Pulmonary function prediction equations of male gold miners in Ghana

To determine the reference values and prediction equations for the Ghanaian gold miner and to compare the lung function indices with those working in other parts of Africa.

Descriptive study of the lung functions of life-long non smoking underground gold miners Prediction equations and reference values were then derives from best fitting equations and compared with previously published reference equations.

The study was conducted at the Obuasi gold mini in Ghana.

Tests were conducted on 1 210 male miners.

To assess the lung functions of the Ghanaian gold miner.

The estimated prediction equations were as follows FVC (1) = -4.068 to 0.0210 x age (y) + 0496 x height (cm); FEV1(1) = -2.555 to 0.0210 age (y) +0.0360 x height (cm) and FET(25-75%) = -0.515 to 0.0157 x age (y)+ 0.0249 x height(cm). The closest fitting reference value was that of the European Community for Steel and Coal (ECCS) with a conversion factor (CF) of 0.87.

The lung function indices of the Ghanaian gold miners are similar to those obtained from other west African countries, but lower than those from the southern and eastern Africa countries. The ECCS equation with a conversion factor of 0.87 fitted best for Ghanaian gold miners. Exposure to gold mine dust did not influence lung functions in this study.