was registered (p=0.00003; p=0.00001 and p=0.0104, respectively).
Conclusion: We found a significant impact of cumulative exposure to silica dust on ventilatory function in underground miners. Our findings indicated a need of implementation of more stringent occupational health standards in order to protect respiratory health of exposed workers.
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