[Effect of metal dust on the respiratory system. II. Clinical examinations]

Studies were carried out in 4 groups of workers occupationally exposed to cadmium, tungsten, manganese and lead. All those groups were homogeneous, composed exclusively of men aged 35--45, of similar height, body weight, and duration of employment above 10 years. Following the same criteria, a group of forestry workers, unexposed to dust, was randomly selected. The smoking habit was similar in all groups. Several--days--clinical observation included a detailed interview (MRC questionnaire), physical and radiological examination and a wide range of functional tests of lungs. The results reveal clinical and physiopathological symptoms which might be indicative of emphysema. The results of some studies also indicate the possibility of intraparenchymatous fibrosis of lungs in the tungsten--exposed--workers. No clear effects upon the respiratory system were found.