[Reference values of selected parameters of lung functions in the population of Bogdanka coal miners]

The aim of the study was to construct and test new equations for calculating FEV1, ITGV and FVC predictive values. Our examined population consisted of 2058 coal miners working underground in Bogdanka colliery (Lublin Basin). The following persons were excluded from out considerations: 1. smokers, 2. miners with pulmonary or allergic diseases history, 3. patients with chronic cough, sputum production or symptoms of chronic rhinitis, 4. persons with bronchial hyperreactivity. Finally, our standard group consisted of 353 coal miners. On the basis of our standard group data, new equations for calculating predictive values were formulated using the multiple regression model. According to these new equations and to equations elaborated by other authors, we calculated predictive values for FEV1, FVC and ITGV in our standard population and expressed results of measurements in percentages of different predictive values. Our predictive values in the standard population were significantly higher than the other authors' values. Percentages of predicted values were lower in the same comparison. We believe that observed differences are linked to a possible self-selection phenomenon in occupationally exposed population, relatively small maximum age of our standard group, possible differences in anthropometric features among examined populations and excluding hyperreactives. Our results seem to emphasize the need of greater attention to the paid on more restrictive use of the specially formulated equations in separate age compartments.