Pulmonary evaluation of sandblasters

A group of 32 sandblasters, all with over 25 years' experience, were compared with a control group of non-sandblasters. The evaluation consisted of chest x-rays and pulmonary functions. The chest x-rays were graded in random sequence by a consultant radiologist according to the 1971 International Classification of Radiographs of the Pneumonconioses. Pulmonary functions analyzed were forced expiratory volumes (FEV 1) and forced vital capacities (FVC). Any chest x-ray changes noted were equivalent between the sandblasters and the control group. The FEV 1/FVC ratios revealed no significant differences between the two groups; however, when the FEV 1 and FVC were compared with predicted values, the sandblasters appear significantly reduced compared to the controls. The two groups were not comparable in two respects, ethnic background and smoking habits. Other groups have reported ethnic differences in FEV 1 and FVC. A second study, comparing Negro and Caucasian males, demonstrated a significant difference in pulmonary functions, confirming the previous reports. A third evaluation of pulmonary function and smoking habits demonstrated a significant reduction in pulmonary function tests in smokers. After corrections were made in the original study for differences in ethnic background and for smoking habits, no significant differences in pulmonary functions existed in the sandblasters compared to the control group.