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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Welsh slate miners
C J Reynolds1, S J MacNeill2, J Williams3
1National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LR, UK, carl.reynolds@imperial.ac.uk.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|November 7, 2016
Summary
Slate miners exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) face increased chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk and reduced lung function, independent of smoking and pneumoconiosis.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure is a known cause of emphysema, airflow limitation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Slate miners are occupationally exposed to slate dust containing RCS.
- The specific risk of COPD among slate miners has not been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cumulative impact of slate mining on lung function.
- To assess the risk of developing COPD in Welsh slate miners.
- To determine if these effects are independent of smoking and pneumoconiosis.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of existing Medical Research Council (MRC) survey data.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) defined by a forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio <0.7.
- Multivariable regression models (linear for lung function, logistic for COPD) adjusted for age and smoking status.
Main Results:
- COPD was more prevalent in slate miners (33%) compared to non-miners (26%).
- Slate mining was associated with reduced lung function, specifically %predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), after adjusting for smoking.
- An increased risk of COPD was observed in slate miners (OR 1.38), independent of smoking and pneumoconiosis.
Conclusions:
- Slate mining exposure is linked to diminished lung function.
- Slate mining may independently increase the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Findings highlight the occupational respiratory risks associated with slate mining.
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