Salāmat-i kār-i Īrān (Apr 2006)
Investigation of prevalence rate of silicosis in silica powderproduction workers in Azandarian-Malayer in 2001-2002
Abstract
Background and Aims:Silicosis is a diffuse interstitial fibronodoular lung disease caused byinhalation of dust containing free crystalline silica. Crystalline silica can cause several forms ofsilicosis. silicosis is still a significant health problem around the world and it remains a commonand disabling lung disease in developing nations.Exposure to silica occurs by inhalation of dry mineral particles of respirable size (0.2 to 10?maerodynamic diameterMethod: By a cross-sectional study 100 male workers in silica production factories weresurveyed. Information on health status of workers was gathered with questionnaire, Spiro meterand chest x-ray.Results: The results illustrated 21 workers with signs and symptoms and abnormal physicalexamination.Persons had significant abnormal sign evidence in their chest x-ray, and 14 workershad abnormal Spiro gram patternsConclusion :The result also indicated that 10 workers had overt silicosis and 11 workers can comeback and start working, provided that improvement workplace and control of silica dust.This study showed a significant association between Dose-response silica exposure and theincidence of silicosis.
